Are video games really so negative?

To what extent is playing violent video games negative?

In the last few decades we have witnessed the incredible avalanche of changes in relation to technology. In addition, more and more teenagers and children are playing violent video games, more and more teenagers or children are asking for a new smartphone or the latest video game console on the market as a gift. console on the market.

We are immersed in the technological era and, therefore, it is important to know all the necessary information to manage the difficulties that may arise from this fact, as well as the concerns that appear from the role of parents.

That is why, in the face of the alarm bells that are raised from time to time stating that video games favor violent behavior in children, it is worth asking ourselves.... do video games have a harmful influence on children?

Is it so negative to play video games?

Undoubtedly, one of the most widespread phenomena in recent years in the world of children's entertainment has been that of FORTNITE.. For those of you who are here and have not heard of it (which you probably are few), it is a videogame in which the player controls the survivors of a world full of zombies. Users must cooperate with other humans to protect their fortresses from the undead that are trying to control the earth. In some versions of the game players can compete with each other and take out other humans.

Its main success lies in the simplicity of the game, how dynamic it is and the intensity with which it is played. In addition, being able to play online with other players adds an extra factor: children and teenagers can not only have fun playing but they can also play from home with their friends without the need for them to be there.

Video games can bring many positive aspects, such as training, the retention of certain knowledge and the development of motor skills.While it is true that the type of game influences the positive aspects it can bring.

There are numerous games on the market that enhance the development of higher cognitive skills, such as: Tetris, Tetris, Tetris and Tetris.Some of them are: Tetris, Big Brain Academy, World of Goo and The Witness. Some games also require strategy and develop reflexes. However, it is not only the type of content viewed that is important, but also the hours devoted to this type of leisure, since these hours spent are displacing hours that could be devoted to other healthier or more productive activities (schoolwork, reading, sports, etc.).

Habituation to violence

It is important to be aware that even in some types of violent video games you can get to extract something positive, such as strategy skills and learning a new language (when the language of the game is other than the native one), although the continued visualization of violent content is related to greater habituation to violence. That is, people who are used to watching this type of content become accustomed to it until they end up normalizing it more than usual.

Does this mean that if my son or daughter plays violent video games he or she will end up engaging in violent behavior? Not necessarily. While it is true that repeated viewing of violence habituates us to not have so much rejection towards it, it does not mean that by playing this type of video games the person will suddenly develop violent behavior, it does not mean that by playing this type of video games the person will suddenly develop a psychopathological and violent behavior.. For that to happen, more factors must be taken into account, both Biological and environmental.

However, there is a greater risk of "accepting" this type of behavior as "acceptable". We could say, therefore, that it is a risk factor, but it is not enough by itself.

Conclusion

There is still much controversy as to whether the viewing of violent content in video games is related to the subsequent development of aggressive behavior, although what seems clear is that the content to which we are exposed affects our perceptions, thoughts, opinions and attitudes to a greater or lesser extent.

It therefore seems clear that, although there is no clear or causal relationship, the content of video games has an influence on the users who consume them. It does not therefore constitute the cause of the subsequent development of violent behavior.Rather, numerous factors, both biological and social and familial, would have to be taken into account.

The most important thing is that we control the hours that children and adolescents dedicate to this type of games.The use of video game consoles or electronic devices can be positive, as long as we also control their content or we are aware of any changes in our children's behavior that may give us a "warning".

The use of video game consoles or electronic devices can be positive, as long as we also control the content of the same or we are aware if there are changes in the behavior of our children that can give us "a warning" that something is wrong; in that case, it is best to contact a psychologist. From Mariva Psicólogos we will be happy to evaluate the situation and, if necessary, intervene for its improvement and solution.

Bibliographical references:

• Feliu, J., Gil, A. and Bona, Y. (2005). The relationship between video games and aggressiveness: an intricate controversy of dubious resolution. Electronic Arts Spanish Web "Learn and play with EA".