BLOG POST #3: Video Games

Video gaming is an interaction of a host player playing electronic games via video device. Most of us are addicted at playing video games in fact, our generation is prone to play video games due to the sudden rise of technology. Video games are suited to play by children, teenagers, parents, and even elderly people. I do believe that there will come a time where everyone has their own set of consoles and just stay inside of their houses playing their own video games, but in the contrary, I'd rather play outside and play with my friends like the old times. Video games are commonly based on animated characters. The concepts of most video games came from animated cartoons but one must question whether video games are safe enough for children to know the difference between good or bad? 

An article entitled, "Can Video Games Cause Violence?" by Romeo Vitelli in http://www.psychologytoday.com states that video games, most specially those that consist of violent actions, has a great deal to influence the minds of the players. Just like for example, in the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999, family members had sued 25 video game companies that invented "Doom", who they believe, are responsible for the massacre wherein their game influenced the minds of the suspect. Furthermore, the research indicates that people who are addicted at playing video games tend to be more aggressive than those who doest play video games. 

Game addiction doesn't always seem to be a bad habit, only if the player knows how to limit his/her addiction. According to an article entitled, "What is Computer and Video Game Addiction?"
in http://www.video-game-addiction.org, gaming addiction occurs when the addiction itself interferes with the players personal life or daily life style. It also said that most games allow players to behave very differently from their normal persona. Researchers are still having a debate whether game addiction is a mental disorder but for now, they are still in a point where gaming is just an addiction not a disorder.

The following are the symptoms of game addiction:

• Most spare times are used on playing computer games. 
• Falling asleep in school
• Falling behind with assignments 
• Worsening games 
• Choosing to play computer games rather than hanging out with actual friends
• Dropping out of other schools 

So in conclusion, whether you're a video game addict or an otaku, we should always remember when to limit our use. We should always keep in mind that we have more important things to do rather than being an addict in gaming so that we can learn to value our time with our friends, family, and for ourselves as well.