There is no denying that computer and video games have changed the definition of play and entertainment, as we know it. They give us a stimulating and thrilling way to play games, but have they become a hindrance to our mental health?
Computer Games that Can Damage Your Health
Playing computer games has been associated with numerous side effects on children and adults alike. Issues of addiction, violent behavior, nudity, and social isolation were linked to playing computer video games. Several studies proved video games can inflict unwanted effects on players; these include relationship problems with friends and parents, higher susceptibility to drug use, low self-esteem, harsh or violent behavior, and problems with rules and authority. Young children and even adults who play video games are at a greater risk for “video games addiction”, eventually affecting their studies and other social responsibilities. Playing video games is not the only factor predisposing individuals to these risks. The type of video games played is also seen as a significant factor that pushes individuals towards these adverse effects. So what are the computer games that can damage a person’s health and well-being? Here is a list of the video games that can potentially affect health, especially when not managed appropriately.
Violent Video games
Studies have shown that violent video games can increase aggressive and violent behavior among children and teenagers. Examples range in story lines revolving around crimes, gang wars, shootings, killings and the like. According to psychology experts, games that involve guns and armories seemingly stimulate “murder scenarios” and seemingly promote a sense of immunity to killing among children and adolescents who play the games. An example of a computer game that raised controversy because of its violent content is the game “Grand Theft Auto”. The game involves themes of gang wars, crimes and sex.
Adult Video games
This is another type of video game that may pose harm to an individual’s health and well-being. Adult video games revolve around the theme of sex and nudity. Such themes can be dangerous for children and adults alike. “Grand Theft Auto: San Andres” is an example of a computer game with explicit sexual content; the game simulates sexual activity between the player’s character and the main character’s girlfriend. Another controversial game is “Rapelay” which revolves around rape. Video games must be carefully chosen and screened for adult content and their exposure to children and adolescents must be carefully monitored and supervised.
Arcade Games
Although almost all types of video games can cause excessive compulsion or a kind of addiction, playing arcade games cause significant addiction among individuals. Excessive compulsion to video game playing leads to a sedentary lifestyle, social isolation (separation from friends and family members) and non-fulfillment of important life tasks (education, social interaction, etc.).
[We highly recommended you to stay fit playing Kinect Fitness Games instead]
Fantasy Games and Role Playing Games
These types of video games can potentially be a threat to one’s mental and physical health. Fantasy games and role-playing games can cloud a child’s perception of reality. Since there is still a thin line between reality and fantasy among children at young ages, such games can greatly affect their perception of reality.
Simulation Games
Simulation games that portray an “artificial life” can also affect one’s health and well-being. Games such as SimLife can detach a person from real life social interactions and life events.
[Recommended read: How to Take Care of Your Health when Working at a Computer]
Well it is good you have shared these computer video games that can damage mental health. Our health is very important that is why we need to take good care of it.
I don’t really know what these kinds of games and such will do to ones brain or mental status. I am not one to be in favor of censorship or anything like that, but I do sometimes wonder about games, movies, and other things. A number of years ago a friend of mine had his nephews over to play video games with him. One of the boys was like yeah rip his head off, and something about blood and killing. So I am thinking to myself these are 6-10 year old boys thinking it is fun, which it was a game and they don’t know any better at that age, but who knows what it can do to some people mentally.
I’m an arcade video game addict actually but thank goodness it doesn’t affect my health and well being.. haha..
I’m not too fond of computer video games. But I think a destructive game is a game played by those who are not ready for it. For example: war games played by young children, and so on. But overall I agree with this article.
I love strategy games a lot. It helps my brain thinking more effectively. Some simulation games actually help people to learn a new things. For an example, flight simulation.
Good post. I would like to see more studies on video games and their effect on behaviour. Of particular interest would be the effect that violent video games have on our youth.
I played computer video games but only occasionally so I guess it cannot affect on my health but I will still don’t forget about his effects and will tell my nephew about it too as he was the one who always love paying video games on computer.
Personally I think the only bad part of video games is the addicting part, everything else is already done by movies and television.
Hey you got a point there, Tucker!
I agree. A gamer must use his time wisely and stay away from games. Only use games for entertainment purposes periodically. – Scott Craighead
Nice post Peter. Addicted games snatch our mental peace and dangerous to our health specially I would like to mention GTA IV and IGI 2 which are much addictive.
I am also very crazy about video games and am is an addict of them. But agree with your point of view about side effects of video games.Thanks for nice article ..
Definitely get some breaks while you are playing games on your computer…i had a rough time when i play all day long
Thursday morning in Finland a 16 year old marched in to school and stabbed 3 other girls and 1 man in serious violent attack
As you gather I am against all these violent games and television as here in Finland most of whats on television is also violent sick films
All this violence must affect youngsters who are easy prey and easily manipulated
I play too much games and stay indoors. I think this is really affecting my association with friends which is not good. I need to stop or rather minimize it. Thanks for sharing this info
Peter, i’m glad you didn’t include strategy games in the list. Sigh.. I was kind of worried when reading this post i would find that strategy games can damage my mental health. 😀 Yeah i totally agree with what you said in this post. Games that are filled violence, vulgarity, fake artificial dream or shooting can be a bit dangerous for our mental if we play them compulsively.
I heard so many times about kids reportedly shooting their friends with guns. I think some violent games must take responsibilities for that. But the ones that must be responsible the most are parents because they have the power to control their child. So they must make rules for their kids about when it’s time to play games or what kind of games that are eligible for them to play.
Yeah people are going mad these days aren’t they? Violent games as well as movies, play some part in influencing kids in all the crazy shootings in the real world I guess.
For Me Gta V is the best Game ever and thanx For this post i love your blog