Problem Gaming

Recently there was a study conducted by Yale looking for something called "Problem Gaming". The study was published in the November edition of Pediatrics. Problem Gaming is described as having any combination of three things: trying and failing to cut back, feeling an irresistible urge to play, and experiencing tension that only play can relieve. They say that these are common symptoms for many compulsive behaviors. they reported that out of 3,000 high school students polled 76% o the males said they played video games and 29% of the females too. While most would assume that the males would by in large show the most negative behaviors, this would come up false. Not only did the ales not show negative behaviors but they also reported that the ones that did play had on average higher grade point averages and were less likely to drink or smoke. The shocking part was that the females polled showed that they had more aggressive behavior like they were more likely to carry a concealed weapon to school but this also shows that more aggressive females are drawn towards gaming. Only 5% of all the people showed that they had all three compulsive behaviors. They say that it does not appear that gaming is dangerous to teens.

While I am glad that this study has shown that there is less effects from games on teens than people think, I can only wonder if this would be considered viable in a courtroom setting. This is the first study to show what i have been thinking this whole time. I have grown up on games and I have always believed that games help in things like problem solving, reaction time, and if there was ever a zombie apocalypse, a way to survive and defend ourselves from them! Only time will tell how impactful this study will be to change the perception games breed violent people.