Horizon Season 2015 Episode 12 Are Video Games Really That Bad?

Are Video Games Really That Bad? is the twelfth episode of the 2015 season of the acclaimed BBC documentary series, Horizon. In this episode, the team takes a deep dive into the world of video games and explores the effects they have on individuals and society as a whole.

The episode begins with a look at the rise of video games as a major form of entertainment. The team highlights how the industry has exploded in recent years, with video games now generating more revenue than movies and music combined. They also note that video games often get a bad reputation for being detrimental to health and well-being, but they question whether this reputation is deserved.

To explore this issue in greater depth, the team talks to a variety of experts in the field of psychology, neuroscience, and video game development. They investigate whether video games really do cause addiction, violence, and other negative effects, which are often cited as the reasons for their bad reputation.

One of the main topics explored in this episode is the issue of video game addiction. The team talks to experts who explain how addiction works in the brain, and they examine whether video games can really be as addictive as drugs or alcohol. They also speak to gamers who have struggled with addiction and hear their stories about how gaming affected their lives.

Another issue that the team explores is whether video games are to blame for increasing levels of aggression and violence. They speak to psychologists who explain how exposure to violent content can affect the brain, but they also highlight the fact that many studies have been inconclusive or contradictory on this issue.

Throughout the episode, the team also examines the positive effects of video games. They explore how games can be used to help people with mental health issues, and they learn how some video games have been used to teach valuable skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork.

As part of their investigation, the team also examines the impact of video games on society as a whole. They look at how gaming has created a whole new culture, with its own language, communities, and social norms. They also examine how video games have been blamed for increasing levels of obesity and sedentary behavior, but they question whether this is really a fair assessment.

Overall, Are Video Games Really That Bad? is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Horizon. It provides a balanced and insightful look at the issue of video game impact on health and society and raises important questions about how we approach this topic in our culture. Whether you're a gamer or not, this episode is sure to make you think differently about the world of video games.