Camille D. Jolo
Playing games is a natural part of growing. It’s one way that learn to socialize, compete, to fulfill their craving ego, to entertain, to have fun and sometimes to escape from depression. But sometimes, computer and online games with the touch of modern technology, it become more than just play. They become an addiction. And when they became an addiction, it will be hard for the parents and to them to end what has been started.
Ceasar Ian E. Viray, 21 year old, from Hagonoy, Bulacan. An IT student in Bulacan State University confessed that he plays online gaming a lot, specifically DOTA.
Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) is a custom scenario for War craft III. The objective of the scenario is to destroy the opponents “Ancient”. The two teams’ ancients are heavily guarded structures at opposing corners of the map. Players use powerful units known as heroes, and are assisted by allied heroes and AI-controlled fighters called “creeps”.
“Team name namin, kung ano lang maisipan. Dipende sa sasalihan na tournament. Yung mga members ko sila Bryan, Amond, Owel, Aldrin at Lester… ” he said.
In role-playing games, player/s level up their hero and use gold to buy equipment during the mission. DOTA is more on strategy than individual play. Even though players have their own heroes, it is their teamwork that is very important to win the game. Although factors like individual skills also matter, a very good player with team mates that doesn’t care a lot about the team can’t just win by himself against all his opponents (unless of course he’s far too good and his opponents are new to the game).
Does Dota really affect the youth today? Does it help the youth today? Who’ll support you? Does your study affected to this online games? Or it corrupts the minds of the youth who are playing this game? Let us look at Dota’s advantages and disadvantages.
Dota helps the youth who are playing this game to become mentally alert, cooperative, and strategic. And It also increases their knowledge in mathematics by computing the gold’s, damages, magic and physical reduction present in the game. Indeed, Dota really helps the youth by playing this game.
In the other hand, playing this game without time management and priority can lead to irresponsibility. Starting from their responsibilities, the youth spend more time playing this game rather than doing their tasks. Studies were forgotten, students became lazy, and relationships with the family were also affected because of this game.
Playing this game also triggers the player to lose his/her temper and values. Why? It simply because of the different languages used during the game or what we called “Trash talks”. Trash talks such as foul languages can really lose their temper and values. As a result, the both sides will fight against each other.
“May naka-trashtalkan na kami, mga babae.. Mga bitter kasi nung may photo contest yung isang shop na nag pa tournament. Syempre papatulan naming, ang boring naman kapag yung laro eh walang ganon..Sinusuportahan ako ng Girlfriend ko kapag nasa mood siya.. Kapag wala sa mood yun, intindi na lang din..” Ian recounts his experience.
For some games, especially this game, can become a substitute for ‘real life’, and players can become immersed in the experience of living in an imaginary world. Studies have shown that young people who spend too much time playing computer or video games do not do as well at school.
Computer games may also be linked to obesity (being unhealthily overweight) – and evidence is emerging to support this. Playing an exciting game 2 or 3 hours before bed has been shown to cause sleep and memory problems in young people. Cheating in online games has become a problem, spoiling the gaming experience for some people.
In Hagonoy, Amado V. Aldaba Memorial Health Center, they’re care for health.
“Sometimes computer users can get other overuse problems such as neck pains or tingling in the fingers.” Secretary said.
Like Eyes that are focused on the same distance point for long times become tired – which can lead to blurred vision and headaches..
While Mr. Viray is a gamer and a student. He say about children who are just beginning to play, “ Yung dota andyan lang yan habang buhay.. di mawawala pero yung pag-aaral nandiyan yan, isipin nyo na lang kung dota uunahin nila, masarap maglaro ng dota pag madami kang pera. Kapag may trabaho na tsaka na lang maglaro. Magdodota na lang ng magdodota..” Ian ended.
“A good gamer is a responsible student” – Ian Viray a gamer, a student.
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