Are Video Games Bad For You?
Short answer
Video games can actually be beneficial - if not played excessively. Taken too far, they can lead to deterioration of relationships and possibly of the brain.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
With most of America's teenagers (97%) being video gamers, it is important to know the facts about video games and health. The fact is, the consequences vary from player to player, but in general - the longer one plays, the more negative the effects become. Various studies have been conducted to find out how video games affect not only a gamer's sociability, but also his/her brain itself.
Positive effects are linked with a fair amount of gameplay which does not go into the excessive range. Social benefits gained from playing video games include learning to work with others, learning to set and solve goals, learning how to positively respond to failure, learning management skills, learning how to lead, etc. Physical benefits from playing games include increased manual dexterity and increased mental capacity for problem-solving and high-level thinking skills. Reflex/response may also be increased by playing video games.
In general, since a video game is a simulated version of reality, many of the skills used to beat a game are applicable in real life. When that involves rewarding players for helping others, then a player may develop real-life empathy. However, not all games are like the Sims. What about games like Grand Theft Auto, which reward players for killing pedestrians in almost every way imaginable? Well, according to studies, violent games are linked to increased aggression - and while video games do not deserve half the blame they are burdened with for some kids' violent decisions, they certainly do play a part when a player starts to blur reality and fantasy.
Video games can also lead players to become socially isolated and instead of increasing attention span, as happens with moderate players, may actually decrease it. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in academic achievement or lackluster work performance. Video game makers would have you only look at the positives - and there are many - however, there are also negatives to beware of depending on the type of game and how avid a gamer you are. One other thing to mention is that there is a debate in the scientific community on whether or not excessive playing may lead to neurological diseases such as schizophrenia or Alzheimer's by shrinking the hippocampus, but further research is needed to reach a conclusion. Children should be encouraged to play games (especially educational games), but not excessively.
Possible short-term side effects
- sleep deprivation
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headache
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nausea
Possible long-term side effects
- increased aggression
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neurological disease (possible)
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isolation
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ruined relationships
Benefits
- better teamwork
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increased empathy
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problem solving skills
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quantitative reasoning skills
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perseverance
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reasoned judgments
Healthier alternatives
- educational games
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reading
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exercise
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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