violent video games expository essay

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Violence in Video Games — Harmful Effects of Video Games

Harmful Effects of Video Games

• Categories: Mental Health Video Games Violence in Video Games

About this sample

Words: 584 |

Published: Mar 16, 2024

Words: 584 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Mental health, physical health, social behavior.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Nursing & Health Entertainment Social Issues

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

5 pages / 2428 words

6 pages / 2508 words

2 pages / 1073 words

1 pages / 644 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Violence in Video Games

The notion that video games cause violence has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. However, a wealth of research challenges this belief, suggesting that the relationship between video games and violent behavior is [...]

Video games have become an integral part of modern society, with millions of people across the globe engaging in gaming activities. Despite the widespread popularity of video games, they are often criticized for their negative [...]

Video games have been a popular form of entertainment for children and teenagers for decades. However, studies have shown that excessive gaming can have negative effects on a child's physical health, social and emotional [...]

Video games have become increasingly popular in today's society, offering both positive and negative effects on consumers. This essay will focus on the negative effects of exposure to violent video games on children's behavior [...]

Since video games entered homes in the 1970s, video game popularity has exponentially increased and the different varieties of gaming have become widely diverse ranging from apps on a mobile device to massive scale worlds [...]

Anderson, C. A., Shibuya, A., Ihori, N., Swing, E. L., Bushman, B. J., Sakamoto, A., ... & Saleem, M. (2010). Violent video game effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior in Eastern and Western countries: A [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

104 Violence in Video Games Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Video games have long been a controversial topic, with many critics arguing that the violence depicted in games can have a negative impact on players. However, others argue that video games are simply a form of entertainment and do not have any real-world consequences. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, there is no denying that violence in video games is a prevalent theme. If you are looking for essay topic ideas on this subject, here are 104 violence in video games essay topics and examples to get you started:

• The effects of violent video games on aggression levels in players
• Are violent video games a contributing factor to real-world violence?
• The portrayal of violence in video games and its impact on society
• The role of parents in monitoring their children's exposure to violent video games
• The ethical implications of creating and consuming violent video games
• Do violent video games desensitize players to real-world violence?
• The relationship between violent video games and mental health issues
• The connection between violent video games and criminal behavior
• Should there be age restrictions on violent video games?
• The link between violent video games and school shootings
• The role of the media in perpetuating the myth of violent video games causing violence
• The impact of violent video games on children's development
• The influence of violent video games on gender stereotypes and attitudes towards women
• The role of video game developers in creating realistic depictions of violence
• The use of violence in video games as a storytelling device
• The potential benefits of playing violent video games
• The impact of violent video games on the brain
• The relationship between violent video games and addiction
• The role of violent video games in shaping cultural norms and values
• The portrayal of violence in different genres of video games
• The effects of violent video games on empathy levels in players
• The role of violent video games in shaping societal attitudes towards violence
• The impact of violent video games on social behavior
• The portrayal of violence in video games as a form of art
• The relationship between violent video games and self-esteem issues
• The influence of violent video games on decision-making skills
• The connection between violent video games and military training
• The role of violent video games in desensitizing players to real-world violence
• The impact of violent video games on relationships and social interactions
• The portrayal of violence in video games as a reflection of societal values
• The effects of violent video games on academic performance
• The relationship between violent video games and stress levels
• The role of violent video games in promoting teamwork and cooperation
• The impact of violent video games on problem-solving skills
• The connection between violent video games and risk-taking behavior
• The influence of violent video games on memory and cognitive function
• The portrayal of violence in video games as a form of catharsis
• The effects of violent video games on physical health
• The relationship between violent video games and social isolation
• The role of violent video games in promoting creativity and imagination
• The impact of violent video games on language and communication skills
• The connection between violent video games and self-control
• The influence of violent video games on emotional regulation
• The portrayal of violence in video games as a form of escapism
• The effects of violent video games on attention and focus
• The relationship between violent video games and problem-solving skills
• The role of violent video games in promoting critical thinking
• The impact of violent video games on decision-making skills
• The connection between violent video games and empathy levels
• The influence of violent video games on moral reasoning
• The effects of violent video games on social behavior
• The relationship between violent video games and aggression levels
• The impact of violent video games on self-esteem issues
• The connection between violent video games and addiction
• The influence of violent video games on mental health issues
• The portrayal of violence in video games as a storytelling device
• The effects of violent video games on decision-making skills
• The relationship between violent video games and gender stereotypes
• The impact of violent video games on physical health
• The connection between violent video games and social isolation
• The influence of violent video games on relationships and social interactions
• The impact of violent video games on memory and cognitive function
• The influence of violent video games on language and communication skills
• The effects of violent video games on emotional regulation
• The relationship between violent video games and self-control
• The impact of violent video games on attention and focus
• The influence of violent video games on problem-solving skills
• The effects of violent video games on empathy levels
• The impact of violent video games on moral reasoning
• The connection between violent video games and social behavior
• The effects of violent video games on aggression levels
• The impact of violent video games on empathy levels
• The influence of violent video games on academic performance

