Have Video Games Had a Positive or Negative Effect on Society?

by SodaHead Gaming Posted 2011/10/25 13:00:00

Related Topics: Games, Video Games, Foldit, Eterna, Rna, HIV, AIDS, Science, Scientists, Future, Online Gaming, suicide, Online Games, Movie, Free, parents

Read More

346 votes
Read all 123 opinions
Lightning Report View Results and Demographics + View Demographics

Loading Demographics... Click an icon to see demographic results Display unknown and private
	Positive	239 votes	69%
	Negative	107 votes	31%

Video games have been an integral part of American culture for years now. From Pong to Pac-Man to Mario to Halo to... uh, Angry Birds?... games have not only grown into a primary entertainment medium, but have also been a blessing to science. Scientists figured out a way to shift the burden of scientific discovery onto gamers by turning tedious (but necessary) thinking tasks into free online video games -- and it's working.

Foldit and EteRNA, online games developed by Adrien Treuille, have made progress toward finding a cure for HIV/AIDS that even supercomputers have been unable to accomplish, simply by exploiting the brute force of 430,000 entertained human minds. Treuille explains, "One of our goals when we made Foldit is to make proteins toy-like, which is actually a technical term from game design."

foldit

But games have their critics, too. Informal connections have been made between massively multiplayer online gaming and suicide, and games like "Grand Theft Auto" continue to draw concern from parents and authorities. Then there's always the argument that playing video games -- or watching TV -- is a waste of time, or leads to apathy and laziness.

Video games have had a number of different effects on society, some proven and some speculative. Weighing the good and the bad, do you think their overall effect has been positive or negative?

Now if you'll please excuse us, we're going to fold some proteins. (Or synthesize some RNA. Whichever is most entertaining.)

Add a comment above

meg 2011/10/25 19:12:11

Negative

+4
Negative, no one goes outside on sunny days just to play any more parents have to force their kids outside and even so they're on some mobile device.
>> See Replies

More polls by SodaHead Gaming

m 2011/11/22 23:10:18
Alura Young 2011/11/16 00:48:25 (edited)

Negative

How many people do you hear of playing games that allow you to fold protein? Those random, uncommon, and beneficial games aside; video games make you lazy and even stupid. When people (especially children who's brains are still developing) play these time-wasters, they could be doing homework, studying, reading, playing with their pets, friends, playing outside, doing some kind of sport, arts&crafts;, or just plain socializing (not "online") with friends-- just like people did just a few years ago, before this sedentary form of entertainment exploded.

reply
tilyler to Alura Y... 2012/09/30 21:39:57

+2
Listen lady many of your points are wrong and are just plain offensive, i am a perfectly healthy 18 yr old who spends the majority of his time playing video games with friends. While it isn't the best thing for young kids to sit and play games all day its perfectly normal and healthy for someone 14+

reply
Jesse Byrd to Alura Y... 2012/12/19 03:14:44

+10
Video games do not make anyone lazy or stupid, even games like Call of Duty makes you think strategically- other games like Bioshock, Dishonored, The Witcher stimulate people mentally with carefully crafted stories. Video games encourage thought with puzzles and obstacles (enemies and otherwise). All the activities besides homework could be used to procrastinate. Many gamers lead very active social lives on and offline, please do not fall to the stereotype of the morbidly obese asocial gamer who leeches off his parents income. Do research before you believe anything. Please correct me if I have made any mistakes.

reply
Jordan Moran 2011/10/30 11:57:48

Positive

+1
Gaming has many positive effects on society.

Educationally, gaming can educate society about history, for example CoD 2 or CoD BRO, the player fights in battles in chronological order learning more about WW2 or learn more generally like how to treat a pet properly in Nintentogs, which can be played at a young age.

In terms of benefits to fitness, new technology like Xbox Kinect or the Wii console allow for players of all ages to game with their body and with many fitness games like Zumba or Dance Studio (some crap like that) on the market it is easy for those who want to get fit. Gaming widens avenues and creates more opportunities.

Economically, particularly in the UK gaming is the largest market and I believe its not too far off the top spot in the US and as a result gaming produces jobs and creates an export. It increases the world economy due to its large scale advertisement and sales and provides many more opportunities for those who enjoy gaming themselves to get behind the developers and producers of games.

