Video Games: Are they really as bad as we think they are?

Video games. We all know that they have their pros and cons. I for one, think that video games are ok within reason. I see both sides of the spectrum but because I am only 21, I have grown up in the 'video game era'. I am also a mom. Now, my daughter isn't old enough to play video games herself, but she has shown great interest in them already. I have a 4 year old nephew who already knows how to play the Pokemon games and some Wii games.

In my personal opinion, I feel that video games are neither good or bad. It all depends on the situations video games are put in. If you are a gamer and you are not addicted and know the difference between reality vs fantasy, great! Video games are good. Completely harmless. On the other side though, if you are addicted and are starting to be violent from your video games, then not so great. It's a bad situation. Which makes the video games bad.

Now lets face the facts here. For the activists that want to completely get rid of video games altogether, it's a lost cause. We live in a society where technology is starting to rule everything. It's up to us parents to teach our kids that video games are video games and should not in any way, shape, or form be taken to real life. No matter what though, as a parent its up to us to be involved. Maybe offer to play the game with them or watch them and turn it into not just a time to be able to talk about the difference between video games and reality, but it's also a great bonding experience,

Some games actually benefit children in ways. It has been proven that children actually learn more from educational video games because they don't actually realize they are learning.

Simulation games like the SIMS can help simulate life as they get older. But you've got to be careful with these sort of games because they can cause a false expectation of real life.

Multi-player games that promote working as a team can help children learn how to work and interact with others and help teach about working together.

Puzzle and word games can help improve logic and problem solving skills.

Some games, like Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit even promote losing weight and exercise. Although these games don't constitute as a proper workout..it can help children open their minds to different forms of exercise.

Even certain fighting video games such as Fable can teach kids about ethical issues and morales.

I hope you took some new insight to video games after reading this. I feel that within moderation and careful understanding, video games can be a great way to pass the time and it can be a great bonding experience between friends and family. It's even a great social thing to do at parties.