In conclusion, violence in video games is a complex and controversial topic that continues to be debated by experts and the general public alike. Whether you believe that violent video games have a negative impact on players or not, it is important to consider the various perspectives and research on this issue before forming an opinion. Hopefully, these 104 violence in video games essay topics and examples have given you some inspiration for your own writing on this subject.

Want to research companies faster?

Instantly access industry insights

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Leverage powerful AI research capabilities

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2024 Pitchgrade

Impact of Videogames on Children Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Modern children live in an extremely digitalized environment characterized by the availability of information and specific ways to spend free time. Today, most young people prefer to spend time in front of the computer, either doing their homework or socializing by using social networks. Another trend of contemporary society is the high popularity of video games that become more complex, similar to reality, and demanding much time. The constantly updating content along with the ability to play with friends online attract children. In such a way, videogames replace other activities such as running, walking, or socializing in the street. The given change of priorities triggers vigorous debates about the possible effects of games on children, their physical and mental development, and long-term consequences. For this reason, the given research is devoted to the issue of videogames and how they influence children. To investigate the problem, the following thesis is offered:

The adverse effects of videogames on children might include the development of anxiety, depression, changes in brain functioning, problems with weight, socialization, and trigger the evolution of chronic diseases; however, they can also positively influence children increasing visuospatial cognition, attention, creativity, and reducing aggression levels.

The development of the videogames industry resulted in the emergence of complex games that create attractive images and exciting tasks to engage players and hold their attention. Statistics show that 66% of children aged 8 to 12 years play video games about 2 hours per day, while teens aged 13 to 17 play about 2,5 hours per day (Halbrook et al. 1097). However, in real life, the numbers can be even higher because of the inability to trace the amount of time spent on such activities. It means, for children, videogames become the main type of activity practiced every day.

Addiction and Accessibility

Another problem linked to videogames is their ability to precondition addiction. They affect the brain similarly to drugs as they stimulate the pleasure center and trigger the release of dopamine responsible for the emergence of specific behaviors (Paturel). In such a way, playing videogames, children feel the need to spend more time. The problem is complicated by the fact that today, games are spread globally, and there is hardly an area, excluding the poorest ones with no Internet or computers, where children are deprived of a chance to play (Paturel). The combination of addiction and accessibility contributes to the spread of videogames and the growing topicality of the question of how they impact the physical and mental health of a child.

Mental Development of a Child

One of the main problems linked to videogames is their influence on the mental development of a child. Childhood is the period fundamental for the mental development of a child, and numerous factors might have either a positive or negative effects on their brain and behaviors (Lobel et al. 885). In such a way, the fact that videogames become the central way to spend free time, replacing the previous activities, attracts the attention of researchers as it has a direct impact on the psyche and health of an individual. However, there is still no consensus on whether videogames have only negative or positive effects.

Brain Functioning

One of the popular fears is that videogames can affect brain functioning. Some researchers assume that excessive gaming in childhood can physically rewire the brain and introduce irreversible changes into its work (Paturel). The recent Chinese research presupposing two control groups showed that gamers (individuals spending about 10 hours a day online) have less gray matter if to compare with people who spend less than two hours online (Paturel). In such a way, gaming can be dangerous as it affects various brain areas, depending on the type of game and reaction it cultivates.

