Realistic video games can have positive and negative effects, professor says

By Staff Writer

A college professor who studies the effects of video games on children says that parents should be thorough when buying their children's gifts this holiday season.

Marina Krcmar, an associate professor of communication at Wake Forest University, said that video games can have a significant impact on adolescents. She said that games that feature greater realism can lead to more immersion into the activity, and greater immersion may result in greater effects. If a child is playing a violent game that is very realistic, such as war games, they may become more aggressive.

However, she said that realistic video games that are not "first-person shooter" can be beneficial. She recommended strategy games like Professor Layton and the Curious Village, which is a mystery and puzzle game, or Harvest Moon, which allows users to own a farm, grow food and take care of animals. Although these games are not as heavily marketed as the violent products, Krcmar said that realistic, non-shooter games can help kids develop problem-solving skills.

Problem teens who are stubborn about which video games they want to play may benefit from tough love. If a parent prohibits their children from playing violent games and purchases educational games this holiday season, the child may be more likely to develop important life skills.