Over the years, video games have been at the center of heated debates. Some claim they can lead to violent behavior, social isolation, and even addiction. The public perception of video games is often negative, with the media highlighting violent episodes connected to gamers, which contributes to creating a distorted image of this form of entertainment.
A clear example is the debate that erupted in the United States after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people. Instead of focusing on deeper causes, such as easy access to firearms, many politicians and media outlets shifted attention to violent video games, creating a correlation between them and the killer's aggressive behavior. As reported by a Wired article, despite various studies failing to find a clear and direct relationship between violent video games and increased violent behavior, this argument resurfaces every time such tragedies occur.
Criticisms of Video Games
Do They Promote Violence?
One of the main arguments against video games, particularly violent ones, is that they might promote aggressive behavior. However, modern scientific research does not clearly support this idea. For example, a study reported by Wired highlights that attempts to link violence in video games to violent behaviors in the real world are often inconsistent or weak. According to the cited study, the scientific community is divided on this issue, and many researchers suggest that video games alone cannot be considered a determining factor for increased violence, especially when compared to other, more significant variables like mental health and family context.
Source: Wired - Cruz kills 17 people, but in the USA, the focus is on violent video games.
Risk of Addiction
Video game addiction, often referred to as "gaming disorder," is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition that can cause serious mental health problems. However, the prevalence of gaming disorder is relatively low. While a small percentage of players develop problematic symptoms, most people play in moderation without negative effects.
Source: Przybylski, A. K., & Weinstein, N. (2017). "How we see electronic games." Journal of Media Psychology, 29(3), 125–142.
Social Isolation
Another common criticism is that video games isolate players from the real world. While this can happen in extreme cases, most modern games encourage social interaction. Multiplayer games and online gaming platforms offer numerous opportunities for cooperation and connection with others.
Source: Kovess-Masfety, V., et al. (2016). "Is time spent playing video games associated with mental health, cognitive and social skills in young children?" Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(3), 349-357.
The Benefits of Video Games
Improvement of Cognitive Skills
Video games can improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. According to Bavelier et al. (2012), action games enhance visual attention and processing speed. Strategy games also improve planning and short-term memory.
Source: Bavelier, D. et al. (2012). "Improving visual attention with action video games." Current Biology, 22(6), R223-R224.
Benefits for ADHD Patients
An interesting aspect is the benefits of video games for people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Games that provide immediate rewards and involve fast-paced activities can help improve focus and self-control in those with ADHD. The dynamic activity and immediate feedback offered by games stimulate attention in a positive way.
Source: Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2014). "The Benefits of Playing Video Games." American Psychologist, 69(1), 66–78.
Development of Social Skills
Contrary to popular belief, many video games promote collaboration and social skills. Multiplayer games like Fortnite or World of Warcraft require players to work in teams, communicate, and coordinate with others. Studies show that video games can be an effective tool for improving socialization, especially among teenagers and young adults.
Source: Schrier, K. (2010). "Ethics and game design: Teaching values through play." Information Science Reference.
Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement
Playing video games can serve as a form of escapism and reduce stress. In one study, it was found that gaming can have therapeutic effects, helping manage anxiety and improving mood thanks to the immediate sense of gratification provided by in-game progress.
Source: McGonigal, J. (2011). "Reality is broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world." Penguin Press.
Improvement of Hand-Eye Coordination
Video games, particularly action ones, require a high level of hand-eye coordination. This benefit has been confirmed by several studies that have shown improvements in players' motor skills, an aspect that can be useful in professions such as surgery or vehicle driving, helping in everyday social aspects of life.
Source: Staiano, A. E., & Calvert, S. L. (2011). "Exergames for physical education courses: Physical, social, and cognitive benefits." Child Development Perspectives, 5(2), 93-98.
Promotion of Creativity
"Sandbox" games like Minecraft allow players to create and manipulate their environment, stimulating creativity and divergent thinking. This type of game promotes thinking outside the box, a skill that is also useful in the real world.
Source: Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. M. E. (2014). "The Benefits of Playing Video Games." American Psychologist, 69(1), 66–78.
Video Games for Therapy and Alzheimer Diagnosis
Another significant aspect concerns the use of video games for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have shown that digital games can be useful in cognitive rehabilitation and early detection of signs of the disease. Games thus become a therapeutic tool, promoting the maintenance of cognitive abilities and improving patients' quality of life.
Source: Agenda Digitale - Video games for the diagnosis and therapy of Alzheimer's disease.
Action Video Games and Dyslexia in Children
Another promising area is the use of action video games to help children at risk of dyslexia. An Italian research team found that such games improve visual attention and the ability to quickly process information, two aspects that are deficient in children with dyslexia. This discovery opens new therapeutic perspectives, demonstrating that video games can also have a positive impact on linguistic development.
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore - Action video games solve language disorders in children at risk of dyslexia.
Emotional Management Training
Facing challenges and failures in video games can teach how to manage negative emotions in real life. Players develop the ability to stay calm under pressure and try again, learning perseverance and resilience.
Source: McGonigal, J. (2011). "Reality is broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world." Penguin Press.
Conclusions
In conclusion, what was once, and still often is, kept at a distance as potentially harmful to our health, is now becoming a real resource for our mental well-being. Video games help us not only in everyday life but also in preventing, and even curing, serious problems, whether pre-existing or impending.
As always, I ask you: what do you think? Do you play video games? What are your favorites?