Impact of game players

Why are computer games popular?
Computer games are extremely popular as it is a way of people being able to live a story without particular risk - they can act through characters and experience what they like through the game. Much like movies, computer games offer people the chance to be able to experience something out of their normal routine. For example, many people don't race cars in real life (as much as they'd like to) and even fewer are formula one racing drivers - however, gaming allows these people who enjoy such an activity to gain entertainment and an experience of what it might feel like to do so. Not only are they good for this, but they allow people to communicate with others and develop team work skills. As computer games are starting to incorporate internet access it means people from all over the world can come together and play their favourite game. Many games are now trying to appeal to the younger market and are incorporating educational features which allow people to develop important skills alongside teamwork.

Do computer games make you more violent?
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Computer games have a huge impact on many people's lives - I think that they are a key influence and do actually encourage the violent nature someone has. Computer games manage to detensensitise a lot of people (especially young children as the are going through the learning processes at a young age and learn from the game) from real life and how society is actually meant to be; Because people see that killing and shooting is fine on a game, they become desensitised that this would normally be percieved as wrong and dangerous. Generally, games are harmless and I don't think that it is intentional to bring out the violent side of someone - however, as stated I think that if they play these games as they are learning or are people who are easily influenced, it does bring out a violent side.

Do computer games make you more isolated?
In the long run, computer games are liable to make most more socially isolated. Most people enjoy computer games with their friends and family as they find it is a good way to relieve stress, ease boredom and also bond - but, there are many more games in which only one player is needed. This means people will start missing out on social events to complete the games. People will then find that they would rather stay at home and play on a game than go out and meet their friends. Also as computer games are a way of people to live fantasy lives they will soon start to like their fantasy life rather than their real life - it can be used as an effective escape method for someone who doesn't particularly like their life. Furthermore, if their social life deteriorates because of game playing, they are only likely to do moreso, and hence a cycle is created.

Do networked computer games make you more or less social?
Networked games are more likely to make you less social. Although you work within a team and communicate via this, it's not "real" communication - it's a fantasy world. Furthermore, it doesn't actually involve talking to someone and getting to know them, it's working with them in order to further yourself in a game. Also, by talking over a computer you aren’t developing any social skills. This, in turn, will make physical communication more difficult as they will find it harder to approach people they don’t have a common interest in. On the other hand networked games are a good way to find people with a common interest and friendships could be formed as a result.