Video games are a growing segment of the American and international economy. In the past several years, more people have become interested in video games, particularly teenagers. While video games have been around for decades, the explosion in recent years has resulted in a growing variety of games from the traditional arcade shooter and sports car into endless possibilities. As the technology surrounding video games continues to expand, the options for consumers will continue to grow as well.
What are video games? A video game is any computer or console game that involves interactivity with a user interface, usually through keyboards, joysticks, or even touch screens. Many video games are single player, meaning that one player controls the game through the use of their keyboard. Multiplayer video games involve two or more players who each control their character and navigate through the world of the game. Although most video games involve some form of interaction, the term “interactivity” can be very broad and not always refer to actual physical interaction with another human being, such as would occur during a board game or a real life board game.
Themes and portrayals of violence in video games have increased over the past decade, with the increase of consoles available on the market. The number of violent games available has significantly increased as well. Most video games now feature weapons such as guns, sniper rifles, and other high caliber weapons that can be used to kill or injure characters. Some video games even feature bullets, making the death experience more violent and even realistic. In short, many video games contain elements that may be considered too violent for most parents to allow their children to play. Learn more information about idnplay.
However, there is good news when it comes to violent themes in video games. A new study published by the Florida State University studying family violence found that exposure to violent video games was not all that detrimental to the development of violence in the home. The study also found that exposure to violent themes was not all that common among families that played such types of computer games. One study conducted in relation to home video games also indicated that violent video games were not all that damaging to children, nor were they all that addictive either.
If there are instances of the development of violence from playing video games, those instances are not all that extreme. And, while research has shown instances where playing violent games may cause aggression in a virtual world, these instances are very rare and not worth the effort to create in a real world setting. There is much less danger involved with playing educational games, which require no actual interaction between human beings. Educational computer games are fun ways for kids to learn and interact with others, which are a far cry from the cramped quarters of a living room, bedroom, or playroom.
Another benefit of educational video games is that the interaction between players may encourage more social interaction in real life, as well. This is a very good thing, because there is simply no substitute for real life, interactive experiences. Many studies have indicated that learning by playing violent games can increase one’s inclination to be aggressive toward others, but not necessarily to become totally violent. The increased interaction can lead to more real world problems such as bullying and the targeting of others. While these instances are rare, it is still important for parents to monitor the activities of their children, particularly when they are under the age of thirteen, and should never allow them to play violent video games.