THE IMPACT OF VIRTUAL GAMES ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF YOUTH

Аннотация

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 52 МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ АКАДЕМИЧЕСКИХ НАУК 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. 53 МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ АКАДЕМИЧЕСКИХ НАУК 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 violenc