Online Gaming l Press Start

 Scenario 1:

"You and your friend frequently play a popular online role-playing game. Your friend's computer had a virus recently, which was traced back to a malware-infected website. Your friend tells you that she visited the website after following a link while playing the game. What risks are involved when playing online games?"

Online Gaming l Safety Tips

In 21st century online gaming has become a trend which is fast growing among younger generation. In fact for many people it is a part of daily life. In earlier days, multiplayer online gaming took place inside a closed room with limited participants. But today with the advancement of global internet, gamers from various parts of the world interact with each other. Most at times, gamers use computers, gaming consoles or smart phones along with an internet connection to play online games. However, not always online gaming could help children. Depending on how you use online gaming, it can be both useful and harmful. By considering the benefits and drawbacks, gamers could use online gaming as a safe platform.

Many different causes factor into video game addiction. One of the main reasons that video games can become so addictive, however, is they are designed to be that way. Video game designers, like anyone else trying to make a profit, are always looking for ways to get more people playing their games. They accomplish this by making a game just challenging enough to keep you coming back for more but not so hard that the player eventually gives up. In other words, success for a gamer often feels just out of reach. In this respect, video game addiction is very similar to another more widely recognized disorder: gambling addiction.

Risk in playing online games

The most dangerous opponents in some computer games may not be the ones that appear on the screen. Computer viruses may hitch a ride on downloaded games. Or they may be hidden in the virtual online weapons and equipment that game-players can often buy online or download for free. If one of these viruses gets into your computer it can mean more than "game over." At minimum, a computer virus can slow your computer to a crawl, and require expensive professional disinfecting to restore its performance. Or a virus could steal you and your family's banking and credit card information, and pass it along to cyber criminals.

Advantages of Online Gaming

1.Socialize

When playing online games. there is always a tendency to get socialize. Online gaming allows communication to take place between players of different regions. They can interact with each other while having fun. This will not only help them to get socialized, at the same time they will be a better team player.

2. Concentration

Frequently playing online games will make children's brain to function quicker and overall improve their memory power. Some online games require extensive planning and problem solving skills to complete levels. Therefore, children need to be mentally more active and concentrated.

3. Analytical Skills

While also online gaming helps to improve analytical skills. Using these skills, gamers should be able to respond quickly to the changes in the game. Even these analytical skills will be useful in real life where there is a need of immediate problem solving.

4. Relaxation

Online games are also known to promote relaxation. Obviously, games are one of the popular choices for entertainment. People with anxiety and depression can play online games to relieve stress. Not only children, even adults play online games for relaxation.

5. Revenue

Online gaming also makes it possible to earn money as long as it is a right platform. Based on the level of hardwork, they can significantly earn potential rewards. But only under the condition of 18 or above age. With increasing revenue, children might show positive attitude towards gaming.

Disadvantages of Online Gaming

1. Cost

The major cost of online gaming comes from the charges of internet connection. The internet Service Provider (ISP) may impose large data charges depending on the time the user spends for gaming. 

Some online games also requires players to have online accounts which is normally with a monthly fee. In-game purchases are also included where a player can upgrade their elements by paying a sum of fee.

2. Security

When playing online games, there is always a risk of hacking. Players enter their personal information in online gaming for various reasons. If a hacker manages to hijack these information, they could use it for illegal activities. As a result, the reputation of the player could be destroyed within seconds.

3. Addiction

Playing online games for extended time period can also lead to addiction. Some gamers are addicted to an extent that they have forgotten their daily responsibilities. Online game addiction has become a serious issue that many people are struggling to deal with. By prioritizing work first, games would be able to lessen the time devoted for gaming.

4. Cyberbullying

No matter how developed internet platform is, there are many people around the world who tries to misuse internet users. Cyberbullying is one such way through which these people will take advantage. It is popular tactic used to distract gamers. Most often underage children are targeted for cyberbullying. And also, in the name of gaming players could be cheated with their money.

5. Health Concerns

Prolonged time spent in online gaming can have adverse effects on your physical health. Online gamers often spend too much of time staying in one position without much of any physical activities. The result of this can be seen in the form of shoulder and back pain. Moreover, staring at a computer or a phone screen for a long time can lead to various eye problems including blurry vision. All this can bring negative effects to our body

 

For me I been an online gaming addict since elementary to highschool , I experience that it gives me happiness to play online games with others that I don't know that gives me confidence also it's was fun playing with your friends but also I realize that I been addicted to much that sometimes I don't eat just playing games and also you become more and more aggressive when losing in game and also learn gambling in online game. Online games give me improvement in this new era technology but also give me bad habit or bad influence.

Online gaming helps the development of children, provides a fun and exciting way to pass time and develops teamwork skills, they enhance skills such as technology skills that are required in today’s life which is constantly changing and growing. But we do agree that online gaming does have a downside like everything in life, and that use should be limited and online gamers should be aware of the things that can possibly happen if their time gaming is abused and Parents should limit the time their children are allowed to play online, and only allow use if all homework and other commitments are completed. Gaming should be a reward not a given.

Tips for safety Gaming 

• Block, report and mute people who troll or bully you in games.

• Take short breaks if you're gaming for a long time.

• Don't share personal information with people in games.

• Avoid in-game purchases like loot boxes.

• Check the age rating of any games you play.

References

https://www.hitechwhizz.com/2021/05/5-advantages-and-disadvantages-drawbacks-benefits-of-online-gaming.html?m=1

https://www.psychguides.com/behavioral-disorders/video-game-addiction/