Depression and Anxiety

There is also a belief that games might precondition the development of depression and anxiety in children. The given states are mainly associated with failures in online games, the inability to get some achievement, or bullying, one of the common practices on the Internet. The research shows that excessive gaming might precondition dopamine exhaustion, emotional suppression, and the lack of motivation to achieve various real-life goals (Paturel). Moreover, people with depression might suffer from the deterioration of their states caused by addictive playing (Video Games and Children: Playing with Violence”). Analyzing the impact of videogames on anxiety, researchers also offer various assumptions. First of all, gaming can be a normal and healthy way to relieve stress and decrease anxiety levels by engaging in online activities (Pellissier). However, for children with gaming disorder, using gaming as the anxiety coping mechanism can be dangerous and contribute to the accumulation of negative effects and increased risks (Pellissier). In such a way, video games have diverse effects on depression and anxiety, including the positive and negative ones.

Lack of Socialization

The lack of socialization and contact with peers in real life is one of the most popular fears among parents. Today, most games demand much time; moreover, they are focused on cooperation online by using the Internet, which means that children do not have to leave their houses to communicate with other people. It preconditions the increased time they spend at home. The recent research states that there is a direct correlation between the time spent online and social skills, or the higher the gaming addiction, the less the social skills (Lobel et al. 885). Children might demonstrate the inability to communicate in real life because of the absence of the demanded experience.

Weight Management and Chronic Diseases

Excessive gaming can also result in poor weight management. Gamers usually have snacks consisting of unhealthy food such as sweets, chips, or soda (Halbrook et al. 1100). The given dietary patterns create the basis for the emergence of several problems. First, they might acquire extra weight and suffer from obesity. At the same time, spending much time in front of the computer with decreased physical activity and wrong posture might result in the development of scoliosis and other problems with the locomotor system (Lobel et al. 885). Moreover, there is an increased risk of acquiring chronic diseases such as gastritis. From this perspective, videogames can be dangerous for children.

Nature-Deficit Disorder

Spending much time at home and playing videogames, children devote less attention to real life and the world surrounding them. Thus, Louv states that the threatening tendency towards the decreased exposure of children to nature can be observed in Western countries today (23). The given nature-deficit disorder has a negative impact on children and society as for health development, they need to interact with the environment and acquire all benefits from this cooperation (Louv 45). The inability to remain in contact with the world affects all systems of the child body and prevents them from healthy evolution. For this reason, videogames should be viewed as the factor limiting children’s access to nature and triggering the growth of the nature-deficit disorder.

Enhancement of Brain Capabilities

However, it is critical to mention the fact that there are also positive effects linked to videogames. For instance, studies show that by playing action games, players improve their visual capabilities, including tracking multiple objects, reaction, storing, and manipulating them in specific memory centers in the brain (Paturel). Because of the need to consider several factors at the same time, players have to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and make immediate decisions, which affects their brains and makes them more flexible (Paturel). These positive effects differentiate gamers from other children and help them to cope with diverse tasks while visiting their educational establishments.

Playing action games is also directly correlated with reaction speed. Investigations show that gamers who spend much time in this sort of activities have a lower speed of reaction (Paturel). It is explained by the fact that their gaming sessions can be viewed as training, which results in the formation of bonds in the brain and the development of skills (Pellissier). Because multiple repetitions of the same actions are an effective form of learning, gamers acquire new capabilities linked to similar situations (Paturel).

Imagination

There are also different opinions on how videogames affect the imagination. Thus, most studies conclude that modern role-playing games (RPG) contribute to the development of creative and imaginary qualities of the child brain (Halbrook et al. 1100). They offer a person a unique world, and a player should use his/her imagination to dive into it and associate his/her hero with himself/herself. Additionally, quests and strategies might precondition the rise of strategic thinking and the ability to resolve problematic puzzles or questions (Halbrook et al. 1100). For this reason, videogames can be viewed as a factor stimulating the development of this aspect of the brain’s functioning.

Recommendation

In such a way, there is no unified opinion about whether videogames should be viewed as a positive or negative factor impacting the mental development of a child. This complexity comes from the fact that there are both positive and negative effects associated with gaming. However, all sources emphasize the dangerous nature of excessive gaming and addiction. It means that parents are recommended to control their children playing patterns to avoid spending too much time in the virtual world and guarantee that they interact with the world and their peers in real life.

Altogether, videogames have both positive and negative effects on children. They might precondition the development of chronic diseases and extra weight, high anxiety, and depression levels, along with the changes in brain functioning. The highly-addictive nature increases the risks of spending too much time in games. However, there are also positive effects, such as better reaction, motor skills, visuospatial cognition, and creativity, which are trained during gaming sessions. For this reason, it is vital to continue the further investigation of the problem to outline more effects and conclude whether children’s brains suffer critical damage from games or they can be a tool to stimulate its development and optimal functioning.