For the minority who are addicted to gaming and sit there just playing day in day out, I cannot help you. Those with a job in the gaming industry, good on you for getting paid for what you love!

reply
JAINA12 2011/10/28 06:50:36

Positive

video games or any games are benificial to everyone at any age because they involve many things like problem sollving, being creative, taking the mind off things- so helping get rid of stress, theyre exciting,so they involeve a high amount of brain function which is really good, however its only when these games have bad things in them or unappropraite things thts when they arent good

But overall theyre heaps fun and should be playedd

reply
2226693 2011/10/27 20:22:07
p18711 2011/10/27 13:49:28 (edited)

Positive

AND NEGATIVE E=mc2

reply
todd 2011/10/27 12:43:49

Negative

Depends on which games we are talking about, of course. Educational games...learning games...those with a positive message...would be a positive impact. Most others - negative. The only people who would believe otherwise are the people who play them. The negative are the ones that have a high tendency to distract from reality, are addictive and some, being graphically violent on top of that. Not a good use of technology.

reply
Vulcade 2011/10/27 08:15:48 (edited)

Positive

+1
Video games bring me closer to God.

reply
sundance 2011/10/27 06:25:13 (edited)
Vulcade to sundance 2011/10/27 09:11:53

+3

reply
sundance to Vulcade 2011/10/27 10:11:27
Vulcade to sundance 2011/10/28 00:41:30

+1

ACTUALLY I spend most of my time improving my 'art skills', volunteering at the SPCA, training my Border Collie, reading, writing and whatnot. Unfortunately I recently quit YSAR so I can't brag about that anymore. I play video games for fun and inspiration :D

I don't have an 'addictive personality'. The guys in my family, however, have trouble. Perhaps things like violent video games and porn have more power over males.

The quote in my drawing is from Fallout: New Vegas. That game is truly a work of art.

reply
sundance to Vulcade 2011/10/28 05:27:45 (edited)

Well it is good to know that you have self awareness, and a desire to better you and your world. By the way, I didn't actually take the whole thing too seriously. I just enjoy testing the water. Besides, I doubt that dislike for a game is worthy of crucifixion. I will admit that I have a deep and abiding dislike for video game, as I find them the scourge of the new millennium. I must admit though, I do find your taste in artwork well versed, and your "Fallout: New Vegas" is also quite interesting. I would further that some of the video fare of late does possess some astounding graphics. I just wish the content was not so very (often) predictable. Anyhow, was a pleasure, and I wish you luck with your inspirations...Just a thought...

reply
scArgazer to sundance 2011/10/28 15:47:05 (edited)

+1
To say that games are all about killing/raping/stealing is a stretch. There are many overlooked games that are mature, story-driven, intelligent, but overlooked by the general public. Shooters and sports games are not the only ones out there.

At first glance it's hard to take something like Phoenix Wright or Professor Layton seriously, but once you get involved in the story you're drawn in immediately. In Phoenix Wright you are actually defending innocent clients accused of doing bad things! All of these are phenomenal games that require reasoning and intelligence to play. They may not appeal to everyone, but that's why there are many different types of games for many different types of people.

My life is not confined to video games. I am a contralto in university choir, a black belt in taekwondo, a graphic artist, a writer, and a composer. I do a lot of things in my spare time other than play video games.

Despite my differing views, I will not try to change your opinion, nor will I try to get you to agree with me. I respect your views on the issue.

To say that games are all about killing/raping/stealing is a stretch. There are many overlooked games that are mature, story-driven, intelligent, but overlooked by the general public. Shooters and sports games are not the only ones out there.

At first glance it's hard to take something like Phoenix Wright or Professor Layton seriously, but once you get involved in the story you're drawn in immediately. In Phoenix Wright you are actually defending innocent clients accused of doing bad things! All of these are phenomenal games that require reasoning and intelligence to play. They may not appeal to everyone, but that's why there are many different types of games for many different types of people.

My life is not confined to video games. I am a contralto in university choir, a black belt in taekwondo, a graphic artist, a writer, and a composer. I do a lot of things in my spare time other than play video games.

Despite my differing views, I will not try to change your opinion, nor will I try to get you to agree with me. I respect your views on the issue.
(more)

reply
sundance to scArgazer 2011/10/28 18:22:25 (edited)

We are in complete agreement that not all video games are about violence. That is not the entire point of my post, nor is it a personal attack on all who play them. It is, however, a verbal protest as to their addictive nature (to a large majority) and their obvious lack of discretion in subject matter. The thought that I can purchase games not only depicting random acts of crime and senseless violence, but glorifying said, is nauseating to say the least. I would add that I personally know (at least) several people who waste nearly their every waking moment, immersed deeply into this visual facade. They have continued with this madness so fervently, as to invite chaos, marital strife and eventual unemployment. This is not a campaign for my personal vendetta, but a national (and international) epidemic. When people will neglect themselves and become sequestered prisoners, neglect their children to the point of criminal, and commit atrocities, stimulated by their weak mind and a blatantly violent game, something needs be done.
Now I will admit some have merit. As a wise fellow SodaHead member pointed out, many games do have amazing art and graphics, and can be quite stimulating and inspirational. To that end I agree wholeheartedly with both of your points. Unfortunately, video ...

