Can Video Gaming Help Solve World Problems?
There is a significant amount of debate when it comes to the topic of adults and children who use video gaming as one of their primary hobbies. Discussion often occurs surrounding violence in video games, video game addiction, or children’s video gaming habits. What is considered and discussed far less often is the positive impact that video games have on both individuals and cultures. In fact, there are many world problems that the activity of video gaming helps to solve.
It Brings People Together and Fosters New Friendships Via The Internet
Before the internet, the connections that we were able to foster outside of our communities were far more limited. When the internet became more popular, chat rooms and forums started to connect people via the internet. Now, online video gaming creates opportunities for people all around the world in different countries and time zones to have fun bonding experiences and unique discussions with one another on a common platform. While using a headset for audio chat or communicating via text messages, these groups of people who would have never met before find commonality. Xenophobia is less likely to occur when one sees their self as having valuable friendships and interactions all around the globe.
It Helps Us See That We Have More in Common With Others Than Previously Thought
For many, it can be hard to see beyond differences when it comes to different age groups, races, religions, income levels, political ideals, or other belief systems and identifying factors. When there is less sameness and more difference, violence and disagreement are more likely to occur. Seeing a similar hobby enjoyed by someone who otherwise has nothing in common with you is a unique and valuable experience. This encourages assimilation, communication, and culture exchange through the basis of commonality.
Violence in Video Games
With all of these positive elements existing in the sphere of video gaming and that whole community, it is still important to discuss the role of violence in video games. Studies have shown that playing violent video games does not contribute to the presence of more violent behavior in adults, children, or teens. It may even be an effective method of channeling aggressive energy by making sure that an imaginary target takes the brunt of it, not a real life human who you value and care about.
Video Gaming as an Alternative to Negative Habits
Some major world problems that effect people in countries all around the globe include widespread addictions and bad habits like smoking, drinking, watching adult content, gambling, or self harm. These issues are not good for communities or cultures. When people are able to solve or overcome their bad habits, they are able to be make a better impact on the world. For some people, playing video games is an important distraction to avoid negative and destructive behaviors.
Having Hobbies and Interpersonal Connections Helps Your Mental State
When feeling depressed, anxious, alone, or bored, people can act out and negatively impact the world around them. They can also face serious mental distress and the aggravation or onset of mental illness. This is a huge issue in the world today and is very often ignored or swept under the rug. When people have fun, feel accomplished, and make friendships while playing video games, their mental state can be improved. Sometimes making friends online or accomplishing something in a video game can give a person the confidence to realize that these skills can be carried over into day to day life.
Video Games Inspire People to Go Out and Solve World Problems
Problem solving skills are heavily encouraged by a variety of video games. Many video games are also based on real life or real life inspired world problems. Playing a video game that highlights issues abroad may inspire someone to go out and fight for their country. Playing a video game that requires science problem solving skills may encourage someone to pursue a science degree after gaining a sense of accomplishment with their in-game skill set.
Video Game Technology Development Helps Foster Problem Solving Technology Development as Well
When game developers create new technologies or improve old technologies for video games, they often create solutions that are also effective for solving world problems. Ongoing technological development is key to the avoidance of future issues and the solving of current world issues. People who work in the technology sector with video games often make important discoveries and accomplishments with more serious or practical world problem solving technologies as well.
Overall, the positive impacts of video gaming when it comes to world problem solving far outweigh any negative counter impacts. By fostering interpersonal skills, encouraging individual confidence, furthering technology research and development, and creating problem solving skills, video gaming can have a ripple effect which results in a massively positive world impact. This positive impact encourages hope and deserves far more discussion in the technology sector today.