Temptation is Everywhere

In my class, temptation is always hanging heavily in the air, always luring us, waiting for us to fall into its trap. Many have fallen prey to it and many still do not admit it. Computer has never been so enticing without it. The rapid clicking and continuous pressing of buttons seem all too alluring. Yes, it has come down to this again. It is the temptation of computer games. Although you may think this topic has been talked about many times, this time will be my fight to ward these temptations off my back.

I was always different from others, at least different in the gaming sense. Many boys had started to play more sophisticated computer games like shooting, soccer and many other fascinating games. You may called me old fashioned but i always though computer games were bad but it affected my grades. My family did not really approve of these games. My sisters never played it, my mum never seemed to approve it so I never really brought it up. Therefore, I did not follow the craze of computer games.

Ever since the school have allowed the use of laptops in the class, the computer gaming in class has been on the rise. First it was one, then it was 3 and then it started to spread like a disease, one which could not be controlled. At first it started off to be passive games, those though addictive but not to the extent to real games with violence and gore. Those are the more violent or expensive games in the market. Even those without violence like football games still share the same negative effects. I do not know how they get the games but now almost half the class had them (free) and they have sped off with the laptop in reach, right hand on the mouse and mind on the game.

It is frightening to see that so many people play these games. Even those who do not play in school have them in their computers and play them at home. Everyone is attracted to one game or another. However, no one can blame them. Why? The computer games are just too tempting for 14 year olds to resist. You can blame it on game creators to make the graphics all too clear, the difficulty of the levels high enough to challenge the minds of the teenagers and the super realistic aspect of the games.

Many have said computer games are bad since some games have violent nature in them which may rub off to the youths. Some games are so addictive that they can play it for hours soon affecting their grades. Some say they affect social skills since they are only facing the computer. I have been looking the positive aspects of computer games and what other people argue against the stereotype of computer games. They said it is a good way to relieve stress from the fast pace society or let out their emotions such as rage in a non violent way. They also involve problem solving, planning, estimation and analysis of the moves or actions of both you and your opponent so it can help in developing problem-solving skills, analytical and estimation skills and quick decision-making. Whichever stand you take, it is all your own opinion.

On Tuesdays, my CCA starts at 4pm.Since school ends at 1.30pm, I have about 2 hours of free time after subtracting lunch time. Sometimes, there is not homework to be done so I walk around in class seeing those who are playing computer games after school. I was impressed by the games. One of the games was on war and soldiers. The player had to accomplish mission objectives, surviving, shooting and such. It was quite violent and I guess it is this thing that makes it appealing. The graphics were awesome and it was realistic. It does show the devastating effects of war on towns and soldiers as many die to complete objectives. Many people in class play football on the computer. You could be a manager in the game, buy and sell players, get sponsorship and money in the game just like in real life. Even if you do not know how to play football which needs real skill, they can play it on the computer with ease. I knew how people could get addicted. The games nowadays are getting more interesting. Time really flies when you are playing especially these games.2 hours have passed so quickly and I went for tennis.

I admit, I enjoy watching people play computer games but playing them yourself is a different matter. You need to have self-control. I always wonder what my classmates do when they are at home. So I went to ask them. They replied that after they finish their homework, they play their computer, to no surprise. Some finish they work in school so they can play at home. I remembered one stayed up to 12am playing these games.

No wonder excessive gaming is bad for grades. However, most of my classmates are responsible enough to complete their work first, or at least I think so.

Everyone is playing these games so there is a temptation of me playing too. That was how the computer game craze came about. One person got one game and soon others were playing them as well. This is peer pressure and if you do not follow the trend, you would be left out in a sense. This devil called temptation has been trapping many teenagers under its spell, ruining their grades and conduct in school. I may not be my school but I am sure there are others suffering the effects of addiction. There is always an urge to get and play these games and the feeling has been increasing in intensity since at the start of this year. I know addiction is bad so I have denied myself from playing. Some have said I should play since everyone is doing it or it would relieve stress since I am usually uptight. However, I know what addiction can do to me if I lack self-control. Therefore, I do not even try to get the game as temptation will sooner or later lure me into playing. I just hope it will remain that way.

I do play some games at my friends' house and we do have fun. I guess it is to occasionally release stress. However as students we need to get our priorities straight. I think our studies still comes before having fun. There is a thin line between fun and addiction. Gaming can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. We just need our self-control and willpower before it turns into gaming addiction.

If you think you lack self-control, do not try it.