Many parents believe that computer games contain only negative information that can adversely affect the development of the child. However, there are adults who are capable of spending their hours at monitors behind shooters, arcades, etc. for hours. So is the effect of computer games on the psyche of children and adults really harmful?
What is the gameplay?
Before determining the impact of computer games on the psyche of adolescents, you need to understand what they are.
Computer games are primarily entertainment, which is intended for leisure and learning new things. Each fun belongs to a certain genre, which can determine the impact of computer games on the psyche of children.
They are developed by well-known studios that invest in them all the most worthy and interesting. Games can also differ graphically, representing their individuality and uniqueness.
Shooting game genre
In general, the impact of computer games on the psyche of children depends on the genre. Many parents become hysterical or even furious when they see that their child is playing a shooter game, considering the gameplay of this kind to be aggressive.
The most common genre among teenagers is a shooter. That is, the player shoots everything that moves, while earning bonus points. Such fun can be very colorful and rich in special effects, so parents are confused by the choice of their child.
The fact is that all normal people need a discharge, and if a child does not want to attend sections, then the only way for him to throw out negative energy is considered a game. Thus, his mind will rest and gain strength, and not learn something bad.
Another thing is if the teenager is withdrawn and experiences school problems in his own way. In this case, if the choice fell on aggressive fun, you should seek the help of a specialist, since in this version computer games really affect the psyche of a teenager.
RPG Genre
How do computer games affect the psyche if it's an RPG? The answer is no way. Fun of this genre immerses the player in a full-fledged universe, where there is the opportunity to independently create your character, perform interesting tasks and explore the game world full of opportunities.
Some RPG games can even teach you something. For example, Ubisoft studio released a series called Assassin's Creed, which was based on historical figures and the local area. Thanks to such products, you can learn a lot of useful things from history.
The ability to create your own character on your own is an ideal way to realize your fantasies, since in the RPG world you can become a magician, an elf and other representatives of the fairy world. The same applies to abilities - with magic power, you can bring down all the power on the enemies, and as an archer you can use the stealth mode of battle.
On the other hand, such games can drag a person for long hours, since often the plot side is very interesting and informative.
Life simulator
Do computer games really affect the psyche of children if it is a life simulator? Most likely, even the opposite. As practice shows, children are able to embody life's problems through gameplay. One of these situations was cited by psychologists as an example.
A child who is seriously worried about the divorce of his parents decides to create a family in the life simulator, similar to his own, but without a divorce. That is, the family is still together and lives happily. Such situations can both help the teenager and provoke a closed state.
On the other hand, the life simulator teaches responsibility and demonstrates the reaction of characters to the player’s actions, as well as social life.
Strategy
The strategy, or sandbox, shows players how to build one house or a whole city. There are strategies that are closely related to the course of history - such as Civilization.
It begins in primitive prehistoric times, and in the process, the player will have to independently develop his civilization, establishing relations between states and developing. In this case, the influence on the psyche of the child is absolutely excluded, since he is given the opportunity not to destroy, but to create, while showing imagination.
Often, an adult may be interested in this genre of the game, so you should not be categorical about the choice of a child.
Negative sides
Now almost every family has at least one computer, so the use of games is commonplace. Only some parents are loyal to the child’s hobbies with gameplay, while others are categorically against or strongly restrict their stay at the computer.
You can notice the signs of child addiction with a computer if you pay attention to the following signs:
- The baby does not get enough sleep.
- Waking up a child is becoming increasingly difficult.
- There were problems with vision (in particular, dry eyes).
- Increased irritability to questions about games.
- Reluctance to make contact with parents.
The consequences of a wrong approach
To find out how computer games affect the psyche of a child, you need to understand that a ban or restriction will not help. A child, like any other person, needs to relieve the stress that accumulates during his time at school or section. Fatigue is one of the reasons for poor performance, so you should look for an approach to this problem.
Of course, computer games are not the only way to eliminate fatigue, since you can do joint desktop or outdoor games. However, not all adults have time for joint leisure, so virtual reality comes to the rescue.
If there is suspicion about whether computer games affect the psyche of a teenager, then you should pay attention to what he plays. At the first sign of cruelty in the gameplay, one does not immediately have to react negatively to this fact. You can voice your suspicions and concerns about the chosen genre in a calm tone and try to choose a game together that will fully suit both the parent and the child.
No wonder there is a saying that the forbidden fruit is sweet, so a taboo or restriction will only add interest to computer games.
Flexibility of consciousness
In childhood and adolescence, the psyche is very flexible, and any information, positive or negative, is perceived loyally. This is because the child’s mind is not yet fully formed and moral values are not fully formed.
It is precisely because of the influence of computer games on the human psyche that children's self-consciousness is deformed and the emotional sphere is injured. Abuse also contributes to overwork, and real interpersonal relationships are gradually replaced by virtual ones.
In adolescence, there is a high probability that the child will not be able to adapt normally in the social environment. Uncontrolled pastime over computer games can provoke isolation, and in some cases autism.
The effect on the psyche is manifested in the unwillingness to receive information from other sources. The child prefers computer games, trying to spend more time in the virtual space.
The more a teenager spends time playing computer games, the higher his level of categorization and irritability will be. The level of critical thinking will fall, giving way to indifference. Every day it will be noticeable how the child grows mental overstrain, stresses become more frequent, which, in turn, lead to prolonged depression.
A long stay at the computer completely destroys the imagination of the child, giving way to stereotypes imposed by computer games.
On the physical side, problems with the spine and vision may begin.
Conclusion
Uncontrolled spending time at the computer is also unacceptable, as this has its consequences. 1-2 hours a day is enough for a teenager to play enough and not harm his eyes. Also, the time limit will help to avoid gambling addiction in the teenage period and establish contact with the child.
The ideal option would be one in which the child, coming from school, will be able to immediately take his place and play. After that, when the child rests, you can demand that he fulfill his duties. Indeed, many adults do just that - after work, they engage in leisure activities, and then everyone else.
If the educational process is set up correctly, then the child will be satisfied, and the parents will establish contact with their child, and there will be no impact of computer games on the psyche of children.