We are in complete agreement that not all video games are about violence. That is not the entire point of my post, nor is it a personal attack on all who play them. It is, however, a verbal protest as to their addictive nature (to a large majority) and their obvious lack of discretion in subject matter. The thought that I can purchase games not only depicting random acts of crime and senseless violence, but glorifying said, is nauseating to say the least. I would add that I personally know (at least) several people who waste nearly their every waking moment, immersed deeply into this visual facade. They have continued with this madness so fervently, as to invite chaos, marital strife and eventual unemployment. This is not a campaign for my personal vendetta, but a national (and international) epidemic. When people will neglect themselves and become sequestered prisoners, neglect their children to the point of criminal, and commit atrocities, stimulated by their weak mind and a blatantly violent game, something needs be done.
Now I will admit some have merit. As a wise fellow SodaHead member pointed out, many games do have amazing art and graphics, and can be quite stimulating and inspirational. To that end I agree wholeheartedly with both of your points. Unfortunately, video games are also an easy drug of choice for the weak minded and the easily addicted. This visual opiate can validate the desire for very real, and very violent behavior. I can only hope, that at some point, the industry sees the necessity to employ some self control and self respect to their agenda...Just a thought...
(more)

reply
Flea 2011/10/27 03:15:49

Negative

+2
People have become fat, lazy, prone to instant gratification, and new addictions have been spawned from video games and computer usage- and it's not just kids. The most disturbing aspect to me, though, is that I , with only 13 years of computer use under my belt, find myself automatically looking for a replay button or fighting down an urge to use an "undo" key combo in real life situations. What's going to happen to the current generation growing up ? Will they even be able to differentiate the real world from fantasy? There is no extra guy or "undo" function when it comes to real life.

reply
Vulcade to Flea 2011/10/28 08:11:52

Maybe people who haven't grown up with computers/video games/whatnot find it harder to adapt. Look, this generation will be just fine.

reply
Flea to Vulcade 2011/10/28 21:08:48

+1
Let me guess- you're under 21, aren't you?
We have to wait probably 20 years to see the final consequences of the so-called "computer age".....

reply
Vulcade to Flea 2011/10/29 00:25:02

Haha okay.

reply
revolutionikita 2011/10/27 02:05:30

Negative

+1
Sure, they're fun, but from a purely beneficial vs. not beneficial standpoint, they suck up our time and money, distract us from important things, often enforce gender roles, and probably make us more angry/violent. But yeah, they're fun. I sure enjoy angry birds, smash brothers on the wii and just dance. As far as the progress of humanity and society goes... meh, probably not beneficial.

reply
Sakus<3 2011/10/26 22:57:55

Positive

+2
II wish there was a "Both" button, because it really depends on the person.

reply
boots 2011/10/26 21:48:20

Positive

they keep your stupid kids off the street . So us people without kids do not have to see your stupid brats .

reply
sundance to boots 2011/10/28 18:53:15

And what of the stupid adults?...Just a thought...

reply
Brad 2011/10/26 21:19:56

Positive

I can give you a list for positives half a mile long...
I can't do the same for the negatives...
Simple fact is everything will be a games 5 to 10 years down the road... EVERYTHING!!!

reply
ZapisʹDokazatelʹstva 2011/10/26 21:12:33

Positive

It can be both but definitely positive

reply
SocratesIII 2011/10/26 20:21:50

Positive

Improve cognitive skills, improves IQ and tine motor skills including inproved eye hand coordination. Gives a social outlet that needs to be learned at an early age to compete in the coming Computer Age in the 21st century and beyond.

reply
sundance to Socrate... 2011/10/28 19:12:08 (edited)

+1
The computer age has created the need for many new micro surgeons to combat the wave of carpel tunnel sufferers. Does absolutely bipkus for IQ skills (IQ is not something you earn), and has become the number one waster of time in this country. I will agree with your assessment concerning the hand eye coordination issue, and I would agree with your statement on the necessity for computer literacy. I will however, need to vehemently disagree with your assessment of the social implications of video games. Video games are a classic design model for the anti social and the closet narcissist, as well as the social introvert. The extended use of video games has been unarguably linked to many fast growing social and intellectual debilities. Sociologists and psychiatrists are seeing an alarming number of patients, nearly crippled with the effects of long term exposure to video games. Employee absences, due to extensive game usage, is the fastest growing complaint by employers. And on the "social aspect" of video games? They teach a disconnectedness with reality, and remove real world responsibilities and penalties for ones actions. Now are they a necessary tool for the "coming Computer Age in the 21st century and beyond.", yes, they are. However, like any tool, they have their scope of application, and should be used as such....Just a thought...

