Negative Effects of Video Games

In recent years, the media has really started to explore the negative effects of video games. We take a look at events like what happened at Columbine and wonder how much of an effect video games had on those individuals. We also look to our children, wondering if the games are doing more harm than they are good. Are video games a bad thing?

There is a lot of value that can be gained from playing games. By playing exercise games, players get off the couch and burn a few calories. By playing rhythm games, they are improving their hand-eye coordination. By partaking in real-time strategy titles, these gamers can improve their ability to plan and coordinate a very complex task.

At the same time, there are many reasons why some people believe that video games can be harmful. There are certainly negative effects of video games and three of these are explored below.

Looking back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System, this wasn't that much of an issue. You had the game console and a couple of controllers. Some of us may have invested in the zapper or the Power Glove at some point, but these were all easily stored away in a drawer.

This has quickly changed recently with the rising popularity of rhythm games. Walk into the living room of an avid gamer and there is a good chance that you will see a full band kit to either Guitar Hero or Rock Band. You'll find a lot of clutter with a small drum set, a couple of plastic guitars, a microphone, and more.

Looking to the Nintendo Wii, you may also discover an added level of clutter thanks to the countless accessories available for the popular motion-sensing game console. There's the balance board for Wii Fit, for instance, as well as zappers, sports accessories, gun attachments, and so much more. This is just one of the negative effects of video games. Some of us don't really own our living rooms anymore.

Video games can be an expensive endeavor, regardless of whether you choose to rent or buy your games. The initial investment is already several hundred dollars and that just gets you the console itself. After that, you will likely invest in a number of accessories, extra controllers and, of course, more games. At about $50-$70 each, these games can quickly add up. There is also the possible additional fees for downloadable content (DLC), online play, and gaming memberships.

As one of the more substantial negative effects of video games, the sheer cost of the hobby can become quite a burden on a family. Naturally, it is more important to stock the fridge and pay the electricity bill than it is to get your hands on a popular new game, but some people may opt for the latter on a whim, finding that their funds are running short for the former.

Even aside from the possible negative effects of violent video games and how they can influence the minds of our children and teens, video games can become very addicting. For the person heavily invested in World of Warcraft, the rest of the world may not matter anymore. There was a case of a boy that committed suicide, because his parents took away his Xbox 360. He was on the cusp of reaching the top of the leaderboard in one of his favorite games. Life didn't matter to him. The game did.

This is a huge danger when gamers fail to interact with the real world anymore, ignoring real world concerns and completely engrossing themselves in the objectives of the game. All players need to set their limit and stay within it. It is possible to have too much of a good thing.

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