The effects of video games:A guide for the science-minded parent© 2010 Gwen Dewar, all rights reservedVideo games and computer games can be compelling entertainment. They’re a promising medium for education, too. But some researchers are concerned about the effects of video games.Some kids spend too much time playing games--neglecting their school work and family responsibilities. Are video games so engrossing that they make it easy for susceptible children to become preoccupied with them? Another concern is the fast pace and abrupt scene changes that characterize some games. Some researchers speculate that these “fast edits” might contribute to the development of attention problems. And there is also the worry that the content of certain video games--particularly those with violent themes--might have a negative effect on behavior. In these pages, I review studies concerning the possible effects of video games--good and bad. Currently, these articles include: The possible beneficial effects of video games• Educational video games• Do action video games sharpen visual-spatial skills? • The beneficial social effects of video games: Games that promote helpfulness • Playing helper and hero: The effects of video games on our willingness to take risks The possible negative effects of video games• The effects of video games on school achievement• Does your child have a video game addiction? • The effects of violent video games • Do video games cause attention problems in children? Other resourcesPsychologist Craig A. Anderson has spent many years studying the effects of video games. His academic webpage includes links to a variety of articles, reports, and interviews on the subject.Anderson's colleague, Douglas A. Gentile, has created an excellent public website
excellent public website
devoted to his research on the effects of the media--including video games--on behavior.
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