Works Cited

Halbrook, Yemaya J., et al. “When and How Video Games Can Be Good: A Review of the Positive Effects of Video Games on Well-Being.” Perspectives on Psychological Science , vol. 14, no. 6, Nov. 2019, pp. 1096–1104.

Lobel, Adam, et al. “Video Gaming and Children’s Psychosocial Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Study.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence , vol. 46, no. 4, 2017, pp. 884-897. doi:10.1007/s10964-017-0646-z.

Louv, Richard. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder . Algonquin Books, 2008.

Paturel, Amy. “ Game Theory: The Effects of Video Games on the Brain .” Brain & Life , Web.

Pellissier, Hank. “ Your child’s Brain on Technology: Video Games .” Great Schools , 2014, Web.

“Video Games and Children: Playing with Violence.” American Academy of Child & Adolescents Psychiatry , 2015, Web.

• The Challenges of Teen Parenting: Socioeconomic Consequences and Child Development Risks
• Raising Autistic Children Effectively
• Discord Server as Online Public Space
• Gamer Subculture: The Most Common in the World
• The Popularity of Esports Among Computer Gamers
• Maintaining a Balance of Upbringing
• Teens Talking With Their Partners About Sex: The Role of Parent Communication
• The Value of Children’s Playing
• Parent Interview: Through the Generations
• Florida Child Custody Laws: Child Well-Being
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, February 27). Impact of Videogames on Children. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-videogames-on-children/

"Impact of Videogames on Children." IvyPanda , 27 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-videogames-on-children/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Impact of Videogames on Children'. 27 February.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Impact of Videogames on Children." February 27, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-videogames-on-children/.

1. IvyPanda . "Impact of Videogames on Children." February 27, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-videogames-on-children/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Impact of Videogames on Children." February 27, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-videogames-on-children/.

Essay on Banning Violent Video Games

Students are often asked to write an essay on Banning Violent Video Games in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Banning Violent Video Games

Introduction.

Violent video games have been a topic of concern for many. Some believe they can lead to aggressive behavior in children.

Reasons for Banning

Critics argue that violent games can desensitize players to real-world violence, making them more likely to behave aggressively.

Counter-Arguments

However, others argue that such games can provide a safe outlet for natural aggression and have no proven link to real-world violence.

The debate on banning violent video games is complex. It is essential to consider both the potential risks and benefits before making decisions.

250 Words Essay on Banning Violent Video Games

The argument for banning.

Those in favor of banning violent video games posit that they contribute to increased aggression and desensitization to violence. They believe that the interactive nature of video games, where players actively participate in violence, can lead to real-world aggression. This is particularly concerning for young players who may not yet fully differentiate between virtual and real-world consequences.

The Counter-Argument

However, opponents of the ban argue that there is no definitive proof linking video game violence to real-world violence. They contend that millions of people play violent video games without exhibiting aggressive behavior. They further argue that video games, like any form of media, are a form of expression protected by the right to free speech.

While the debate continues, it’s crucial to consider the potential effects of violent video games on individuals and society. A middle-ground approach might be more effective, such as implementing stricter age restrictions and parental controls. This way, the rights of gamers are preserved, while potentially harmful effects on impressionable minds are minimized.

500 Words Essay on Banning Violent Video Games

The debate on whether violent video games should be banned has been a topic of intense discussion among policymakers, psychologists, and the general public. The critical concern is the potential influence these games could have on the behavior of players, especially young people.

The Impact of Violent Video Games

Research has shown that violent video games can have both positive and negative effects on players. On the one hand, they can enhance cognitive skills, decision-making abilities, and hand-eye coordination. Conversely, they are also associated with increased aggression, desensitization to violence, and decreased empathy.

Arguments for Banning Violent Video Games

Counter arguments.

Opponents of the ban, however, argue that it infringes upon freedom of expression and the right to access information. They posit that there is not enough empirical evidence linking violent video games directly to criminal violence. They also argue that parental control, rather than a blanket ban, should be the solution.

The Role of Parental Control

Parental control plays a pivotal role in mitigating the potential negative effects of violent video games. Parents can limit the time their children spend playing these games, monitor the content of the games, and explain the difference between video game violence and real-world consequences. This approach may be more effective than a ban, as it encourages responsible consumption of media.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.