Videojuegos y educación

Abstract

There is considerable concern, amongst teachers, researchers, psychologists, other professionals and parents, regarding the phenomenon of video games and the possible negative effect they have on child and adolescent development.

The author examines some of the key sociological, pedagogical and psychological elements that explain the extraordinary success of this entertainment form. After researching 260 studies and investigations on the subject, the author comes to the conclusion that video games do have some negative effects as regards violent attitudes and sexism but they also have a positive influence in educational and therapeutic use and in the development of many different skills. The educational possibilities of video games are very wide-ranging and the supposed pathological effect on the personality of the player has not been demonstrated.