Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool. Others, however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them. In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

Sample 1:

Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.

On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users, or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve users' motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.

However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more significant than the possible benefits.

Sample 2:

People have argued about the function of video games. A group of people believe that these digital games are beneficial for mankind, but others think that they would be a distraction to human's mind. Although video games have some positive sides, I personally believe that they have more negative effects on our minds, and the following essay will discuss them in detail.

For a number of reasons, a lot of people believe that video games are entertaining and educative. It is believed that video games could help people in releasing their stress. Players could feel the excitement of being a heroic character or a professional athlete, without having the risk of being injured or hurt. And then, there are some video games which are considered as educative as well, as they are created to trigger people's imaginative thinking, such as Tetris or chess.

Despite the positive side, people do not realise that the games have become a serious problem for individuals and societies. Firstly, many people got addicted to video games, and it has affected to their work or study performance. Many workers are losing their focus and productivities, and some students have poor performance on their studies due to spending a number of hours in playing video games. Secondly, some games have shown violence and sadistic scenes and affected to the gamers' mind. There have been several cases in America, whereas students have done violence acts to their classmates because they were influenced by the game. And lastly, video games have affected to residents' health condition as well. People who play video games have the tendency to consume light snacks and do less exercise. Consequently, they have a risk of getting obesity and diabetic problems.

In conclusion, video games have its own positive and negative sides, but I do believe that video games have more drawbacks than its benefits.

Sample 3:

Playing video games has become a popular pastime activity for many people. While it is claimed by some that such games do not have any harmful effects on players and are in fact educationally beneficial, I believe that playing them is more harmful than useful.

On the one hand, some video games might help players develop sharper cognitive skills. For instance, people who play strategic video games have to analyze the enemy movements, familiarize themselves with the virtual environment, think of a strategy, and react fast enough to fight the foes. All these require using critical thinking, spatial memory, and fast mental processing speed. Developing such skills will help students with subjects like mathematics. Moreover, playing such games has been reported to trigger the secretion of Serotonin, which is also called the pleasure-inducing hormone. Therefore, gaming might not only help people perform better at their tasks but also make them happier.

On the other hand, I would argue that there are two main drawbacks to such activities, which make the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. For one thing, playing such games can be highly addictive because they keep rewarding players for any little achievements in the game. As a result, gamers may choose to sit at their computers and spend a great deal of time playing. This becomes a problem when students opt to play games instead of doing their homework, or other people decide to replace social interactions in real life with virtual ones. For another, gamers spend a considerable portion of their day sitting and being physically inactive. This sedentary lifestyle leads to many health issues such as obesity and high cholesterol levels, resulting in more serious illnesses like diabetes and blocked arteries later in life. Hence, I believe that video games are not as beneficial as some may believe and playing them should be limited in order to avoid poor health.

In conclusion, playing video games seems to help players with their mental skills, but it comes with dire costs to their education and health.

Sample 4:

Playing video games is popular among many people, especially kids. Although it can be acknowledged that these games occasionally have a beneficial impact on the user, the negative ones are more than this.

Video games are a fantastic tool that allow players to unwind and forget about the difficulties of the outside world. Players are transformed into the main character in a fantasy world by playing video games, which transport them to a virtual world with thrilling missions or interesting targets. Video games not only foster the imagination and creativity of the player, but also provide a realistic, life-like experience. In addition to learning how to use a tool like a gun or archery, players who play simulation games may also improve their fighting or motor skills.

But some video games can be so compulsive that players end up drowning in the virtual world. The temptation of the missions or the rewards after reaching the goals draws them in. They gave up hours of their day to play video games and play consoles, which had a negative impact on their performance at work or school. Sometimes, playing video games could ruin their relationships in real life or make it difficult for them to interact with others. Particularly, playing too much has a negative impact on both their physical and mental health, which can result in mental disorders, obesity, or even death. As an example, a young man in Vietnam was discovered dead at home after three days of nonstop video game use.

