Review article
POSSIBLE EFFECTS O F PLAYIN G COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES ON CHILDREN AND ADO LESCENTS
Vesna Bilić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2306-5803
; Učiteljski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Damjan Gjukić
; Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Giovanna Kirinić
; Osnovna škola Ive Andrića u Zagrebu
Abstract
The enticement and frequent preoccupation of children and young people with computer and video games is a source of anxiety for their parents and teachers. This work provides an analysis based on research and literature review of the positive and negative effects that playing computer and video games can have on children and adolescents, with particular reference to the possibility of developing an addiction.
Despite the fact that some computer and video games can serve the purpose of learning, developing coordination, better focusing, developing control and problem solving abilities, the authors point out their harmful influences, such as social isolation, problematic use and developing an addiction for them.
Due to the high level of aggression present in some computer games it is feared that children might imitate the actions and behaviour of the characters, develop insensitivity to violence and justify violence in real life. A significant number of experts warn about the possible connection between computer games and aggressiveness in children.
Although there is no conclusive evidence about the influence of games on social withdrawal and isolation of children, scientists warn about the consequences they might have in immoderate users. The third negative aspect which is linked to computer games is prolonging the duration of play, or, in other words, pathological play.
The final part of the paper investigates the possibility of developing an addiction for computer and video games and identifies the possible warning signs: the constant prolonging of the time of playing, developing a tolerance to stimulus, restlessness and irritability when the game is interrupted, the inability to control playing and stopping, interrupting or not performing activities considered important at an earlier time, lying about playing, continuing playing despite being forbidden to, confrontations with parents and friends and problems at school.
Keywords
computer games; video games; children; adolescents; social isolation; addictiony
Hrčak ID:
82847
URI
Publication date:
15.4.2010.
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