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Definition of online games: Electronic games that are played over the internet
Online games are nothing foreign to the younger generation for many years now. They are even popular among working adults who enjoy playing and interacting with people across the globe. However, did you ever think about the negative aspects of these games that you used to play for hours on end? (Don't lie, we've all been there.)
Before we touch on the disadvantages of online games, we need to understand that such games aren't all bad.
Lets take a look at some of the advantages.
1. Exercise for the brain
On our own we have realized that our reaction time is quicker and our hand-eye coordination has improved a lot after playing online games. They help to hone our problem-solving skills and logical thinking ability as well.2. Increases visual acuity and attention span
Our peripheral vision gets better. These games can teach us to avoid getting distracted so easily.3. Helps in socializing
An easy way to have fun with your friends and family is to engage in online games together. Personally I love playing games at parties or gatherings with my peers. It helps to strengthen our bonds and it feels great to defeat monsters in the virtual world with them! Here's an article on how the popular online game "World of Warcraft" can actually impart valuable skills to gamers: The hidden benefits of online gamingThen again, anything in excess is a bad thing. I'm sure all of us have heard how harmful online games can be to us. Here are a few disadvantages you should take note of.
1. Potential health risks
Chronic gamers are at risk of developing bad posture and repetitive strain injury (RPI). RPI requires long term treatment which is usually a difficult process. Other health risks include photosensitive epilepsy, headaches, nerve/muscle damages and maybe even obesity in the long run.
2. Social problems
Locking yourself in your room and playing these games all day long might make you more introverted and weaken your interpersonal skills. Exposing yourself to violent games continuously might cause you to become more aggressive too. Children may fail to separate fantasy from reality due to excessive gaming. Read about one such case here: China boy jumps to his death after playing too much World of Warcraft3. Unhealthy Addiction
It's not uncommon to hear how people can get so engrossed in their games that they forget about having proper meals and eventually neglect important things like school or work. 4. Lurking predators
Online games are an easy platform for stalkers or pedophiles to trick impressionable children and adolescents into meeting with them in real life after befriending them. I went out with people I met on an online game, Highstreet 5, once. They were all older than me but very nice guys and girls. Still, you can never be too sure if a predator is waiting to take advantage of you.In my opinion, online games can be harmless if we exercise proper caution and discipline. By limiting our gaming time and avoiding suspicious people I believe we can enjoy playing these games without worry. Nevertheless it seems online games have proven to be more hazardous than beneficial to us nowadays, especially children. Apparently many people get hooked onto gaming too easily. There have been so many stories of how people kill themselves because of online games. Read about one of them here: South Korean man dies after 50 hours of gaming.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts about online games with me!
Are they important to you? Should gaming companies start taking action? What do you think?
References:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/2-27-2004-51038.asp
http://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-Online-Gaming&id=5659475
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-healthy-benefits-of-online-games.html
http://www.readersdigest.com.au/the-pros-and-cons-of-playing-computer-games
http://www.mychildhealth.net/online-kids-games-pros-and-cons.html
