In retrospect, technology seems to have a dark shadow behind its benefits. Effects of computer games on the behavior of children is one of the most debated topics in psychology studies because of the robust growth in video game industry in the last few years. A background study on the growth of the video industry shows that it is one of the fastest growing industries in the entertainment industry with the video games of all genres becoming the most popular form of media. The children are one of the most players in the industry and as a result, its effect on children cannot be ignored. Contrary to the public perception, the video game industry is catching speed as research shows that over 45 million households in the United States posses a video game console. It is also debatable that young children are gaining access to violent video gamers in the United States and other countries across the globe. As a result, the young people are more susceptible to the negative effects of video games compared to the older adults (above 34 years of age).
The effects of the video games among children have, therefore, attracted concerns among the parents, medical professionals, educators, society, and policy makers. Research shows that school shooting and youth violence are on the rise in the United States attributed to the growth of video games hence attracting public concerns in the country. For instance, the growth of several violent games such as brutality and gore, two games well known for their use of guns, and doom and resident evil are popular violent video games in the United States and their increasing violent content has been linked with the school shootings and youth violence in the country.
Therefore, this report explores the link between video games and children’s behavior. The methodology used in this report is the analysis of both primary and secondary literature that focuses on the correlation between violent video games and acts of aggression in the society such as violent crimes. Relevant books and journals have been utilized with intensive research and debates on the effects of video games on the behavior of children.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theoretical Perspectives
- Effects of Video Games on the Behavior of Young Children
Objectives and Key Themes
This report explores the correlation between video games and children's behavior, analyzing the impact of violent video games on aggression, attention deficits, and addiction. It examines existing research and theoretical perspectives to understand this complex relationship.
- The relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior in children.
- The impact of video game addiction on children's mental and academic well-being.
- The role of video game realism in influencing children's behavior and perceptions.
- The increasing prevalence of video game use among children and its societal implications.
- Existing theoretical frameworks explaining the link between violent video game exposure and aggression.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the report by highlighting the rapid growth of the video game industry and its increasing influence on children. It emphasizes the public concern surrounding the potential negative effects of violent video games, particularly concerning rising rates of school shootings and youth violence in the United States. The chapter establishes the report's objective: to investigate the correlation between video games and children's behavior using a methodology that analyzes both primary and secondary literature on the link between violent video games and aggressive behavior.
Theoretical Perspectives: This chapter delves into existing theoretical frameworks attempting to explain the connection between violent video games and aggression. The Aggression Model, a prominent social cognitive model, is examined, which posits that exposure to violent video game content increases aggressive thoughts, feelings, and physiological arousal, leading to violent behavior. The chapter further explores how playing violent video games can inhibit pro-social behavior, leading to desensitization to violence and a distorted perception of the world. The discussion highlights the scarcity of theoretical integration within the existing literature despite a significant amount of research on the topic.
Effects of Video Games on the Behavior of Young Children: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the effects of video games on the behavior of young children. It explores the addictive nature of violent video games, noting how children often prioritize gaming over school and social activities. The chapter examines the increased violent crime rates, particularly among children, correlated with the growth of the video game industry. Attention deficits, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and poor academic performance are identified as significant consequences, citing research on the link between excessive video game play and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The chapter also discusses the growing concern of video game addiction and its impact on children's mental health and future well-being, referencing statistics on the prevalence of pathological video game playing in various regions.
Keywords
Video games, children's behavior, aggression, violence, addiction, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), social cognitive theory, violent video games, pro-social behavior, mental health, academic performance.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Video Games and Children's Behavior
What is the main topic of this report?
This report explores the correlation between video games and children's behavior, focusing on the impact of violent video games on aggression, attention deficits, and addiction.
What are the key themes discussed in the report?
The report examines the relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior, the impact of video game addiction on children's well-being, the role of video game realism, the prevalence of video game use among children and its societal implications, and existing theoretical frameworks explaining the link between violent video game exposure and aggression.
What theoretical perspectives are examined in the report?
The report delves into existing theoretical frameworks, notably the Aggression Model, a social cognitive model, which suggests that exposure to violent video game content increases aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It also discusses the lack of theoretical integration within existing research despite the significant amount of studies.
What are the effects of video games on children's behavior, according to the report?
The report highlights the addictive nature of violent video games, leading to children prioritizing gaming over school and social activities. It links excessive video game play to increased violent crime rates, attention deficits, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor academic performance, and potential development of ADHD. The negative impact on mental health and future well-being is also discussed.
What are the key findings of the report regarding violent video games?
The report finds a correlation between exposure to violent video games and increased aggression, attention deficits, and addiction in children. It emphasizes the detrimental effects on academic performance and mental health, and highlights the need for further research and theoretical integration in this area.
What methodology is used in the report?
The report utilizes a methodology that analyzes both primary and secondary literature on the link between violent video games and aggressive behavior to investigate the correlation between video games and children's behavior.
What is the overall objective of this report?
The report aims to investigate the correlation between video games and children's behavior, specifically examining the potential negative effects of violent video games on various aspects of children's lives.
What are the keywords associated with this report?
Video games, children's behavior, aggression, violence, addiction, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), social cognitive theory, violent video games, pro-social behavior, mental health, academic performance.
What chapters are included in the report?
The report includes an Introduction, a chapter on Theoretical Perspectives, and a chapter on the Effects of Video Games on the Behavior of Young Children.
- Citation du texte
- Patrick Kimuyu (Auteur), 2018, Effects of Video Games on Children’s Behavior, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/424115
