Nowadays, many people have different opinions about online games. Although it is true that video games have a negative impact on teens if the playtime is excessive, I believe that if balanced, computer games can help young people develop essential life skills.
On one hand, some people argue that playing electronic games can distract young people from academics and create a false sense of productivity. One reason for this is that games take hours that could be spent studying or engaging in productive activities. Teenagers who are avid gamers often prioritize their time for gaming over their homework, leading to academic distraction and a lack of concentration in class. For example, a 2021 survey by the UK Department for Education found that 40% of high school students who played video games daily had lower grades than non-gamers. Additionally, online games naturally give players the feeling of achieving something through a reward mechanism, such as the rare item they receive when they reach certain levels or ranks, which makes them feel productive even though they are doing nothing good in real life. Games are designed with reward cycles, like levels, ranks, or badges, to trick people into believing they have achieved something. For instance, some gamers push themselves to their limits in order to reach in-game milestones. In Ohio, a 15-year-old passed out from severe dehydration after playing Call of Duty continuously for four days, only stopping for snacks or bathroom breaks.
On the other hand, others believe that playing video games can help young people develop economic thinking and digital entrepreneurship skills. This is primarily because many modern games simulate real-world economics, such as resource management, trading, and virtual markets. Players often learn to manage virtual assets, calculate risks, make strategic investments, and even sell in-game items for real money. In Roblox, through the Developer Exchange program, developers can make games and exchange virtual money (Robux) for real money. Furthermore, many online games require players to work in teams to achieve the same goals, which encourages teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. In multiplayer games, players often take on roles, like in Marvel Rivals, which include healer, attacker, or strategist, success depends on team coordination and trust. Also, frequent communication, such as voice chat or pings, helps players develop interpersonal skills. A good example of this is Valorant, which requires a team of 5 players to pick different agents with roles and tasks they have to perform in order to win the match, such as duelists needing to enter the site and make space for the team to plant the Spike (bomb) as attackers.
In conclusion, while some argue that online games have a negative impact on academic performance and mental health, others think that virtual gaming helps develop useful skills. In my opinion, digital games are one of the most effective ways to learn essential skills in life if we strike a balance.