The negative effects of video games on the world's youth Since the beginning of time, games have captured human interest. Over the last forty years or so, a new type of gaming has taken America by storm. Video game addiction began by snatching coins from the pockets of kids in arcades across the country. Addiction has evolved to the point where it dramatically affects brain activity and elicits non-normal and potentially malignant behavior. Like a train without brakes, the video game revolution has exploded and no one can stop it. Starting in the late 1970s, arcades began popping up in malls and shopping centers across the United States. The golden age of standup arcade games had begun. For America, this was a completely new form of entertainment that no one had ever seen before and it was a new activity for young people to do on weekends. Never before had they been able to interact with anything on screen. This became a new way for already competitive teenagers to dominate each other and claim a proven winner, by constantly competing, teenagers across America pumped quarter after quarter into machines like Pac Man and Donkey Kong until their allowances ran out . This was just the beginning of the impact video games would have on young and old in America (The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters). Over the next few years, software and hardware engineers stepped up their game and brought their games to market. the house. Before video games came to arcades, games like Pong were available for home use, but now, for the first time, complex games that were exclusively available in commercial arcades were now available to be played in the comfort of your own home. This also took the addiction to the next level; after......middle of paper......tritures, underage children are still influenced by violent games. Some may say it is the developer's fault as they churn out violent games with no recourse because they know it will be subject to a rating system and they will not be responsible (Robinson 420-422). In today's society, most young people play some form of video games. Depending on how much you play and the type of game determines the effect it has on the user. Whether it is violent behavior, a decreased social life, or a dedication to the competitive aspect of games over a period of time, there is a negative effect on the user who plays these games. With the help of federal rating systems and responsible parents, the harmful side effects of gaming can be mitigated, but currently the ramifications of video game addiction constantly plague teenagers around the world.