What are the advantages and disadvantages of computer games?

Computer games are tremendously popular with children from about the age of seven until well into their teens. They are one of the major sources of entertainment in this age group. But do they have any other advantages?

Many commentators think that playing computer games can improve the development of some skills in children that will be of use educationally. It is claimed that computer games can improve children’s problem-solving skills. Playing computer games is also thought to enhance children’s decision-making skills. Both of these skills are important in education and in life.

Many feel that devising the kind of strategies that are involved in computer games will be helpful in other fields. Also, they think that regular use of computer games may well be helpful in developing motor skills. Another skill that is likely to be improved by playing computer games is hand-eye coordination.

Some experts claim that computer games improve children’s visual skills. This is of particular importance in the modern world where so much information is presented visually. Playing computer games encourages children to pay close attention to visual detail.

Some people feel that one of the benefits of children playing computer games is that they become extremely familiar with, and comfortable with, modern technology. This could be an advantage to them in their future lives. It would be particularly helpful if they go into the field of IT. However, many careers now involve computers and other technological devices.

There are many people who suggest that the disadvantages of playing computer games more than outweigh the advantages. Some of them claim that playing computer games can give rise to health problems in children. They mention cases of eye strain and of wrist, neck and back strain. Indeed, some experts fear that too much game-playing can lead to chronic RSI, short for “repetitive strain injury”. This is a painful condition of the hands and arms caused by doing the same movements a great many times.

Then there are those who claim that playing computer games can be a cause of headaches in children. Worse, some medical experts have said that children who play computer games a lot may be subject to epilepsy, a medical condition affecting the brain which can make you unable to control your movements for a short time.

Many people point to the fact that children who play a lot of computer games do not go out enough. This means that they do not get enough exercise to stay healthy. This may give rise to obesity.

Staying inside too much can impede the development of children’s social skills. If they play computer games alone, they are at risk of becoming friendless. Even if they play with a friend or friends, they are not getting the experience of meeting new people and they are failing to develop people skills.

Quite a lot of computer games deal with violent situations. A great many people are concerned that this makes violence seem to be an acceptable aspect of society. They feel that children will become too familiar with violence in their computer games and will cease to be shocked by it. Their fear is that children may grow up to be violent people.

Some young people spend so much time playing computer games that they fail to do their homework and fall behind with their school work generally. Some of them play so much that they do not get enough sleep. Then they cannot concentrate in school.

There are obviously some disadvantages to playing computer games. However, it is the amount of playing that some children engage in that is the main problem.