Positive and Negative Effects in the Psychology of Videogames

Abstract

In the age of electronic media, the social, cultural and economic presence of video games is overwhelming. The statistics reveal a high number of people of different gender and age who play worldwide and in Argentina. Having up-to-date information about the specific effects that video games produce will allow us to identify the risks and drawbacks that may arise from their misuse. This will favor the design of appropriate interventions to prevent these risks; and will guide recommendations on its use. Early research on video games has been about time exposure and how it affected the socialization and personality of children. Other studies focused on aggression and the addictive habit of video games interfered with healthy activities. However, in recent research a change of perspective has been observed, since benefits have been found related to the cognitive, social, motivational and emotional areas. The objective of this work was to explore, through an updated bibliographic review, the positive and negative effects of the use of different genres of videogames; identify the criteria used to determine their problematic use; and state recommendations for a healthy use.