Are Video Games Really So Bad?

Rustin Watt

College English 6th Hour

Mrs. Northerns

August 6, 2007

Are Video Games Really So Bad?

Are video games really so bad? According to the article “Are Video Games Really So Bad” by Joshua Quittner yes and no. In the article there are examples of both positive and negatives to video games. These pros and cons some might agree with and some might not. Some examples of pros are enhanced reaction times, hand eye coordination, and that games can possibly make you smarter. Most of the cons in the article include a decline in social skills.

Can a video game really enhance a person’s reaction time? According to Patricia Greenfield, yes they can. In her studies she has found that video games do in fact enhance reaction time. This reaction time can also be used to increase IQ and actually make someone smarter. Josh Quittner shares that, “A lot of these games are as complex as they are treacherous. You have to learn to solve problems fast, testing hypothesis and decoding puzzles. Her research attributes an increase in worldwide nonverbal IQ.”

Many of the games people play require problem solving techniques and quick reactions; violent games included. These quick problem solving skills are a fun and easy way for people to up their IQ and speed up their reaction times rather than sitting in class or trying to catch a fly.

Along with enhancing reaction time and making you smarter video games are a good way to increase hand eye coordination. This is learned mostly from personal experience. One may recall when they first get their systems having to look at the buttons then to the screen and back. Then the longer one plays one reacts more and responds to things going on in the game. A perfect example of this is guitar hero. In this game the screen shows the notes you play with the guitar as they come by the screen. When first playing this you need to go slow and get your hands to catch up with what is on the screen. Then after a while you don’t have to take your eyes off the screen and your hands and fingers are flying. Hand eye coordination is very key in and athlete’s life especially. For example, a player in a hitting slump in baseball can go home and play MLB the Show to help see the ball better. Hand eye coordination improved by playing video games can be taken and used in everyday life, and video games are a fun way to increase your hand eye coordination

Most of the cons in the article are related to a decline in social skills. Though video games can be good in many ways they can also leave one in their little hole unaware of the