The Pros and Cons of Playing Computer Video games (page 2 of 3)

By Helen Sandstrom

From HealthSmart Magazine

The argument for computer games!

Obesity

New research from the University of Zaragoza in Spain shows that the risk of being overweight increases with every hour teens spend on virtual play. Yet games may also be part of the solution. A study from the University of Hong Kong found playing games in which players mimic the actions involved in sports are a good way of keeping fit. Players can use about the same energy as they would on a brisk walk.

"Nintendo thumb"

Hours of repeated movements can damage tendons and nerves in the thumbs. Physiotherapists are also alarmed by what slouching is doing to young spines. "Most children sit on the floor playing games, or on their beds, or in chairs that are generally too big for them," says physiotherapist Wendy Emberson. "If they were at work, health and safety officers would have a field day!"

Cyber-hooked

"Recent research on 7000 online gamers found 12% experienced ‘addictive’ signs of playing," says Professor Mark Griffiths, director of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University. "In online gaming, there is no end to the game and there is the potential to play endlessly."

Violence

Studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia have found violent games diminish players’ brain responses to images of real-life violence. And when players were given the chance to "punish" a fake opponent, those who’d recorded the lowest brain responses were most brutal. But does this relate to real-life aggression? The few studies in this area usually base their measure on "thoughts", says Jonathan Freedman from the University of Toronto. "In some studies, if the person playing a violent game has more thoughts of aggression, this is considered an indication that violent games cause aggression." Freedman says this is a flimsy link. "After watching a war movie, you probably have thoughts of war, but no-one would suggest you are more likely to wage war."