1. Posted on Tuesday 19 August 2008 - 14:01

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   Selay

   

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   Selay Marius Kouassi, AfricaNews reporter in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

   Video games in Abidjan are becoming more and more popular especially among children. Each street corner has a game house and the owners say the business is booming

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   ‘You can earn a living with it’, says the manager of the Cocody Entertainment centre. He says that about 100 people come every day and that football is the most popular game.
   
   Despite the positive side of video games, many other drawbacks are reported. They include disinterest in schooling and other important activities.

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Reactions

1. Posted on Thursday 21 August 2008 02:16

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   accreporter

   

   Kent Mensah
   314 berichten
   Lid sinds July 2008
   Accra

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   As a lover of on-screen games, I couldn't resist that wonderful news report on the influx of video games in Cote d'Ivoire. The situation is not different in Ghana here and I am sure the picture is the same in other parts of Africa in particular and the world in general.
   
   I enjoy video games even as an adult for good reasons - to relax my mind and nerves after a hard days work. It makes me curious and nurture my ability and capability to solve problems at a given time. But mind you, inspite of the good sides of video games, it can be an albatross if its use is not controlled. Here is where I'll advise lovers of video games to be very selective when it comes to which type of game to play. I'll recommend educative ones such as Zuma, Football, Scrabble and Cycling etc etc.
   
   The disadvantages are enormous. It consumes time. The violence nature of certain games leaves lasting effect on children in particular. I will not condemn it but will advise parents to be mindful of which types of games they would buy for their children or allow them to go and hire.
   
   Tips:
   ELECTRONIC GAMES—A Summary of the Risks
   
   ▸ Playing violent computer and video games may encourage aggressive behavior.
   
   ▸ Electronic games can make you more than a spectator of violence; they are designed to make you feel like a participant.
   
   ▸ For the impressionable, games may blur the distinction between reality and fantasy.
   
   ▸ Like an addiction, game playing can lead to neglect of important obligations and relationships.
   
   ▸ Games can consume time that children should spend on other important activities, such as studying, interacting with others, and playing creatively.
   
   ▸ Prolonged staring at the screen can cause eyestrain.
   
   ▸ Lack of exercise, a possible result of game playing, can lead to obesity.
   
   ▸ Games can rob you of money and time.
   Credit: Awake magazine, 12/22/2002

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2. Posted on Thursday 21 August 2008 11:13

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   John M

   

   John Mahoro
   54 berichten
   Lid sinds July 2007

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   The situation is different here in Europe. I see video/electronic games and mobile phones more as a danger than something instructive and relaxing. Kids have no other friends but those toys. Brothers and sisters sit together each looking in his corner and focusing on their games for hours. Some even forget to eat. And you cannot force them to do so as they all know the 112 police number.
   
   The initial idea of instructing people virtually was good but nowaday it has become a virtual poison and my fear when I saw the report from Abidjan was that those kids are heading to that world of virtual beings rather than social ones.

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   Et in terra pax hominubus...

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