In conclusion, if people use video games responsibly, they can be both an entertaining and useful tool. Otherwise, it might negatively impact the users with their quality of life.

Sample 5:

Video games have unquestionably become the most well-known form of entertainment in recent years thanks to the most recent advancements made by a variety of innovative technologies. It is still up for debate whether playing video games is lucrative or detrimental. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of playing these games on electronic devices, as well as provide conviction that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages with solid examples.

Some people assert that playing video games is solely for entertainment and that it is a form of relaxation that revitalizes us after our busy workdays. By concentrating on these games, we often find that our concentration and problem-solving abilities improve. Additionally, these games are programmed in a variety of foreign languages, and players can choose dialects based on their preferences. This eventually improves their understanding of a wide range of languages used all over the world. As a result, these applications enhance our abilities in a variety of areas, including focus and foreign languages.

On the other hand, there are a lot of factors that make these applications disadvantageous. People don't engage in enough physical activity because they spend so much time stationary and glancing at their gadgets.

As a result of spending so much time sitting, this gradually causes serious health issues like obesity. In addition, there are numerous issues that have an impact on our physical wellbeing. For instance, the harmful light emitted by computers and mobile devices has a significant negative impact on our eyesight, and the majority of people in this generation are required to wear spectacles as a result. Additionally, kids are used to playing dangerous games that teach shooting and killing people. Children are affected negatively by this, and there is a good chance that they will carry this out in their own lives.

As a result, if a person or a child continues to play these games, they must overcome numerous obstacles.

Sample 6:

Video games are a source of entertainment and recreation for numerous adults and children across the world. The purpose served by video games is often the source of much debate, sparking conversations about which are more significant – their benefits or their disadvantages. I agree that the shortcomings of video games overshadow their perks and shall explain my perspective in the forthcoming paragraphs.

To start with, video games have become a cause of significant apprehension for individuals, particularly children and youth, and for society as a whole. Many people display signs of addiction to video games and suffer emotional distress when they are not gaming. As a result of gaming obsession, their performance at school and work gets negatively impacted. People’s social skills deteriorate, and they tend to become more socially detached from others due to excessive gaming. Other effects of being hooked to video games include augmented aggression, languished moods and increased anxiety, as found in research

Video games also have a number of detrimental physical effects on people. Since they are primarily a sedentary activity, they have been associated with rising obesity in youngsters. Individuals playing video games also tend to skip meals or snack on junk food which also contributes to obesity. Increased screen time due to gaming can also result in worsened eyesight and frequent headaches. Lastly, research has also found that repeated stress injuries are common in gamers due to overuse of their thumbs, fingers, and wrist. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome are becoming increasingly prevalent as well.

However, research has also found that video games may have some benefits for people. It can serve as a way of connecting with others, providing a sense of community to people and also be a source of enjoyment. It has also been found to increase focus when played in moderation and has applications in medical science.

In conclusion, it must be said that while there is a fruitful side to video games, they have far more significant adverse impacts on human life, which overshadow the benefits.

Sample 7:

It is an irrefutable fact that computer games have been the most renowned form of entertainment over the past few years due to the latest innovations by a wide range of cutting-edge technologies. Whether playing video games is considered lucrative or prejudicial remains a concept of contretemps. In this exposition, I will talk through the merits and disadvantages of playing these games on electronic devices along with my certitude that cons prevail over pros with credible illustrations.

On the one hand, some people claim that the sole purpose of playing video games is for entertainment and it is a form of relaxation which rejuvenates us from the hectic work schedules. It tends to improve our concentration by focusing on these games and increases problem-solving skills. Furthermore, these games are programmed with various foreign languages, and players have the option to select dialects according to their desire. This eventually enhances their knowledge of a plethora of languages spoken all around the world. Therefore, these applications improve our skills in various aspects, such as concentration and foreign languages.

