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THE IMPACT OF VIRTUAL GAMES ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF
YOUTH
Makhramova Zukhro
3rd year student of the
Chirchik State Pedagogical University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15378724
Annotation:
This article provides a balanced analysis of the positive and
negative effects of virtual games on the minds of young people. The positive
aspects include the development of cognitive skills, such as problem solving and
strategic thinking. It also discusses the fact that multiplayer online games can
improve teamwork and communication skills, and the negative consequences of
excessive gaming, such as social isolation, psychological dependence, and a
tendency to violence.
Keywords:
virtual games, strategic games, simulation games, cognitive
abilities, psychological addiction, violent games, social isolation.
In recent years, due to the development of technology, the widespread use
of computers and mobile devices, as well as the popularity of the Internet,
virtual games have become very popular among young people. Modern video
games have complex graphics that allow for interactive simulations, interesting
storylines, and social networking elements, allowing players to develop skills or
gain unique experiences in real life.
According to scientific studies, some virtual games can develop logical
thinking, improve memory and quick decision-making skills. For example,
strategic and logical games serve to strengthen the thinking of young people.
Some games can even help reduce stress levels. At the same time, there are
different opinions among experts about the impact of virtual games. Many
researchers say that games that promote violence and aggression can have a
negative impact on the minds of young people and form aggressive behavior .
The World Health Organization included gaming disorder in its list of
mental illnesses in 2019. This disorder is characterized by excessive dependence
on virtual games that negatively affects a person's daily life, social relationships,
and overall health.
Virtual games can play an important role in developing cognitive skills in
young people. Research shows that logical and strategic games help to improve
problem-solving, concentration, and quick decision-making skills. This is
especially true for strategy, puzzle, and simulation games. Virtual games,
especially games that require fast action and high attention (such as “Call of
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Duty” or “Counter-Strike”), help to develop the visual attention of players.
According to one study, individuals who regularly play such games are better
able to observe and divide their attention between multiple objects at the same
time .
Strategy games, such as Civilization or Age of Empires, require players to
allocate resources, plan long-term, and solve problems. These types of games
help with cognitive development, especially planning and analytical thinking
skills. According to scientific studies, fast-paced action games can help improve
users' working memory. For example, one study found that players who
regularly play video games performed better on short-term memory tests than
those who did not.
Excessive gaming is one of the first signs of psychological addiction. In this
case, the person perceives gaming as their main activity and neglects other
aspects of their life. According to research, excessive gaming can negatively
affect a person's emotional, social, and academic life .
A person suffering from gaming addiction will play for much longer than
intended. For example, they may play for a few hours, but instead end up playing
all night. This can interfere with daily commitments. Young people who are
addicted to gaming may neglect schoolwork, work commitments, or social
activities. This can lead to academic failure and stunted professional growth.
Individuals who are addicted to virtual games may also think about the details of
the game, winning, or future strategies outside of the game. This makes it
difficult for them to focus on other activities. Many addicted individuals try to
reduce or stop playing, but this is difficult for them. As a result, they try to limit
their gaming time and then return to playing for longer periods of time.
According to studies, excessive gaming can lead to:
- lack of sleep;
- poor sleep quality;
- disruption of the biological clock;
- constant fatigue;
- eye strain;
- neck and spine problems;
- reduced attention span .
Some studies show that violent games can increase aggressive behavior in
the minds of young people. In particular, violent games can negatively affect the
psyche of children and adolescents, increasing aggression in real life.
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Games that promote violence reduce young people's empathy and increase
their tendency to aggressive behavior. Young children and adolescents are
especially vulnerable to the negative effects of such games, as their ability to
make moral decisions is not yet fully developed. Through virtual games, they can
normalize real-life violence and aggressive behavior.
In general, there are many studies that show that virtual games that
promote violence can increase aggression and violence among young people.
Therefore, in order to reduce the negative effects of such games, parents,
teachers and other members of society should monitor young people and create
a healthy environment for them.
Virtual games can lead to social isolation among young people. Prolonged
gaming, especially addiction to online games, limits young people's social
connections in real life, leading to loneliness. Research shows that spending a lot
of time on virtual games can lead to a decline in communication skills and a
weakening of social relationships. It has also been found that excessive gaming
among young people negatively affects the development of social skills. Because
online games require constant social interaction, they are no substitute for real-
life communication and often hinder the development of deep social
connections.
CONCLUSION: Virtual games have a variety of effects on the minds of young
people. On the positive side, they can develop cognitive skills such as problem-
solving and strategic thinking. Multiplayer online games also serve to improve
teamwork and communication skills. However, there are also negative aspects:
excessive gaming can lead to problems such as social isolation, psychological
dependence, and a tendency to violence. Therefore, parents and educators
should monitor the gaming activities of young people, properly distribute their
time and promote a healthy lifestyle.
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