Blogpost 3: This is My Game

It was believed that the 90's was the last generation where children literally go out and play games on the streets. During those days, sports are for adults while the streets are conquered by the little ones. It was a usual routine for the kids that they go to school in the morning, go home, finish their homework then play until forever. Well, it is still same thing until now but the difference is how kids back then and now give meaning to the word "games". 

As years gone by, the things we play are also evolving, from stones to "jolens" to  "pogs". However, games for the kids this days are not the ones you play physically but games now a days are just played by hands and eyes, doesn't require effort physically but rather it's more on mentally already. But the question is, is it good or bad? 

Timothy Rudon have written an article at SelfGrowth.com which is about the 10 Benefits of Video Games. He has enumerated several gains from playing the computer games. It is usually used by the doctors to divert the attention of the children from thinking that they are sick. It is also used to improve the skills of those who are having a hard time with their hand-eye coordination. Also, computer games are played by those who had accidents which can help recover faster from their injuries. But on the other hand, Rudon also emphasizes the danger being addicted to it, as I quote, " Place your trust in your child but ensure that he or she is able to gauge accurately right from wrong."

It is fun to see the improvements of computer games or video games. It has evolved from black and white to colored and many other things were changed too. That's why you can't blame the kiddos if you see them stuck in their chair in front of a computer. Due to the advancement of the technology, gaming is not that boring anymore if I may say. You do have a lot of options to choose on, whether you want to be the a soldier, a warrior, etc. You get the chance to experience being a superhero yourself. 

Although, there is a big "but" that parents need to consider. We're all aware that having too much of something could lead to something we usually don't want to happen. Allowing kids to stay in front of the computer would eventually develop an attitude wherein they might just neglect their other responsibilities such as their homework, projects, papers and other requirement in school. Parental guidance must also be observe regarding the content of the games they are playing. There might be some violence which could trigger the kids mind to be curious and may lead him or her to apply it in real life.

An article by Russell A. Sabella, Ph.D., Negative Potentials of Video Games from education.com, has given some of the things that might be experience from having too much of video games. She said that this gaming could confuse people from fantasy and reality. Also, its not a good influence because it depicts a very weak image for the women in the games they make. Video games have a tendency to rob the chance of children to be creative in their own way and be able to express themselves fully. As she emphasizes one important thing, " Watching a screen for prolonged periods can cause vision and eye problems." Yes, most of the children now a days wear glasses as early as 5 or 6, not because they are born with a weak eye vision but because at an early age they were already exposed to such things that could have been controlled and could have kept their eyes with a 20-20 vision.

Our generation is the era of electronics. It is just seldom to see children enjoying their freedom of childhood on the streets anymore. Video games are not bad, however, it can be if it is already causing a big change in the behavior of a person. It has a lot of benefits yet on the other hand it has a lot negative effects too. In the end, everyone still has a choice, how will you play the game?