Play
Children have an innate tendency to engage in play, which is a crucial activity in their lives that reveals their inner thoughts, emotions, and hidden aspects of their personalities. Through play, a child’s identity is formed, and their intellectual, emotional, and social tendencies become apparent. Psychologists affirm that play fosters individual personality development and serves as a fundamental educational tool. Historically, the concept of play was associated primarily with physical or motor activities. However, with the evolution of science and technology, the understanding of play has shifted significantly; electronic games emerged and quickly captured the attention of all societal segments, achieving remarkable success. This transition has shifted the focus of play from education to entertainment primarily.
Play can be defined as a mental or physical activity that individuals, whether young or old, perform to satisfy various desires and needs, including amusement, relaxation, education, curiosity, and the release of excess energy. These needs vary across different age groups, making play an essential component of children’s lives, comparable to fundamental needs such as nourishment, sleep, and safety.
The Importance of Play
The significance of play stems from its role as one of a child’s basic necessities. It is a vital aspect of their personal life; through play, children learn a multitude of skills that are beneficial to their development. It enhances their physical, cognitive, emotional, and linguistic growth. Contrary to the belief held by many, play is not merely a way to fill leisure time for children; it offers substantial benefits, especially when parents select appropriate games based on careful consideration and sound methodology. When chosen wisely, games can equip children with various skills essential for their personality development, while also clarifying numerous scientific, religious, and linguistic concepts.
Play is essential for children at all developmental stages, as well as for adults. It brings joy and happiness, revitalizes energy, and serves as a means to break the monotony of daily routines.
The Concept of Electronic Games
Electronic games emerged in the early 1980s with technological and scientific advancements and the diverse applications of computers, marking a qualitative leap in entertainment. They have sparked significant research and debate regarding their importance, educational role, and impact on both children and adults, particularly their benefits in skill development, especially in thinking and planning. Today, electronic games represent an advanced stage of video gaming, having undergone several phases before reaching their current form.
Areas of Electronic Games
There are numerous areas in which electronic games can be played, reflecting the vast technological advancements in gaming, including:
- Electronic games on mobile phones.
- Electronic games on computers.
- Electronic games via the internet.
- Electronic games on gaming consoles, which are high-specification devices known for their exceptional quality and performance.
- Public electronic game arcade machines.
The Impact of Electronic Games on Children
The increasing focus on electronic games and their strong association with children has prompted psychologists and educators to study their effects from various perspectives, including health, emotional, cultural, and behavioral aspects. Electronic gaming represents a double-edged sword.
Positive Aspects of Electronic Games
The benefits and advantages of electronic games manifest in multiple aspects of an individual’s life. In addition to the education that children derive from these games—through increased knowledge and skills development—they also enhance cognitive abilities and quick thinking. Many games involve puzzles that require mental skills to solve. Additionally, they boost children’s planning and initiative capabilities while stimulating their imagination in unparalleled ways. They contribute to children’s energy and enthusiasm, ensuring they become adept in modern technology and proficient in its use to their advantage.
One of the positive aspects of electronic games is that they encourage children to devise creative solutions to adapt to in-game challenges, and this impact can extend into real-life scenarios, allowing them to apply skills gained through gaming in their daily lives.
Negative Aspects of Electronic Games
Despite the numerous benefits and advantages of electronic games, there are also multifaceted drawbacks that can affect individuals particularly and society in general. On a personal level, excessive exposure to violent games can foster a sense of aggression and crime in children, as many of these games engage players in scenarios centered around violence and killing. This exposure can teach adolescents criminal methods and strategies, instilling violence and aggression through habitual play, resulting in the development of aggressive behavior.
Additionally, these games can isolate children from social interactions, as their primary focus becomes gratifying their desires for play, leading to the formation of narcissistic traits. Recent studies indicate that children who gravitate toward violent games and indulge in them frequently show a decline in academic performance.
The proliferation of electronic games has also affected societies where they are widely played, with evidence suggesting a noticeable increase in rates of violent crimes such as murder and theft, as well as moral offenses like assault and adultery. This can be attributed to the violence-themed games that individuals engage with. Furthermore, research indicates that these games can also have long-term detrimental effects on children’s health, leading to joint inflammation, reduced physical agility, and psychological disturbances. Prolonged gaming sessions can foster obsessive and addictive behaviors in children.
References
- ↑ عبد الرزاق بن إبراهيم القاسم (2011م)، العلاقة بين ممارسة الألعاب الإلكترونية والسلوك العدواني. (الطبعة الأولى)، السعودية: جامعة الإمام محمد بن سعود، صفحة 3، جزء 1. بتصرّف.
- ↑ مريم قويدر (2011م 2012م)، أثر الألعاب الإلكترونية على السلوكيات لدى الأطفال (الطبعة الأولى)، الجزائر: جامعة الجزائر، صفحة 32، جزء 1. بتصرّف.
- ↑ هناء سعادو ونوال بن مرزوق (2015م – 2016م)، الألعاب الإلكترونية العنيفة وعلاقتها بانتشار ظاهرة العنف المدرسي (الطبعة الأولى)، الجزائر: جامعة الجيلالي، صفحة 39 – 40، جزء 1. بتصرّف.
- ↑ مريم قويدر (2011م – 2012م)، أثر الألعاب الإلكترونية على السلوكيات لدى الأطفال (الطبعة الأولى)، الجزائر: جامعة الجزائر، صفحة 117، 127 جزء 1. بتصرّف.
- ↑ هناء سعادو ونوال بن مرزوق (2015م – 2016م)، الألعاب الإلكترونية العنيفة وعلاقتها بانتشار ظاهرة العنف المدرسي (الطبعة الأولى)، الجزائر: جامعة الجيلالي، صفحة 56، جزء 1. بتصرّف.
- ↑ ماجد محمد الزيودي (2015م)، “الانعكاسات التربوية لاستخدام الأطفال للألعاب الإلكترونية”، مجلة جامعة طيبة للعلوم التربوية، العدد 1، المجلد 10، صفحة 2. بتصرّف.
- ↑ عائشة العمري (25 – 9 – 2015م)، “الألعاب الإلكترونية إيجابياتها لأطفالنا وما هي الأضرار المترتبة عليها”، التعليم خارج الصندوق، اطّلع عليه بتاريخ 20 – 6 – 2017م. بتصرّف.
- ↑ عبد الله بن عبد العزيز الهدلق، إيجابيات وسلبيات الألعاب الإلكترونية ودوافع ممارستها (الطبعة الأولى)، الرياض – السعودية: جامعة الملك سعود، صفحة 43 – 49، جزء 1. بتصرّف.
- ↑ وليد نادي (18 – 7 – 2012)، “تأثير الألعاب الإلكترونية على الجسد والعقل”، موقع الدكتور وليد نادي، اطّلع عليه بتاريخ 20 – 6 – 2017. بتصرّف.
- ↑ ميرفت عوف (12-8 – 2014)، “بين سلبياتها وإيجابياتها تعرف على كل ما يتعلق بالألعاب الالكترونية”، ساسة بوست، اطّلع عليه بتاريخ 2017-6-20. بتصرّف.