Pros and Cons of Video Games: Video Game Addiction

As you can see, video games have become very popular over the years. People will stand in line in the freezing cold hours before the release of the next best video game just to say they got it first. Some spend hours a day playing the same game just to get to the next level or beat the high score.

For my research paper, I intend on discussing the pros and cons of video games. A downside to video games is that some of us become addicted to playing them, rather than just playing them for fun. Video game addiction begins when gaming interferes with a person's relationships and prevents them from enjoying other activities like sports.

There are many factors that make video games addicting, such as beating the high score or beating the game, role-playing, discovery, and relationships. Some games, such as "World of Warcraft", which iss Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPGs) , are very addictive because they have no ending.

Online gaming has allowed people from all over the world to come together and compete against each other. Someone who is shy or socially awkward may become popular and or aggressive in the virtual world. Instead of being pushed around and bullied, here they have control over "armies" and can kill their enemies, but suffer no consequences as you would in the real world. Some people can become desensitized to violence when they play a lot of violent video games. There have been reports of criminals copying violent video game crimes. Studies have shown that kids who were responsible for school shootings were avid video game players and their favorite games were violent. Video games can give false expectations of real life. It is debated whether or not violent video games can be associated with violent behavior in humans or if those who already play violent games have violent tendencies which draw them to these games.

Video game addiction is not listed as an actual mental disorder; the American Medical Association is reviewing research so that they can determine whether they should be included in the next update of the manual. Mental Health Professionals believe that video game addiction is similar to gambling addiction. It is estimated that 10 percent of gamers show signs of addiction, which include: falling asleep in school, failing grades, lying about how time is spent playing games, not taking part in social groups or clubs, etc.

Some people are more prone to addiction. Kids who get bored easily, have unstable relationships with their families, and feel like outcasts at school are more likely to become addicted to video games because it fills the void that they are missing in other aspects of their lives. Studies have shown that dopamine levels double in addicted players' brains. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is associated with feelings of pleasure. The studies have indicated that gaming could be chemically addictive.

If you or someone you know is addicted to video games, they should seek help by talking to a therapist. Getting out of everyday settings would also be helpful for someone who is suffering from video game addiction.

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