How gaming consoles influence youth
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Influence of Gaming Consoles on Youth
Positive Effects of Gaming Consoles on Youth
Enhanced Well-Being and Problem-Solving Skills
Recent studies have highlighted several positive outcomes associated with playing video games. These include enhanced well-being, improved problem-solving skills, better intergroup relations, and increased physical activity3. The self-determination theory provides a framework for understanding these positive effects, suggesting that video games can fulfill basic psychological needs, thereby promoting positive youth development3.
Social and Emotional Benefits
Participation in online console game clubs has been shown to offer multiple benefits, including emotional, social, cognitive, and functional resources. These clubs provide a sense of community and meaningful interaction, which can be particularly beneficial for young adults4. Additionally, digital gaming can motivate friendship formation in offline settings, as shared gaming identities can make friendships more likely to form among adolescents8.
Negative Effects of Gaming Consoles on Youth
Poor Lifestyle Outcomes
On the flip side, extensive engagement in eSports and online video gaming has been linked to several poor lifestyle outcomes. These include decreased levels of physical activity, increased body mass index (BMI), poor diet, and sleep-related issues such as decreased quality and duration of sleep2. These findings emphasize the need for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among young gamers.
Aggression and Mental Health Issues
The influence of video games on aggression and mental health has been a contentious topic. A meta-analysis of 101 studies found minimal effects of video games on increased aggression, reduced prosocial behavior, and depressive symptoms5. However, the study also noted issues related to publication bias and the need for better-standardized outcome measures.
Pathological Gaming and Academic Performance
Pathological gaming, characterized by excessive and compulsive game playing, has been associated with poorer academic performance and attention problems. Approximately 8% of youth gamers exhibit pathological gaming patterns, which significantly predict poorer school performance even after controlling for other variables7. This highlights the importance of monitoring gaming habits to prevent negative academic outcomes.
Family Influence on Gaming Behavior
Parental Involvement and Supervision
Family factors play a crucial role in adolescent gaming behavior. Poor quality parent-child relationships are associated with increased severity of problem gaming. Conversely, a supportive paternal relationship can be protective against problem gaming6. Effective parental supervision and setting limits on gaming can mitigate some of the negative effects associated with excessive gaming9.
Obesity and Gaming
There is a clear association between the amount of time spent gaming and severe obesity in youth. Those who play games for extended periods are more likely to have class 3 severe obesity. Factors such as having a TV in the bedroom and lack of parental limits on gaming further exacerbate this issue9. This underscores the need for family-based interventions to address gaming behaviors and promote healthier lifestyles.
Conclusion
Gaming consoles have a multifaceted influence on youth, offering both positive and negative outcomes. While they can enhance well-being, problem-solving skills, and social connections, they also pose risks related to poor lifestyle habits, mental health issues, and academic performance. Family involvement and effective supervision are critical in mitigating the negative effects and promoting a balanced approach to gaming. Further research, particularly longitudinal studies, is essential to deepen our understanding of how gaming affects youth development over time.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The light, the dark, and everything else: making sense of young people's digital gaming
Digital gaming is complex and diverse, and focusing on a balance between beneficial and detrimental effects overlooks young people's agency and agency.
Observational StudyThe impact of eSports and online video gaming on lifestyle behaviours in youth: A systematic review
ESports and online video gaming are associated with poor lifestyle outcomes, such as decreased physical activity, increased BMI, and sedentary behavior, and poor nutrition and sleep quality.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe Link Between Playing Video Games and Positive Youth Outcomes
Playing video games is linked to enhanced well-being, problem-solving skills, intergroup relations, and physical activity in youth, with self-determination theory potentially linking these positive effects.
Literature ReviewOnline console game club as a resource a case study of the perceived meaning of club membership
An online console game club positively impacts young adults' lives through emotional, social, cognitive, and functional resources, suggesting potential for online education.
Observational StudyDo Angry Birds Make for Angry Children? A Meta-Analysis of Video Game Influences on Children’s and Adolescents’ Aggression, Mental Health, Prosocial Behavior, and Academic Performance
Video game influences on aggression, prosocial behavior, academic performance, depressive symptoms, and attention deficit symptoms are minimal.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedFamily factors in adolescent problematic Internet gaming: A systematic review
Poorer quality parent-child relationships increase the severity of adolescent problem gaming, while cooperative fathers may be protective against it.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPathological Video-Game Use Among Youth Ages 8 to 18
Pathological video-game use affects 8% of American youth aged 8-18, leading to poorer grades and comorbidity with attention problems.
Observational StudyHighly CitedDo adolescent gamers make friends offline? Identity and friendship formation in school
Digital gaming identity in adolescents motivates friendship formation in school, making friendships 1.5 times more likely later in the school year.
Observational StudyElectronic Gaming Characteristics Associated with Class 3 Severe Obesity in Youth Who Attend the Pediatric Weight Management Programs of the COMPASS Network.
Youth who play electronic games for more than 4 hours a day are more likely to have severe obesity.
Observational StudyPeer effects on youth screen media consumption in Catalonia (Spain)
Peer influence positively impacts youth screen media consumption, with boys showing greater influence on internet use than girls.
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