The Adverse Effects Of Video Games On The Youth

Personally, I feel that video games can be the cause of aggressive behavior among people, because exposure to games containing violent images has been proven to impact individuals’ mindsets negatively. I agree with Dr. Michael Rich, in that he explains this influential power in regard to violent video games when he states: “Players might be quicker to throw a punch during a disagreement or even carry a weapon to school, simply because they see so much of that on the screen” (Television and Video Games 1). Dr. Rich’s statement explains that viewing violent actions over time causes a person to become accustomed to seeing violent behavior, which can make it easier for that person to behave in that same way himself. In addition, video games can be addictive, and can be distracting from important parts of everyday life. In other words, teenagers are spending more time playing video games than doing homework, or studying, which is influencing their futures in a negative way. Also, video games can even have a negative impact on health in that they can cause a strong addiction. Next, video games can cause aggressiveness as well as violence. Video games are having a negative impact among people because they can be distracting, can influence health, and can cause violence. Initially, video games are influencing people by causing distraction from parts of everyday life. An article on the American Heritage Dictionary proves how “Avid gamers are similar to people who smoke a lot of marijuana — in that they don't get much done” (Henshaw). This shows how people are playing video games are an addition just like drugs and are distracting people from productive tasks such as volunteering, reading a good book, taking care of bills, writing an article, inventing something, or mowing the lawn. Instead, people want to get to the next level and finish the game. Furthermore, people are spending more time playing video games, then focusing on school and doing homework, and studying for