Video games are rapidly growing in popularity. Children from all walks of life are becoming fascinated by them. While there are many advantages to video games - parents no longer have to put up with barking dogs, sore backs and irritated throats - there are also many disadvantages to playing too much of it. These disadvantages range from the mundane to the serious and must be discussed before any player chooses to spend too much time immersed in virtual world.

According to Psychology Today, video games have been reported to enhance players cognitive ability to recognize subtle differences in colors of shading, an effect called visual contrast sensitivity. They can also help enhance the vision of the blind and help non-sighted players improve their ability to correctly detect the direction of motion. Playing video games that require concentration and problem solving skills, such as chess or other strategy games, also boosts brain function. In fact, many experts claim that playing these types of games repeatedly helps the brain perform better than it would without.

However, pros and cons of playing video games should never be equated. To begin with, perhaps the biggest advantage of them is that they provide a way for people to escape from the stressful day-to-day hustle and bustle of life. By removing the constraints of your office or home, you can actually take a break from your problems and simply play a fun game to pass the time. This is probably one of the best advantages of playing video games.

The second pro that comes to mind when talking about this type of gaming is the release of endorphins into the system. A chemical found in the brain, endorphins are a natural substitute for pain relievers. Recent studies have even suggested that playing violent video games releases endorphins into the system. This proves that playing violent games can provide benefits to the brains similar to those of experiencing an adrenalin rush.

However, there are also some disadvantages associated with playing violent video games. One of the biggest disadvantages is, of course, the possibility of developing a violent streak while playing these games. One particular study indicated that eighty percent of people who played at least three hours per week developed the habit of showing hostility toward family members and other people. This was particularly true for teens. Other disadvantages of playing video games may include the fact that most children become so attached to these games that they may spend hours every day playing their favorite characters. This may result in virtual immersion which is detrimental to developing critical thinking skills.

But there are some positives as well. It has been proven that playing video games can increase hand-eye coordination and improve the ability to problem solve. In addition, they can improve the ability of the brain to create new thought patterns. And while the pros of violent video games may outweigh the cons by a wide margin, there are still some things parents and other caretakers should be made aware of. As a parent, you should be aware of the fact that there are games which can have an impact on the development of your child's brain and if your son or daughter likes to play games which are violent in nature, he or she may be unable to differentiate between the virtual gun and the real gun. Playing this type of game with young kids can actually have an adverse effect on their brains.