Negative effects of video games

Research on aggressive behavior as an effect of playing violent video games began in the 1980s and 1990s and still continues today. Although under current debate, some researchers claim that these violent games may cause more intense feelings of aggression than nonviolent games, and may trigger feelings of anger and hostility. Several studies that have supported such findings (see Anderson & Bushman (2001) for a meta-analysis).The theoretical explanations for these types of effects can be explained by a myriad of theories;social cognitive theory,excitation transfer theory,priming effect and the general aggression model.

violent video games has been found to decrease prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behaviors include activities such as giving to charity, volunteering and overall "helping" behaviors(Chambers & Ascione, 1987; Wiegman & Schie, 1998). Other researchers have claimed that exposure to violent video games has predicted alcohol consumption, destruction of school property, and other delinquent behaviors (Anderson & Dill, 2000). Not only have video games have been shown to influence self perception (Funk, Buchman, & Germann, 2000), but they may have a link with body image assessment of the opposite gender. Female video game characters are often hypersexualized and unrealistic (Dietz, 1998; Jansz & Martis, 2003), and have been shown to play a factor in hard-core gamers’ perceptions of ideal beauty (Rask, 2007).

Many believe that an addiction can be formed from playing computer games. This addiction could lead to physical health problems, spending problems, and time displacement leading to missed work or school days. It has been said that in August of 2005, a South Korean adult gamer died after 50 hours of gameplay, yet no solid evidence has supported this “game-addiction” hypothesis.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_effects

The rise in childhood obesity in the U.S. has raised awareness of media consumption in children. Not only are parents and organizations blaming the food industry for the problem, but they are turning to television and video games as a key factor. Displacement Theory supports the notion that the time that would normally be spent being active outdoors or in sports, children are now replacing with leisure and inactive time in front of the television. Others tend the blame the problem on parental enforcement.