Mind Map

Introduction

Video games have been a popular source for entertainment and amusement for many decades and for individuals of all ages. Video gaming in the contemporary era is a million dollar industry that earns more financial income as compared to movies and music industry. On the other hand the genres of video games widely differentiate from each other. With the passage of time as technology and internet are advancing, video games have become more realistic and sophisticated. Various video games are connected to the internet where individuals of all age groups can have intellectual conversations and discussions on random topics. Analyzing the effects of video games consists of immense importance as many conflicting reports are witnessed in the past on how video games affect human brains, society and the way we socialize.

If one research suggests that video games cognitively help and develop brains and support in learning, another research may imply that it is negatively affecting its users, as people start to copy violent behavior, aggression and repeated episodes can be witnessed as well. Douglas A. Gentile claims that it is a matter of either or proposition (Bryant & Vorderer, 2016). Video games have the capability of influencing its users negatively and positively as well. A determined line or boundary cannot be marked for which part of the game will effect negatively or positively. It entirely depends upon the researchers who may test the specific game under supervision.

Today video games are used for various purposes including educational and learning purposes, for passing time and for entertainment. However how video games are affecting human beings is an integral question. The research carries crucial importance as it will determine the effects of the video games. This research will help us also understand that videogames can offer more utility and less negative impacts.

Research Background

As experts dealing with understanding of the human behavior and brain activity like anthropologists, neurologists are organizing well planned and structured researches that are beginning to shed some authentic highlights on how video games actually affect human beings. There is no doubt in the fact that video games exert several types of consequences in the human brain and mostly such activities are even not obvious. They take place at a point where overt behaviors don’t get identified. This is due to the misconception that video games are only a source for amusement; here the influences are subtle for sure.

Positive influences of Video games

Educational video games tend to give positive outcomes at a wide range. Students having difficulty in their subjects can get some help out of such video games where they are made aware of various problems. Video games that have genres of strategy planning tend to help players to effectively plan, manage resources and logistics in their games. Same skills are required in real life. The American Planning Association has reported that due to the famous video strategic game SimCity, large numbers of its users have been motivated to have their careers in urban planning and development (Pamf.org, 2016). Various games also train players to become efficient problem solvers and how to cope with logical issues. While playing “Cut the Rope”, “Angry Birds” the brain is trained in such a way that it comes with up new creative ideas so that the puzzles can be solved.

Popular shooting games tend to help develop the eye- hand coordination that leads to the enhancement of motor and spatial skills. In such games typically the player has to run and shoot at the same time, even in action games like “Hit man”, “Commandos”. To play such games the user has to keep an eye on the position of the player, where it is headed and aiming. All of these issues have to be dealt at the same time.

While playing such similar games, users have to be very attentive towards there coordination between the brain’s understanding and the reaction with the motion of the fingers. This technique being very simple to many people is immensely helping out the brain as it requires a wide range of visual spatial capabilities. Even today’s air force fighters are being weaned on video games for their training.

Negative impact of video games

According to the study by the Journal of Psychology and Popular Media Culture individuals spending excessive time while playing video games tend to suffer impulsive behavior disorders that may also involve attention issues as well. Attention issues further involve making difficult for the individuals to engage and sustain their social relationships. While some of the video games tend to be helpful while majority of the popular games tend to base upon inappropriate materials and focus on negative themes. Video games such as “GTA”, “Mafia”, and “Crackdown” promote the following negative aspects as stated below (Google Books, 2016):

· Murdering someone.

· Being a hit man.

· Disrespect and dishonesty towards law and justice.

· Violent and criminal behavior.

· Unethical and sexual exploitation.

· Gender stereotypes.

· Abuses.

Research Questions

Following are the research questions regarding the positive and negative impact of the video games:-

Questions	Yes	No
1. Video games are influencing its users positively (developing cognitive skills, multitasking, effective strategic planning, excellent working memory)?
2. Students, by playing educational video games, get help in learning?
3. Enhanced capability to rapidly and accurately identify visual data and information increases while playing video games?
4. Video games are able to develop cognitive abilities and skills of the users?
5. Video games help their users in understanding inductive reasoning and testing of the hypothesis?
6. Video games are influencing its users negatively (aggression, violent behavior, reduced pro- social support)?

7. Do video games have the potential of confusing reality with illusion?
8. Should parents, limit the time period of children regarding playing video games?
9. Especially children, due to immense usage of video games, can suffer from health problems such as obesity and seizures?
10. Addiction of video games cause isolation from society ?

Proposal for Research

The topic of the research will assist in understanding to what extent and how video games tend to affect human brain activity and our society. The research is based on extensive studies as there are mixed reviews and reports that have their own notions and objectivity upon video games. Research analysis of various variable strengths has been labeling video games to exert both effects on equal basis, positive and negative as well. Often the discussion ends up with the phrases of evil vs. good. It is very fair to state that both effects are developed by the usage of video games but video games cannot be judged solely (Greenfield, 2014).

The utility of the video games determine their influence. Some video games are skill teachers. And on the other hand some video games promote violent, unethical actions and aggression making individuals to face problems in their relationships. It entirely depends upon the fact that what content does the video games contain; is it abusing or teaching to be constructive.

References

Bryant, & Vorderer,. (2016). Playing Video Games: Motives, Responses, and Consequences. Google Books. Retrieved 26 January 2016, from https://books.google.com.pk/books?id=TRkivm_sFYAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=effects+of+video+games&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1qdbOzcjKAhUD1I4KHZapB2oQ6AEIJjAC#v=onepage&q=effects%20of%20video%20games&f=false

Google Books,. (2016). The Effects of Rhythmic Videogames on Processing Speed in Adults. Retrieved 26 January 2016, from https://books.google.com.pk/books?id=HYsGD2ZEOF0C&pg=PA10&dq=effects+of+video+games&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1qdbOzcjKAhUD1I4KHZapB2oQ6AEINjAF#v=onepage&q=effects%20of%20video%20games&f=false

Greenfield, P. (2014). Mind and Media. New York, NY: Psychology Press.

Pamf.org,. (2016). The Impact of Video Games | Media Information for Parents. Retrieved 26 January 2016, from http://www.pamf.org/parenting-teens/general/media-web/videogames.html

Alshamsi LSS 2533 CJM

Sunday, 31 January 2016