Do you have a severe BlockBlast addiction? Have you been neglecting your homework to get in one more round of Fortnite? You’re not alone! According to a poll sent out to the student body, 28.1% of students think that video games are interfering with daily life. 56.2% of students also report an adult telling them to stop playing video games recently. Some of the most popular games among teens include Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft. Each of these games have millions of players daily. Roblox even has 88.9 million daily users! There is certainly a high demand for these games.
So, are video games bad for you? It depends. In recent years, there has been more discussion and research over the negative impacts of video gaming on children and teens. In 2018, the World Health Organization even classified gaming disorder as a diagnosable condition. According to the Akron Children’s Hospital, video games can contribute to poor sleep and impact attention and academic performance. 47% of students at Harrison play video games over 3 hours a day, higher than the recommended amount by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Playing video games for too long can contribute to loneliness and social isolation, which can lead to anxiety, depression, high cortisol levels, and worse cognitive development.
Video games aren’t all bad, though. The Cleveland Clinic states that different types of video games can improve different cognitive functions. These games can improve skills like strategy, critical thinking, and memory. Online games also promote friendships and communication skills. Games like Fortnite and Overwatch require collaborative work and strategic thinking, skills that can translate to real life. Video games have also been shown to help with trauma recovery.
Moderation is key to enjoying video games without them taking over your life. If you have trouble getting schoolwork done due to your gaming habits, try to set aside time right after school for your work and only play video games once you have finished. This ensures you are still productive while giving you time to wind down and relax after.
