Video games are taking over the kids’ lives. And while there are many positives that have been shown from playing video games. There are also some other things to consider as well.
I know a lot of parents feel bad when the kids throw tantrums when they try to take the iPad or Xbox away. I thought a little research into why this is might help you feel less bad about it!
Video Games and why kids just love them so much
Needless to say, it’s not just kids who love video games. Adults love them too and find them super addictive.
For children’s games, they are designed to be addictive. From the colours they choose for the game, the visual appeal. How the points and rewards are directed and collected by the kids. There are often social aspects to many games as well.
All of this leads to dopamine productive in the brain. Dopamine is what makes you feel rewarded for doing the right things.
This Is released every time you get to a new level, or win another point. Making you feel great about yourself.
What about stressful games?
Of course, lots of games are also very tense. And puts your child into flight or fight survival mode. This is just like if you were in the wild, and had to fight off a bear. This draws massive amount of adrenaline into your body.
All of it is artificial simulation for your body to go through. From the great feelings created by dopamine to the stress and anger. And it’s constant.
The video games are very good at varying the emotional reactions to keep anyone addicted to them. It also gives children a false sense of achievement and growth. Conditioning them to want more of it.
Every little reward in a video game gives your child an instant gratification. While there are studies that say the opposite, that games actually teach children to be patient and to slowly prepare for something through hard work. I’m not sure I would count playing the video game hard work though.
Life isn’t like a video game
Through life, while going through school, they go through a very structured system of. Do well, get to the top of next level. And then onto their career.
There will be many times when hard work that isn’t so fun will be needed. And gratification will not be so instant.
What about playing the guitar?
Playing the guitar is tough, and yes, it is fun. But it’s not quite as sparkly as a video game. But it does teach kids boundless of other things outside of what video game can.
Guitar takes a lot of discipline and has great long-term rewards that takes time to gain. It also has a great social aspect to it. It’s definitely one of the most sociable instruments out there. Guitar can help teach your child about delayed gratification and improve their brain development and self-discipline as well.
While there are similarities to playing video games compared to playing guitar. I wonder if you asked your child in 30 years time, do they wish they played more video game or practised more guitar when they were young. What they would say? And what would you prefer they do?
About author:
Guitar Tuition East London teaches children and adults guitar. And focuses on high quality education and service beyond just playing the guitar. Understanding the fundamentals of education helps them to advance in their innovative approach to teaching guitar.