reply
Socrate... to sundance 2011/10/28 23:14:43

Improves reading skills and problem solving skills as well. Yes there is a plethora of psychological problems emerging as well. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a symptom of prolonged use of muscles without rest. Just like anything else it can be prone ot abuse and if not combined with heatlthy outside interests away from the computer can engender longterm social problems as well. IQ is the measurement of vocabulary comprehension and usage, spatial skills and logical thinking and deductive reasoning and can be enhanced with proper education and environment.

reply
sundance to Socrate... 2011/10/29 07:47:28 (edited)

OK, one more time. IQ isn't like a muscle. You cant go to the gym and make it bigger. IQ is like having all the cubic inches your mind will ever have. Now you can attach a supercharger, sodium filled valves, a bigger cam etc. etc., you are never going to increase cubic inches, just horse power (ie training or education). Too many people mix up intelligence with education, and they are not any where near the same thing. As for carpel tunnel, yes, it is a repetitive stressful movement that causes the constriction of the Median nerve as it traverses the carpel tunnel. Now, new ergonomic keyboards and the newer hand held input devices, as well as voice input has helped considerably. I will not argue that video games can increase hand eye coordination, then again, so can tennis. I would bet that a tennis addiction is vastly better for you. None of the above actually addresses the main and overwhelming problem of video addiction. An entire industry has cropped up, dealing with the specific issue of internet porn and video game addiction. Now, the latter of those has created an entire sideline for the psychological services industry. An entirely new frontier in psychology and psychiatry has emerged because of interactive electronic addictions. I have read quotes, giving validation to...

OK, one more time. IQ isn't like a muscle. You cant go to the gym and make it bigger. IQ is like having all the cubic inches your mind will ever have. Now you can attach a supercharger, sodium filled valves, a bigger cam etc. etc., you are never going to increase cubic inches, just horse power (ie training or education). Too many people mix up intelligence with education, and they are not any where near the same thing. As for carpel tunnel, yes, it is a repetitive stressful movement that causes the constriction of the Median nerve as it traverses the carpel tunnel. Now, new ergonomic keyboards and the newer hand held input devices, as well as voice input has helped considerably. I will not argue that video games can increase hand eye coordination, then again, so can tennis. I would bet that a tennis addiction is vastly better for you. None of the above actually addresses the main and overwhelming problem of video addiction. An entire industry has cropped up, dealing with the specific issue of internet porn and video game addiction. Now, the latter of those has created an entire sideline for the psychological services industry. An entirely new frontier in psychology and psychiatry has emerged because of interactive electronic addictions. I have read quotes, giving validation to its resemblance to an opiate addiction. Now I do understand that not all drinkers are alcoholics, and not all casual drug users are addicts. However, the propensity increases with the exposure level and points of contact involved. Video games make contact with the human mind (especially with peripherals)through multiple senses, and therefor are capable of creating addiction on many levels. ...Just a thought
(more)

reply
*The Gentle Giant* 2011/10/26 19:41:38

Positive

Games were made to be played and just have fun. People get to competive don't have any fun unless your the one winning.

reply
fitz 2011/10/26 18:09:40

Negative

+1
Video games are a part of the problem with our country's obesity and laziness. If you can find good in that, be my guest. When I was young (50+ years ago), there were very few fat kids. I go to the mall today and they're everywhere.

reply
Spyderman739 2011/10/26 18:00:29

Negative

+1
All you have to do is look at the state of the world we live in. Violence has become acceptable and I believe it's because of video games and entertainment in general.

reply
Ben-Jamin Tomlinson 2011/10/26 17:27:09
Kogafan9090 2011/10/26 15:27:05

Positive

I couldn't go an hour without video games

reply
jimbo999 2011/10/26 13:39:38

Positive

If you don't believe that it helps hand/eye coordination, fine, but playing video games is better that being out on the streets.

reply
Ben-Jam... to jimbo999 2011/10/26 18:20:03

Could define being out on the streets?

Because if you mean being poor, or getting into drugs or other illegal things, I agree with you.

But if you mean simply walking around outside on the street, then I disagree with you.

reply
will 2011/10/26 12:14:04

Positive

it makes kids fat/gives dorks the power to have so called(ninja)/they are entertaining/they are popular but its getting old make something new ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

i said positive B-)

reply
SpiritRaven 2011/10/26 11:20:59

Negative

+1
As amazing as games are, I see more negative effects than I see positive effects. However, I will admit that they have been getting better over the years. Before, all the games did was create the stereotypical gamers - coach potatoes and skinny geeks. Now they have Wii have those sports things and the elderly can use that to get some form of exercise and young people can play DDR or Just Dance to have fun while getting exercise!

reply