Electronic interactive games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment nowadays. They may vary from gory, violent and immoral to educational and cognitive-skill enhancing. But all are time consuming, usually costly, and can influence the lives of frequent players. What exactly are the pros and cons of these games?

PROS

*Game rules and tools for problem solving can develop one’s cognitive skills

*Gaming experience may contribute to better eye-hand coordination and reflexes

*Winning may improve self-esteem

*Interactive games may enhance the development of spatial ability skills

*Effective in teaching children basic skills like reading and math

*Exposure to computer technology can improve one’s skill in decoding scientific-technical information graphically represented on a computer screen

CONS

*Frequent players are prone to obesity and leading a sedentary lifestyle

*Can influence one’s morals (ex. one may view violence,gore and immorality as ok)

*May make one more violent and prone to committing crime

*Very addictive and can consume a lot of time and money

*Academic or work performance may dwindle

*It may affect one’s ability to communicate and socialize normally

Though the technology of video games may be constantly changing and advancing, the way we learn and process information does not and neither will the influence it has on us be it constructive or destructive. Remember: “too much of anything is bad”.

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