This document discusses the potential positive and negative effects of video games. Positively, video games may help with learning, cognitive thinking, problem solving, and dexterity when played in moderation. Some experts say video games can improve visual attention and the ability to mentally manipulate objects. However, violent video games, too much screen time, and addiction may promote aggression and depression. The document also notes most parents are unaware of the content and ratings of their children's games. Overall, the document presents views on both the upsides and downsides of video game usage.

1. VIDEO GAMES
By:
Caitlyn Ladd

2. Video Games: Good or Bad?
Good: Bad:
~Some experts say that video ~Violent video games.
games can help children with
their learning.
~Too much screen time.
~It is a good tool for cognitive
thinking. ~Promotes violence.
~It can help with problem ~Can cause depression.
solving.
~They can be addictive.
~Video games in moderation is
absolutely fine!

3. The Positive Side
• Dexterity
• Computer Literacy
• Strategic Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Puzzle Solving Skills
• Perseverance
• Memory

4. What Experts Say
“By “confirmed,” the authors mean that the outcomes have received
consistent empirical support for causal claims. They describe two
such confirmed positive outcomes:
1. Playing video games can result in superior visual attention.
2. Video game play improves the ability to mentally rotate or
arrange objects.”
(Gee, 2007)

5. Some More Positives
• Some experts say video games may have positive effects
on
• Friendships
• Socialization skills
• Leadership
• Cooperative team-building skills

6. The Negative Side
• “A majority of teens admitted that their parents do not impose a time
limit on the number of hours they are allowed to play video games. The
study also showed that most parents are unaware of the content or the
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating (see below) of the
video games their children play.” Walsh (2000)
• “Adolescent girls played video games for an average of 5 hours a
week, whereas boys averaged 13 hours a week".
A study conducted by Gentile, Lynch, Linder & Walsh (2004)

7. CONTD.
Children who play an excessive amount of video games:
• Tend to be more aggressive
• Are more prone to confrontation with their teachers
• May engage in fights with their peers
• See a decline in school achievements.
(Gentile et al, 2004).
Also,
Obesity becomes an issue, lack of focus, depression becomes
A higher risk, and social skills drop drastically.

8. What Are Video Games Trying to Tell You?
• Children already have pressure
on who to be from Is This Appropriate for Children?
movies, TV, celebrities, etc.
• Looking like this is better than
the way you already look?
• What kind of message does this
send?

9. My Personal Opinion…

10. Work Cited
• Yahoo! Images
• http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/video_gaming.html
• http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-
good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games
• Gee, J. P. (2007). What video games have to teach us about learning
and literacy (rev ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• http://glinton.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/the-effects-
of-video-games-on-learning-the-positive-view/