Is online gaming good or bad?

From the time it was introduced the use of the Internet has changed many aspects in our daily lives, especially the online gaming world. I can still remember when connecting to the internet was such a drag, using dial-up modems. But even back then we did not realize how the gaming world known today would advance so far and so fast.

Taking a look at today’s technology we can notice amazing graphics and animations as well as the best quality surround sound on the latest games. It is no wonder how one can become addicted to it and escape the real world.

However the variety of games has expeditiously grown over the years. Each game is very different from the next, as well as the single-player and multi-player options. When playing single-player mode you only get to challenge the computer and find out the story to the game but multi-player you play versus other players from across the world. This also allows you to unlock special achievements and items (this, of course, totally depending on the game you are playing). Multi-player or online gaming can be fun and challenging and certain game platforms have ranking systems that allow you to better yourself. The better your ratings become, the more chances you will have to challenge for the title "Champion".

For every gamer out there is it important for them to be the best even if it’s not about winning, whether it be role playing games, strategy or even shooting games. This obsession has not only affected teenagers but also people of all age groups; it is even known that entire families will play together.

Online gaming has become so popular that tournaments are organized all around the world that takes place every year. Tournaments such as these are held in the highest regard for gamers, the same as any other sporting event in the world. Gamers that compete in tournaments are known as professional gamers, the same as a professional athlete that would prepare for sporting events. At these well-known tournaments Sponsors encourage the best and award them with prizes at the end of the tournaments.

The market for online gaming has grown so fast and is still growing, that many people who are unable to get to the highest level with their character or game will actually pay for someone to do it for them which also includes farming materials for certain games. This allows gamer's to earn an income by helping other gamers.

But unfortunately not everything is as great as it seems with online gaming. Many people have become too attached to their games and have become antisocial, they would prefer to interact with their friends via online gaming. This can be very unhealthy to a person, especially young kids who are inclined to the addiction of online gaming that would sit in the same position for few hours without any other activity and also may neglect or even skip school.

Apparently the addiction for gaming can be very serious. This may lead a person to having difficulty thinking about other matters other than gaming. According to the American Psychological Association, “they do not classify video game addiction as a mental illness, however they believe that the symptoms mimic those of compulsive disorders like exercise addiction and sex addiction”.

According to this article Horse therapy for online gamer addicts written by 'Valentina Zannoni', South Korea is tackling the problem for online gaming for kids from the ages of 10 to 19 and introduced “Shutdown Law” and “Horse therapy”. While in China it is encouraged as a weapon for the Communist Party to win over the next generation as in this article China embraces online gamers written by 'Malcolm Moore'.

Overall online gaming does have some good sides to it. According to scientists, online gaming can train the human brain to be vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings, to adapt and plan strategies according to the situation. Kids who play from a young age learn how to pay attention to missions or quests and how to complete them as well as improve their reading skills (if the quests are written). They also learn team-work, problem-solving and patience. Patience is needed when farming for materials but overall gaming should be fun and a social form of entertainment. People should find a balance for online gaming, one that is suitable to their lifestyle and should not let it interfere with their daily priorities.