Video Games - the Down Side

As the controversy regarding the benefits of playing video games continues, concerns continue about potentially negative consequences for excessive time devoted to playing. And because what goes into the brain does impact the individual, there are concerns about video games that involve violence and/or discrimination against others (race, gender, religion). With the perception of mirror neurons in the pre-frontal cortex—they fire as if the action being observed was being done by the person watching—there is also increasing concern related to content. A person caught in a compulsion to play video games may experience negative consequences both personally (relationships) and professionally (school or work). The physical downside can include symptoms of carpal tunnel, headaches, dry eyes, backaches, weight issues, and depression—to saying nothing of lack of appropriate physical exercise.