As our children get older, they do less physical play and more online interactions. In a recent BBC podcast on Why We Play, experts weigh in on why especially our teenagers play computer games.
While many parents find computer games a waste of time and have no value in real life, our teenagers beg to differ. So, what is the appeal and how can the rest of us understand this craze? We see it when a new game console comes out. Or when new games like Warzone and Valorant come on the market. There is always a sort of a mass hysteria.
Well, according to the experts, the current trend of playing with others as opposed to playing alone helps them find community and form close friendships based on shared interests. They can be as close to their online gamer friends as their offline friends. Their real and virtual world oftentimes merge into their reality.
But through this mode of play, they somehow navigate issues of anxiety, depression and identity. This social interaction is for them a part of growing up and finding themselves. Cognitively, they learn to be more creative and adaptable to diverse situations.
It has especially important social functions too. In one country, students in a school play virtual reality games where they learn about other people across different ethnicities and cultures. Through this platform they understand and show empathy to others different from themselves.
Technology – Boost or Bane?
Technology is ever evolving and has changed the way we live. Learning in a digital age requires an open mind. Every aspect of our lives from education, to work and health and even our daily interactions – comes with a digital impact. So we either embrace it or we gradually find it challenging to navigate the real world as we know it. We just cannot afford not to be in touch with technology.
But how do we mitigate the downside of technology? Especially for our growing children, the online world needs to be as safe as possible for them. When you’re a child with a smartphone in one hand and a tablet in another, it can be tough to know what to believe on the web.
Over at Shall Unite, our team tackles inappropriate content and safety issues arising from increased screen time. Indeed, it’s not just about making sure that the content is appropriate but also ensuring its timely moderation. Through ongoing AI and manual processes, we are committed to keep content safe and suitable for all ages.
