By Sonam Sawlani
EchoSonam@gmail.com
Although addiction to online and computer gaming has not been officially recognised as a form of medical disorder by the World Health Organisation, an increasing number of youngsters these days, especially those in their teenage years face some severe consequences associated with compulsive engagement with computer and online games.
Research has shown that Singaporean youths spend up to 27 hours a week playing online games while 90 per cent of children between the age of 10 and 16 in the United States spend around 20 hours a week.
“I spend up to six hours a day playing MapleStory. I think the game is just very tempting and helps me to release stress after a long day in school. My parents though, get very angry and scold me,” said 15 year-old See Chui Ying who has been an avid gamer since he was 12.
However, does gaming always have a negative influence on a youth’s lifestyle? Does gaming always end up an addiction or can it simply be enjoyed as a hobby alone?
First of all, looking at the negative aspects of online gaming, virtual violence in the games result in youths becoming more aggressive, violent and vulgar in real life. This is because most games involve a whole lot of killing, shooting, hunting of people, fighting and unlimited amount of violence accompanied with a coarse form of communication. Some of these games include Grand Theft Auto, Counterstrike and World of Warcraft.
Research has also shown that the behaviour of one becomes more aggressive after playing such games for three months. Youths tend to become more aggressive in their actions and language, and even hit someone on impulse, thinking it is perfectly alright to do so.
When asked about any changes in Chui Ying’s behaviour, his mother, who only wants to be known as Mdm See, said her son’s performance in school started to trickle. “His grades have been dropping consistently so we are trying to be stricter with him now. He also gets very aggressive in his actions and speech at home.”
On the other hand, Mr Derek Sim, parent of 16 year-old Jonathan Sim, said they try not to disturb their son when he is gaming. He added: “I believe it is all about how an individual sets his constraints. We only step in when this hobby of his starts to overtake other priorities such as school work, meals or family time.”
On the contrary, online gaming seems to have its positive influences too. Research has proven that youths who play such games on a regular basis tend to have a better reaction time and visual activity as compared to those who do not game. Besides, a level of cross cultural sociability is also involved as youths from all around the world communicate in this virtual world.
Moreover, it also helps in developing some knowledge about business at an early age. “Mafia Wars teaches me financial concepts such as property investment and making touch decisions,” said Jonathan who feels that the virtual world also allows one to vent frustrations that some people cannot in real life.
While the world of gaming continues with advancements in areas of graphics, reality and challenges, it is surely not a surprise to understand that an increasing number of youths prefer to stay indoors and indulge in such gaming activities than hanging out with their peers or playing sports.
Nevertheless, not every gamer is an addict. Some learn to balance their social activities, school grades, friends and family well enough where as some just end up in an uncontrollable compulsion.
EchoSonam@gmail.com
Although addiction to online and computer gaming has not been officially recognised as a form of medical disorder by the World Health Organisation, an increasing number of youngsters these days, especially those in their teenage years face some severe consequences associated with compulsive engagement with computer and online games.
Research has shown that Singaporean youths spend up to 27 hours a week playing online games while 90 per cent of children between the age of 10 and 16 in the United States spend around 20 hours a week.
“I spend up to six hours a day playing MapleStory. I think the game is just very tempting and helps me to release stress after a long day in school. My parents though, get very angry and scold me,” said 15 year-old See Chui Ying who has been an avid gamer since he was 12.However, does gaming always have a negative influence on a youth’s lifestyle? Does gaming always end up an addiction or can it simply be enjoyed as a hobby alone?
First of all, looking at the negative aspects of online gaming, virtual violence in the games result in youths becoming more aggressive, violent and vulgar in real life. This is because most games involve a whole lot of killing, shooting, hunting of people, fighting and unlimited amount of violence accompanied with a coarse form of communication. Some of these games include Grand Theft Auto, Counterstrike and World of Warcraft.
Research has also shown that the behaviour of one becomes more aggressive after playing such games for three months. Youths tend to become more aggressive in their actions and language, and even hit someone on impulse, thinking it is perfectly alright to do so.
When asked about any changes in Chui Ying’s behaviour, his mother, who only wants to be known as Mdm See, said her son’s performance in school started to trickle. “His grades have been dropping consistently so we are trying to be stricter with him now. He also gets very aggressive in his actions and speech at home.”
On the other hand, Mr Derek Sim, parent of 16 year-old Jonathan Sim, said they try not to disturb their son when he is gaming. He added: “I believe it is all about how an individual sets his constraints. We only step in when this hobby of his starts to overtake other priorities such as school work, meals or family time.”
On the contrary, online gaming seems to have its positive influences too. Research has proven that youths who play such games on a regular basis tend to have a better reaction time and visual activity as compared to those who do not game. Besides, a level of cross cultural sociability is also involved as youths from all around the world communicate in this virtual world.
Moreover, it also helps in developing some knowledge about business at an early age. “Mafia Wars teaches me financial concepts such as property investment and making touch decisions,” said Jonathan who feels that the virtual world also allows one to vent frustrations that some people cannot in real life.
While the world of gaming continues with advancements in areas of graphics, reality and challenges, it is surely not a surprise to understand that an increasing number of youths prefer to stay indoors and indulge in such gaming activities than hanging out with their peers or playing sports.
Nevertheless, not every gamer is an addict. Some learn to balance their social activities, school grades, friends and family well enough where as some just end up in an uncontrollable compulsion.
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