On the flip side, there are numerous reasons for the downside of these applications. Individuals lack physical activities as they remain in one place and keep peeking into their gadgets for long durations of time. This gradually leads to severe health complications such as becoming obese due to prolonged hours of sitting. Furthermore, there is a myriad of problems which impacts our physical well-being. For instance, our eyesight is deeply affected, and most of the citizens in this generation are forced to wear spectacles due to the emission of detrimental light from computers and mobiles. Furthermore, children are accustomed to playing perilous games, which inculcates the shooting and killing of humans. This creates adverse effects on kids, and there are high chances that they might implement the same in their lives. Thus, there are multiple challenges which a person or a child has to tackle if they persist in playing such games.

Taking everything into consideration, this discourse has elucidated optimistic and pessimistic perspectives of playing video games. Although there are some positive aspects, in my viewpoint, there are many demerits when compared to the advantages.

Sample 8:

Playing games are considered an instrument of sound mental and physical health. The trend of indoor games such as video games is proliferating and gaining fame among all age groups – from adolescents to adults. However, the impact of this trend has come under scrutiny and has been a concern for many. The protagonists of such games cite that video games are effective educational tools, whereas dissenters void that claim by counting numerous demerits of such games. I too believe that video games are lethal trends and have negative repercussions. Some of the disadvantages will be outlined in following paragraphs.

Firstly, while playing video games, players develop the sedentary position which is harmful to them ergonomically. Additionally, incessant exposure to game monitors could be detrimental to their vision. Other than physical impact, video games also impact emotional and social behaviour negatively, especially to children and adolescents. It can be noticed that the themes of a majority of the video games are prominently based on violent battle, massacre or destroying animal and mankind. Overindulgence to such games makes the young minds of children susceptible to emotional indifference. They could like to emulate the destroyers and warriors regarding them as role models.

In contrast, enthusiasts enumerate some credits to the account of video games. They believe that playing such games helps to improve your command on the technical gadgets. It is observed that good players are cognizant of the know-hows of computers and can monitor the game efficiently. Being good at the video game is a demand for the new generation. Many children complain that are marginalised in the school if they are not up-to-date with the video games, which leads to embarrassment for them.

To conclude, I would like to reiterate that video games have far more disastrous impacts that outweigh its positive sides. In order to control this destructive trend, parents, teachers, lawmakers and each individual will have to contribute to instigate awareness that video games should be controlled or terminated.

Sample 9:

In the modern world, computers and electronics entertainment devices have become totally pervasive in our society. Video game, one aspect of electronics entertainment, has triggered many debates about its positive and negative impact on health and psychology. Several studies have been done and researchers have divided opinion on the effects of video games on player's health and mentality. In my opinion, benefits of video games outshine the drawbacks if few cautions are taken by players in selecting the type of games.

Among the bad effects of video games, its impact on health is most debated. Studies suggest that youngsters are spending more time at home than playing outside, which clearly has effects on their growth and development. But with the development of newer technologies, newer forms of games are available in the market, which encourages people to participate actively and physically in different sports. Sony Corporation, for example, has a virtual tennis game where a user needs to play with a computer holding a sensor in his hand which works as a tennis racket. This gives the user a virtual experience of a real game. And also helps to improve mind and body coordination by letting the user flex his responses. Therefore, choice of video game and the device make a lot of difference.

Another important positive effect of the video game is on brain development and problem-solving skills. Online puzzles and number games are increasingly being used by schools to improve thinking capacity of the pupil. Similarly, corporates have training programs designed in form of computer games. This helps to make sure that trainees’ focus and interest are maintained and maximum knowledge is passed in a fun filled way.

Therefore, video games have a higher degree of positive effects on human than their negative effect and can be used as a tool for learning and development. But, like any other tool caution needs to be taken in selection and usage.

Sample 10:

In the era of modernization, video games have been an obsession regardless the gender and age. With the aid of latest technology, the young learns to play games as early as one to two years old following their parents’ steps. Research shows that exposing gadgets to toddlers can cause negative effects towards their growth. Thus, we should realise how harmful video games can be if we fail to use it in a proper manner.

