Online multiplayer gaming has both advantages and drawbacks. Advantages include improved social interaction, enhanced skills and mental development, unlimited competition opportunities, and flexibility. Drawbacks include being time-consuming, internet disruptions and dependence, negative impact on health, and gaming addiction which is now a diagnosed mental illness. While the advantages of online multiplayer gaming are significant, the drawbacks cannot be overlooked, particularly with the potential negative impact on health and addiction. It is important to balance gaming with other activities and have control over the amount of time spent gaming.
Introduction
Online multiplayer gaming has revolutionized the world of gaming. With the internet making the world a global village, players can now connect and play with others from different parts of the world. This has created profound advantages as well as drawbacks to online multiplayer gaming.
Advantages
1. Improved Social Interaction
Online multiplayer gaming has brought together people from different parts of the world. Through this, gamers have developed a sense of unity and companionship. Social norms and barriers such as race, culture, age, or gender have been shattered, and gamers can now make friends from all walks of life. This aspect of gaming can help individuals with social anxiety build their confidence.
2. Enhanced Skills and Mental Development
Online gaming can help in enhancing critical thinking and quick decision-making skills. Gamers get to make concisely calculated judgment calls in real-time scenarios. It demands multitasking, attention to detail, and continuous improvement on how to solve problems. Gamers have also been found to have better hand and eye coordination than non-gamers in controlling objects in their surroundings.
3. Unlimited Competition Opportunities
Online multiplayer gaming offers endless competition opportunities. Gamers can compete with people from all over the world, and this creates a sense of constant challenge and motivation for improvement. This constant challenge can lead to gamers striving to be the very best, resulting in excellent skills and techniques that can translate into real-life application such as school, work, and relationships.
4. Flexibility
Online multiplayer gaming is flexible and convenient. Players can engage in the game at their own pace and time. They have the liberty to take breaks, pause the game, and resume without missing out on the competition or the objective. Many games also have an offline play where gamers have the freedom to play with machines or bots while away from the internet.
Drawbacks
1. Time-consuming
Online multiplayer games can be time-consuming. Gamers are often caught in the hype of the game and lose track of time. This can impact their daily schedules and responsibilities. Individuals struggling with addiction may prioritize the game over their work, education, or wellbeing.
2. Online Disruptions and Dependence
Online multiplayer games depend on an internet connection. Disruptions such as lag spikes, slow connection or game crashes can ruin the gaming experience. This may be linked to dependence on online gaming and a lack of alternatives. Individuals with coded dependency may find it difficult to switch to offline games or other recreational activities.
3. Negative Impact on Health
Online multiplayer gaming has been found to have negative effects on health. Long hours of gaming increase the likelihood of obesity, weak muscles, and posture problems. The blue light emitted from screens can cause eye strain and insomnia.
4. Gaming Addiction
Gaming addiction is now a diagnosed mental illness. Individuals struggling with addiction may prioritize the game over their work, education, or social and family obligations. Lack of control over the amount of time spent gaming or persistent thoughts and preoccupation of the game can cause severe distress and dysfunction.
Conclusion
Online multiplayer gaming has brought about numerous advantages and drawbacks. While the advantages of online multiplayer gaming are significant in promoting social interaction, enhancing skills, and promoting flexibility, the drawbacks associated with gaming cannot be overlooked, particularly with the negative impact on health and a potential for addiction. It is essential to balance gaming with other activities and have control over the amount of time spent gaming.