From "Video Gaming Should Be Considered a Sport" and "Gamers Are Not Athletes", Illuminate [ELAGSE8RI9, ELAGSE8RI1]

Task: Read both sources.

Question: How are the ideas in the texts different when it comes to the impact of video games on mental health?







Source 1: Video Gaming Should Be Considered a Sport
1

Imagine screaming fans filling the seats of a large arena as they cheer on their favorite player. For the competitor, a million dollars in prize money is at stake. This money does not include the opportunity of future endorsement deals and a hefty salary. The players have spent countless months training hard in exhausting regimens to make it to the final round. This is not a tennis tournament or a football game; it is the world of professional video gaming. Also recognized by the term eSports (or electronic sports), video gaming popularity is constantly growing, and insiders think it is time to consider video games as an official sport.

2

The world of eSports is composed of a variety of different games just like traditional sports; however, the games are not always similar to traditional sports. Some of the most popular video games include fantasy worlds with part human/part animal characters. Other games involve epic battles with lifelike weapons. Regardless of the game, eSport players are put through the same mental and physical situations as professional athletes. This is why video games should be considered a sport.

3

Video gamers develop secret strategies, just like traditional sports players. Video games are really complicated as they progress to higher levels. These eSports teams work hard to develop a strategy that will make the difference between a win or a loss.

4

Reaction time is another similarity that eSport players and athletes share. Professional gamers have really fast reflexes that handle game console controllers with ease. Players have to also keep flexible mindsets. Science studies have shown that gaming enthusiasts possess better reflexes and mental agility than the average population.

5

It is obvious. Video games are called eSports because they are sports. Video gamers are just as mentally fit as traditional sports players. They are athletes that have a huge following of fans and high-paying salaries. Society needs to consider video games a sport.




Source 2: Gamers Are Not Athletes
1

Not everyone agrees that the term "athlete" should be handed out so easily. Most dictionary definitions of "sport" include words like "physical" and "athletic." These terms do not describe video gamers; therefore, eSports should not be considered sports.

2

ESport players are nowhere near as physically fit as traditional sportspeople. Some video gamers sit in front of a computer screen for 14 hours a day! They develop bad posture from sitting slumped over the screen. This is such an unhealthy habit. Quick thumbs on the controllers do not equal a strong body.

3

Video games also have negative effects on the brain. Those who play action video games regularly put their brain at risk to neurological disorders. They develop addictions to the video game that cannot be broken.

4

The facts are evident. ESports are unhealthy and should not be put into the same category as regular sports. They encourage children to sit in front of the TV or computer screen instead of riding a bike or playing basketball outside with friends. Video games should be illegal because nothing good comes from them.







Question: How are the ideas in the texts different when it comes to the impact of video games on mental health?

(1 point)

"Video Games Should Be Considered a Sport" claims video games don't affect mental health, but "Gamers are Not Athletes" explains why eSport gamers may have poor mental health.

"Video Games Should Be Considered a Sport" says video games make you less smart and hurt your mental health, but "Gamers are Not Athletes" says they make your mind work better.

"Video Games Should Be Considered a Sport" says video games improve mental health, but "Gamers are Not Athletes" suggests that video games make mental health worse.