Video games cause addiction and this can lead to many problems such as responsibility issues. Teenagers, usually have a hard time in delivering their everyday chores once they are stuck in front of the screen. It creates disciplinary problems as they fail to restrain themselves from spending too much time in front of the computer. They began to neglect their homework and assignments which not only put themselves in jeopardy but also their teammates if the task required teamwork.

Furthermore, the vulgarity of certain video games has been proven to be the reason of aggressiveness inside a person. They easily get influenced by the video games as they are cut out from the outer world. The vulnerable group - the young adults, is the riskiest group as they are still in their development phase. There has the tendency to imitate the improper actions depicted in the video games in their daily life.

Besides, health problems are increasing since video games are being introduced. Disease associated with bones and body posture seem to have the most drastic changes as people are healthier in the last 10 years. Not to mention, most people need to wear spectacles nowadays to help in their vision. I believe that these have got to do with the ridiculous amount of time spent looking at those interactive images.

Coming for self-defence: the self-claimed gamer once said that they manage to improve their English by playing more and more video games. Well, this is partly true as they may learn new vocabulary in a fun way compared to stuck-up their nose in a dictionary. Nevertheless, it only restricts in vocabulary wise, not in grammar as most of the games use simple everyday English rather than Queen’s English.

Sample 11:

In information technology age, people are engaged with computer programs; one of the most popular computer programs is video games. Although having some negative effect, video games can teach some useful skills. This essay outlines both positive and negative effect of video games.

Video games are made in different genres including horror, sport, adventure etc. Some of these games are useful and educational. Players of these games need basic information and skills to complete them. For instance, a plane simulation game requires a player to know primary pilot skills; so the player has to gather some information about pilot skills such as taking off, landing, navigation, and etc. Gradually, the player feels some skills in him. Furthermore, the puzzle games make player challenging with secret points of the game's story. Recent mentioned games type increases players’ creativity. In a nutshell, video games can be useful and educational.

On the other hand, some games are not beneficial. The horror game is a good example. They make a bad effect on players’ morality. In addition, playing video games usually is addictive. Video game players play more and more heedless of time. This may cause overweight. Latterly, the main factors of most of the video games are sex and violence. These factors navigate the society to dark way. Thus, video games have undesirable aspects.

To conclude, video games have both good and bad impacts. Choosing the right game is the first step to use them rightly. How to play and how much to play are the latter steps. It depends on the player how to act wisely.

Sample 12:

Nowadays, it is an important question whether we should let our young children play computer games or the games should be banned. While some people think it is fine for their children to play, others believe it is unacceptable. As far as I am concerned, the disadvantages of video games outweigh the advantages.

First of all, the possible benefits of computer games should be mentioned. There is a wide range of games created for educational purposes, especially for the very young children. This allows kids to learn how to use modern computers as well as some new information from the educational game. Additionally, for youngsters, games can keep them from bad companies. They can simply sit home communicating with their friends and having fun instead.

However, the number of drawbacks also takes place. Modern games are expensive and usually involve further purchases while the game is being played. Another aspect is the time children spend on computer games. Instead of education and learning, kids waste hours online even without breaks, thereby influencing the condition of their health. The most considerable disadvantage in video games is cruelty. Although there are age limits, parents still buy such games for their infants. As we know, there have been a few cases when children took guns and shoot innocent people on the street. The computer games have the negative effects on health and psychology as well. Young students who are addicted to games often perform poorly on academic studies.

To sum up, although there are fun and educational games, the most of the modern video games are violent and cruel, and this may have dreadful consequences. Therefore, I believe there are more drawbacks than benefits.

Sample 13:

Nowadays, most people of all age groups, especially young adults, are drawn to video games with the high technology developing year after year. Video game devices such as Play Station Four and Nintendo Wii are popular examples of high-tech devices. Although playing video games can be quite fun, it can also affect the player negatively. I believe that video games withhold cons more than pros.

