An Analysis of Attraction of Video Games and Associated Risks

Since the 2000s, video games have been flourishing, along with acquisitions in the field of information and communications technology. Attraction for video games is a phenomenon that has grown to worrying extents, not only among children, adolescents and young people, but also the adult population. A significant part of the most popular online games have explicit violent content, whereas others include violence in subliminal forms. The results of meta-analyses suggest that violent video games tend to increase levels for cognitive, emotional and aggressive behaviors, as well as physiological excitability. Our paper analyses the complex issue of the attraction exerted by video games and the risks they have to the functioning and development of children, adolescents, young people and adults. Also, there are presented the findings of several studies that have dealt with the delimitation of players' profile. Some practical implications for parents and educators are also suggested.