Weekly Writing 4

Big Ideas: Are video games good for you?
Posted Sep 23rd 2009 3:00PM by Akela Talamasca

Video games are not harmful; they are actively good for you. Video games are said to train hand eye coordination. More importantly, they allow to play to engage in problem solving which helps them outside of the game. The author argues that people who play video games have a knack for exploring and trying things on their own. He uses the game “Civilization” as an example of how players can learn factual information from game playing than they may learn in the classroom. He acknowledges the fact that nothing is like first-hand experience, but a lot of protocol can be absorbed through play-- repetition keeps skills fresh. Rehearsing actions in the mind makes the body become adept to applying and demonstrating them in real life. Having said all of this, the author argues that the most profound way that video games are helpful to players is in their cathartic properties; video games allow the player to take out their aggression and stress and release it in the game. He attempts to establish credibility by quoting the current Karmapa Lama in India Trinley Dorje, a spiritual leader of one of the largest sects of Tibetan Buddhism, who plays violent video games for just this reason. He quotes Dorje, who says, “"So, for me sometimes it can be a relief, a kind of decompression to just play some video games. If I'm having some negative thoughts or negative feelings, video games are one way in which I can release that energy in the context of the illusion of the game. I feel better afterwards. The aggression that comes out in the video game satiates whatever desire I might have to express that feeling. For me, that's very skilful because when I do that I don't have to go and hit anyone over the head."
In his final point, the author responds to critics who say video games are the blame for violent behavior, saying that games are tools, and are no more accountable for the actions of the people who use them than any other tool is-- for example, you don’t blame the hammer for the alcoholism of the carpenter, of the drill for the abuse of the craftsman. He says that our responsibility is to use our tools to benefit all, and not to blame our personal shortcomings or faults on them. He says doing so does disservice to the actual intentions of the game designers, who “merely wanted to bring something enjoyable to the world.”

Harmful Effects of Video Games
By Chandramita Bora
Published: 6/29/2009

In another recent article that argues for the harmful effects of video games, the author writes that video games do in fact contribute to violent behavior. The author says that video games are perhaps the most significant source of entertainment for adolescents since the 70s, and that they have greater adverse effects on children than television and movies because they demand active participation of the player, effecting their behavior and psychology. While the other author argued that repetition keeps the players skills fresh and suggested it was a beneficial aspect of video game play, this author agrees the repetition is the key to improved learning, so its violent video game play is effective in instilling aggressive behavior in young children. Another point the author makes is that violence and aggression depicted in games if practiced in the real world can lead to serious injuries and even death. She says that it is believed that video game playing may reduce a child’s empathy or desire to help others, impact their academic performance, lead to obesity due to decreased physical activity, and social isolation because they spend less and less time interacting. Along with this, it skews the players idea of gender roles because women are often portrayed as a victim or weaker person. The author does take into consideration the idea that games can be used properly in improving hand-eye coordination, problem solving, logic, and quick thinking. She makes the final point that parents should play an important role to ensure that video games do not lead to any of these harmful effects. They can do this by limiting the amount of time played and by taking into account the rating of video games when purchasing them.