One of its adverse effects is that it is a waste of time. Playing video games is not much of a problem when limits are present, but most individuals exceed this limit. Some people put down a two-hour time limit for play but sadly end up playing for more hours and are not aware of time. Rather than spending one's time on such games, it is more beneficial to the individual to take the time to read books or even spend time on a favourite hobby, for instance, that will most probably lead it to evolve over the years.

Another reason to support my opinion is that it lessens the human-to-human contact. Due to the hours taken on video games, the person will not have a normal social life where people speak face to face. A young adult playing, choosing to turn down going to the mall with friends where they will socialise, can be taken as an example. Modern games have many violent and devastating plots and game actions that can psychologically affect the players. The gamers suffer from various health problems and often are less social.

To draw the conclusion, the positive sides of the video games are fewer when compared to the negative sides. Video gaming should be limited to certain hours and the rest of the time wasted should be replaced by socialising and activities that will benefit one’s future.

Sample 14:

Many people will be hard pressed to name one invention that has made a greater impact on young people's lives than video games. At this day and age, almost all children grow up being exposed to video games, and consequently spent a large amount of time playing them. Thus, it is important to ask whether video games have any detrimental effect on children and our society as a whole.

Firstly, video games provide a lot of happiness to a great portion of the population. Because there exists a great variety of games of different genres for kids and even adults of every age, most people will surely be able to find a game that interests them. As a result, they will derive pleasure from playing their game of choice and lead happier lives. Even more, playing video games can at times also be a social activity, where gamers meet up with their friends to play their favourite video game together.

However, this at first innocent pleasure can quickly turn into an addiction. Seeing that many people suffer from depression and are dissatisfied with their life, it is easy to see how these people can become engrossed in video games. Often, they provide the player with a fake sense of achievement, making them forget about their responsibilities in the so-called "real life". The game "Word of Warcraft" is especially known for this, exploiting vulnerabilities in people in order to make a quick buck.

Unfortunately, the disadvantages do not stop there: A great number of video games rely on violence in their storytelling, which desensitises the gamer towards violent acts such as physical force or even murder. While many people argue that adults are able to differentiate between the fantasy in video games and reality, nobody denies that children lack this ability. Although many countries have implemented policies to prevent young people from playing violent video games, these measures are very often not effective enough, and young children end up consuming and playing violent games.

In conclusion, video games certainly do have positive effects. However, it is my opinion that the drawbacks outweigh the advantages by far. This is why we as a society need to control the influence of video games, particularly when children are concerned. We often forget that a young mind is very susceptible to its environment, and that is why we should do our utmost to protect it.

Sample 15:

In the present era, advancement in technology has made a significant change to the lifestyle of each and every person in the world. New innovation like video games which are used to have fun and useful tools in education learning for children, but some people argue that video games have some negative development on children. I am going to discuss this topic.

Firstly, newly released and innovative video games are much helpful for children, to spend their free time at home without disturbing others. Some video games are played in a group which creates a challenging environment for children, and they learn how to win the game and be successful. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks of games. Children becoming less active in terms of physical activity and more addictive of video games because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them engaged. They are spending most of their times in playing games so it may affect their education as well their eyes and on health also. In the past, when video games were not present, at that time most of the children used to play outdoor games with their friends which seem disappearing nowadays. Children are becoming more and more technology addictive than the past which is a concerning question for many guardians.

In conclusion, I can say that there are more drawbacks of video games on children then its positive benefit.

Sample 16:

The issue whether the video games are in its usefulness or in harmfulness for the people is very controversial one. On the one hand, most of the gamers I know, are very clever persons. On the other hand, there are those who think that person who is sitting in front of a computer all day long cannot be an educated person. However, in my point of view, I think that any kind of game can be useful. In the following paragraphs, I will try to bring up some advantages and disadvantages of the issue.

