Are Video Games Good for Children, Thesis Paper Example

Introduction

Video games commodity now

• No longer dependent upon gaming consoles only
• Devices that support video games include personal computers, tablet devices, portable media devices, and smart phones

Video games continue to be controversial

• Waste of time
• Controversial material

Thesis: There always exists a potential for technology misuse but potential benefits of video games exceed potential costs for children

Body 1

Valuable educational tool (Dutton, 2010)

• Easier to teach through video games
• Children are more engaged if they enjoy the learning process
• Particularly useful since children have increasingly shorter attention spans

Body 2

Video games increase social interaction (Jenkins)

• Useful strategy for children who rarely go out or spend time with family
• 60 percent of active gamers play with friends
• 33 percent of active gamers play with siblings

Body 3

Video games improve creativity skills (Shaevitz, 2012)

• Games often involve problems and puzzles
• Children encouraged to think out-of-the-box

Conclusion

• Video games technology has advanced tremendously in the last few decades
• Almost all imaginable genres represented by video games
• If utilized carefully, video games contribute towards healthy development of children

References

Dutton, F. (2010, December 12). F1 driver uses videogame for practice. Retrieved July 14, 2013, from http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-10-12-f1-driver-uses-videogame-for-practice

Jenkins, H. (n.d.). Reality Bytes: Eight Myths About Video Games Debunked. Retrieved July 14, 2013, from http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/impact/myths.html

Shaevitz, M. H. (2012, October 18). Video Games Can Actually Be Good for Kids. Retrieved July 14, 2013, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/video-games-good-kids_b_1974015.html