Today, we read the following statement/claim, “games are tuned and engineered to make our kids disobey us,” which is circulating widely on social media and in emails from organizations and individuals concerned about youth and online gaming. Are there concerns surrounding problematic gaming? – ABSOLUTELY, and something that we address in our writings and programs! However, the question we have, “what evidence supports this statement/claim?”
First and foremost, there is absolutely no reputable, evidence-based research to support this alarming claim – NONE! The idea that video games are purposely designed to make children “disobey” their parents is not only misleading but also oversimplifies the complex nature of video games and their impact on young minds. Some advocates reference online videos of children having severe temper tantrums or their own personal experiences when parents try to stop gameplay as evidence supporting this ridiculous claim—something we will discuss later in this article.
Yes, PhD game designers aim to create engaging, entertaining, and sometimes educational experiences. The primary goal is to captivate players through immersive stories, challenging gameplay, and interactive environments. While it’s true that games are designed to be engaging, suggesting they are engineered to incite youth disobedience to parents is an example of a moral panic-based statement, buttressed on feelings and personal beliefs, rather than evidence-based facts!
Good games are crafted to capture a player’s interest, and provide a sense of achievement and progression. This engagement isn’t inherently negative; in fact, it can foster valuable skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination – we will provide a reference at the end of this article that supports this fact with evidence-based research.
So, why are youth acting out when parents attempt to stop game play? Children, adolescents, and even adults often struggle to stop engaging in rewarding activities and transition to less rewarding ones, which can lead to what’s known in behavioral psychology as an “extinction burst.” (1) Dr. Marc Palaus, a cognitive neuroscientist, explains, “There is no intrinsic reason a child should stop playing on their own, unless there is a more rewarding experience available at the moment.”
This, psychologically, explains some of the videos we see online where youth are having a temper tantrum when parents or caregivers suddenly remove gaming without warning.
Also, what about the plethora of online videos also showing kids having extinction burst tantrums that don’t involve an online game, but rather situations where children were enjoying a specific task such as:
- Eating ice cream which was taken away by a parent to show a reaction
- Eating cookies, which are then taken away by a parent to show a reaction
- Eating potato chips, which are then taken away by a parent to show a reaction
- Playing with a beach ball, which is then taken away by a parent to show a reaction
If one were to follow the same statement and logic that inspired this article, one could also claim that ice cream, cookies, potato chips, and beach balls are also “TUNED and ENGINEERED to make our kids disobey us.” Clearly, this is not true. However, Dr. Marc Palaus’ discussion on the psychological theory of “extinction burst” does offer a research-based explanation about the why!
The claim that “games are tuned and engineered to make our kids disobey us” is a simplistic, juvenoic, and inaccurate portrayal of the gaming industry and its effects on children. As sociologist Dr. David Finkelhor explains, “juvenoia is the exaggerated fear or hostility directed by an older generation towards a youth culture that causes a moral panic.” While we acknowledge that online gaming can become problematic for some youth and families, asserting that online games are designed to cause disobedience towards parents is factually incorrect. This belief is rooted in juvenoia and is not supported by research.
While it’s important to recognize the potential for problematic gaming to interfere with daily responsibilities and mental health of “some youth, it’s equally important to understand the broader context in which games operate. Through responsible parenting, open communication, and a balanced approach to screen use, video games can be a positive and enriching part of a child’s life.
Rather than viewing games as adversaries, parents and caregivers can embrace them, in an age-appropriate way, as opportunities for learning, growth, and fun. By setting reasonable limits, encouraging breaks, and being involved in their children’s gaming experiences, parents can ensure that video games remain a healthy part of their kids’ lives.
The notion that games are designed to make children “disobey” their parents is not supported by any evidence-based research. This idea is reminiscent of when special interest groups wrongly claimed that the music of Elvis Presley and the Beatles had a similar effect and was going to ruin the moral fabric of our children. Instead, focus on fostering a balanced and open approach to gaming in your household. Recognize the potential benefits of gaming and address any problematic challenges with a thoughtful, informed perspective.
We invite readers to explore our free web book chapter which examines the research specific to online gaming. (2) This will help you to create a well-informed opinion on both its benefits and drawbacks. The chapter also offers strategies to help reduce the chances of an “extinction burst” when your child needs to transition from gaming to another activity.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Technology vs No Technology!
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