There are few main arguments that can be advanced to support the issue about computer games as a fun or educational tool. First of all, the computer games help to cure some mental problems and educate at the same time. For example, some problems with eyes, nerves etc. In that kind of games, a person has to count and follow the birds and at the same time to listen to music. The second reason, games help people to think logically. At the early age they develop a child’s thinking, concentration, motivation, why not help with reading etc. For example, in some video games, you have to pick up keys and remember some words for opening doors or codes.

On the other side, it is not a secret that nowadays with developing of computer and different kinds of games, people spend much time in front of a computer, which brings to our isolation from the world. Furthermore, people spend so much time for playing games that forget about other more important things, as a face-to-face contact, walking, playing real games not virtual.

In conclusion, in my opinion, every person has to have a measure of the time and not to spend all the time doing the same thing.

Sample 17:

Video games are widely played throughout the world. Many consider this video game as a form of having fun and not only harmless but also educationally beneficial. Others believe that the disturbing content of such games can influence one’s mind negatively. However, the demerits of video games, if any, that the critics put forth seem trivial when compared to its beneficial ramifications. To prove this, both the views will be critiqued.

First, it is a well-known fact that video games can be educational. For instance, based on a few research works published in the Journal of American Behavioral Psychology, it is proven through various experiments that young people can hone their intelligence and knowledge by playing strategy games. This proves that video games do have the potential to flourish young minds when regularly engaged in such activities.

As far as the other view is concerned, there is little evidence to prove that video games can instigate violence among people. A research work recently published in the same journal mentioned above illustrates this in action. According to this work, ‘violent’ people who play video games are naturally inclined towards games that contain violent content and imagery etc., however, their behavioural issues could not be linked to the content of those video games they were exposed to; rather, it was found to be just a matter of preference.

Having analysed both these arguments, it has been proved that video games can be beneficial as they can increase general knowledge and intelligence, and the fact that the absurd themes of such games are very unlikely to instil violence. It is expected that video games’ popularity will continue to rise among young people in particular and will continue to benefit them in although not so obvious ways.

Sample 18:

Nowadays, people are spending most of their time on computers, mobile phones and the internet. They mostly play video games and watch movies on their devices. So, the increasing usages of the mobile phones and computers for playing video games is a common trend nowadays. Some people believe that playing video games have harmful effects on people, and others believe that it is a useful tool for them. In this essay, I would like to give my reasons for both the aspects and at last in the conclusion, I will give my opinion.

Firstly, people spend their time on computers and mobile phone for playing video games as a form of entertainment to out from stress and daily busy life. There are many kinds of video games available on the internet. For example, some video games require a good level of knowledge to solve problems and puzzles, and this is helpful to develop logical reasoning.  In some video games, we need to apply our intelligence and do brainstorm so that we can sharpen our capability to solve many difficult problems. This logic can be applied to our study, in order to solve mathematical problems. So, for this reason, I would like to consider that playing video games, which are carefully chosen, is a useful and harmless tool for people.

On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages in playing video games. Some video games require fighting and violent activities to win the game. So, continuous playing of these kinds of games can take individuals to lead the criminal activity. It may a cause serious problem to society. Even, there are some kinds of video games available on the internet which may not require additional knowledge and logic to solve them, and they are simply designed to kill time. These kinds of games consume the time of people and make them more tired and lazy about their works and study.

So, putting in a nutshell I would like to say it depends on individuals whether video games are used to learn or to kill time. As of knowing advantages and disadvantages of video games, it is an individual’s own responsibilities to control themselves before wasting their valuable time.

Sample 19:

One of the most controversial issues today relates to the fact that many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.

On one side of the argument there are people who argue that the benefits of considerably outweigh its disadvantages. The main reason for believing this is that video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users, or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging than real-lifepastimes. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination andcreativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which areuseful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real world tasks, such as flying a plane.

On the other hand, it is also possible to make the opposing case. It is often argued that in fact gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.

As we have seen, there are no easy answers to this question. On balance, however, I tend to believe that the potential dangers of video games are more significant than the possible benefits.