What are the effects of video games?
Video games are highly interactive and adaptive, and often induce a sense of psychological "flow" in players -- that sense of effortless concentration that makes time fly.
Such features make for compelling entertainment, and promising educational applications. But they might also lead some players to spend too much time on the couch. 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.
But what's proven, what's conjecture, and what's hype?
In these pages, I review studies concerning the possible effects of video games--good and bad. Currently, these articles include the following:
In addition, I've written about the mixed effects that video games may have on children's attention skills:
Psychologist 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 devoted to his research on the effects of the media--including video games--on behavior.
Copyright © 2006-2021 by Gwen Dewar, Ph.D.; all rights reserved.
For educational purposes only. If you suspect you have a medical problem, please see a physician.