Topic: Video games do more good than harm to teenagers’ mental health.
For the Topic (Do more good)
1. Games help us learn new things
Games can improve problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and creativity.
Example: A game’s design can inspire art or stories.
Quote: “Fundamentally, games are learning engines… their designs are so intricate and their
color theory is amazing.”
2. Games help us make friends
Many games are multiplayer and let us play with friends.
Example: Playing online with classmates makes friendships stronger.
Quote: “Games are very social spaces… as many as 80% of game sessions now take place in
multiplayer games.”
3. Games help us relax
Playing games can make us feel happy and free after a busy day.
Example: Gaming helps reduce stress from schoolwork.
Quote: “Gaming’s all about positivity for me… it’s all about sense of freedom.”
4. Games give us a feeling of success
Winning a game or completing a challenge makes us feel proud.
Example: Getting a rare item or beating a hard level.
Quote: “For some, games offer a powerful sense of accomplishments.”
5. Games let us try different roles
We can be different characters and explore new identities.
Example: Playing as a hero or trying a new personality in the game.
Quote: “A way of experimenting with identity… another gender, a more assertive character or a
more emotionally vulnerable one.”
Against the Topic (Do more harm)
1. Games can be addictive
Playing too much can take away time from sleep, homework, and friends.
Example: Staying up late to keep playing a game.
Quote: “An endless loop of higher-level dungeons… I could do this forever.”
2. Games can make mental health worse
Some people use games to escape problems, but this can make things worse.
Example: Playing instead of facing real-life challenges.
Quote: “I found myself retreating… to deal with the depression I didn’t fully understand. Gaming
took over.”
3. Games can have bad social experiences
Players may face rude or mean people online.
Example: Being bullied or insulted in a game.
Quote: “Some people experience harm from abusive and disruptive players.”
4. Some games use tricks to keep us playing
They give rewards so we don’t stop and sometimes make us spend money.
Example: Playing again and again to get better gear.
Quote: “Manipulative design features that keep vulnerable players playing and spending.”
5. Too much gaming hurts life balance
Games can take time from important things like studying or exercising.
Example: Skipping sports practice to play games.
Quote: “Are other things… getting squeezed, like school, sleep, or relationships?”
Extra Possible Arguments (Not in the video)
For the Topic
1. Improves teamwork skills – Playing in a team teaches cooperation and communication.
2. Enhances hand-eye coordination – Fast games improve reaction time and control.
3. Encourages strategic thinking – Planning moves in a game builds planning skills.
Against the Topic
1. Can cause physical health problems – Too much sitting can lead to poor posture or eye
strain.
2. Exposure to inappropriate content – Some games have violence or harmful language.
3. May reduce outdoor activity – Less time for sports or exercise.