ONLINE GAMING AMONG LEARNERS
ROXANNE KYNA P. OCAYA
Online gaming is simply the playing of a video game over the internet, usually with friends. Online games can be played on any number of devices from dedicated video game consoles such as PlayStations, Xboxes, and Nintendo Switches, to PCs, laptops, and mobile phones. Online gamers often play with other real people around the world in a wide variety of games including FPSs (first-person shooters), MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) and sports simulations. There are even virtual reality games that allow you to live out your fantasy life! These games can be beneficial to the mind of players. By engaging in puzzle-based games, players are required to use their imagination and creativity. The challenges posed by online games make it more challenging for them to come up with solutions and decisions that would help them deal with tight situations; which is why it develops the player's brain to work better. Playing these types of games makes them feel like they're taking on challenges themselves because they believe that they're actually participating in real-world activities. Online games are ubiquitous especially in this day and age that digital is the norm. However, just like anything else that is good, once it is abused, it will no longer be helpful and could even pose a risk to the person abusing it. Unfortunately, online game abuse is a normal occurrence not just with adults, but is also seen with young people, especially with learners who use the internet both for academic and entertainment purposes. According to Grinspoon (2020), there are certain health risks to people who constantly play online games, such as repetitive stress injuries characterized by pain and inflammation due to the repeated use of muscles and tendons; obesity since the learner does not exercise anymore; vision issues due to overuse of gadget. There is also sleep deprivation, insomnia, aggression, and anxiety as part of the negative effects of online game abuse. Just like what I mentioned above, anything else that is good becomes a risk to the person if abused. Therefore, moderate use is vital to avoid the risks that could arise when abused. It is important for parents to check on their children about the time that they spend on online games. Likewise, students should also be responsible with themselves and control the time that they set for online games. In fact, they may also engage in other entertaining yet still healthy activities. Online games are fun and entertaining, as long as it is integrated into a healthy lifestyle.
-oOoThe author is SST-III at Angeles City Science High School