The Influence of the Free Fire Video Game on Adolescent Behavior

The Influence of the Free Fire Video Game on Adolescent Behavior: A Comprehensive Analysis. The realm of video games has become an integral part of contemporary adolescence, offering immersive experiences that extend beyond mere entertainment. Among the plethora of games, Free Fire has emerged as a dominant force, captivating the attention of millions worldwide.

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The Evolution of Video Games: A Journey from Curiosity to Complexity

The creation of the first video games in the 1950s marked the beginning of a revolution that, at the time, only piqued the curiosity of the youth. During that era, computer technology was unexplored territory, and few foresaw the reach and influence it would have on humanity. Nowadays, video games have evolved remarkably, becoming complex programs that demand participants to engage in various mental processes.

Uncertainty about the Influence of Video Games on Behavior

Computer technology, particularly video games, continues to be a subject of study regarding its influence on adolescent behavior. In this context, the Free Fire video game stands out, developed by Garena and exclusive to mobile devices. The popularity of this game lies in its accessibility, leading players to adopt both positive and negative behaviors. What role do video games play in today's society?

Video Games: Gateway to ICT and Cognitive Development

Video games serve as the gateway for children and youth to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). According to Simone and López (2008), video games allow individuals to acquire diverse skills, becoming a determining factor for socializing in the world of new technologies. However, their impact on behavior remains an enigma, with behavioral factors being both positive and negative, depending on the time spent playing.

Free Fire: An Exclusive and Restricted Video Game

Free Fire, being a mobile-exclusive game with an age restriction of 16, aims to ensure players have developed sufficient emotional and abstract intelligence to distinguish between real and virtual life. This restriction is based on Piaget's stages of cognitive development, specifically in the stage of formal operations, where individuals can "think about thinking" and use hypothetical deductive reasoning (Bosch, 2016).

Positive Aspects of Free Fire: Beyond the Game

Sociability and Teamwork

Free Fire encourages social interaction, both virtually and in reality. In the virtual world, being an online game promotes interaction with up to 50 players, involving the sharing of interests, affinities, and the exploration of different cultures. Participating in tournaments requires selecting team members, stimulating the formation of new friendships. García (2017) emphasizes that the video game sector establishes new avenues for player interaction, enhancing performance and learning.

Development of Skills and Overcoming Challenges

Teamwork is essential in Free Fire to win matches, requiring skills, abilities, and coordination among players. These skills are not only useful in the game but can also be transferred to the professional sphere. The capacity for overcoming challenges is reinforced in the game, as players face various difficulties that must be overcome to achieve victory. This teaches the importance of consistent practice and effort to succeed, as in any competition.

Rehabilitative Element

In addition to social and personal development, video games, including Free Fire, can have rehabilitative applications. For example, they can be used in the treatment of visual impairments, such as refractive amblyopia, which improves when the amblyopic eye is forced to work (Muñoz, 2005).

Negative Aspects: Addiction and Other Challenges

Phases of Addiction according to Brown and Cairns

However, not everything is positive in the influence of Free Fire and other video games on adolescent behavior. According to Brown and Cairns' models (2004), video game addiction goes through three phases: commitment, absorption, and total immersion.

Addiction and Dependence

Video game addiction can create a potent dependence, leading users to dedicate a significant amount of time, altering their behavior. Flores (2018) highlights that addiction involves a pleasure factor, where the substance or object (in this case, the video game) induces a sense of reward when used.

Achievements and Dependence

Achievements in video games, such as Free Fire, can create a strong dependence link. Achieving these goals becomes an objective that can consume hours of gameplay, leading players to constantly seek that feeling of satisfaction and virtual reward. This achievement system functions as a conditioning mechanism that reinforces emotional addiction to the game.

Negative Influence and Sedentary Lifestyle

During gameplay, expressions of insults from other players may occur, and the graphic violence in Free Fire can have negative consequences by increasing bellicose thoughts and aggressive feelings. Additionally, sedentary behavior can become a problem if players dedicate most of their day to video games, neglecting healthy activities like exercise and nutrition.

A Delicate Balance

In the conducted research, consensus is reached that family issues play a crucial role in the relationship between adolescents and video games, especially Free Fire. Parental attention and family guidance are fundamental to prevent addictive behaviors. Despite the positive aspects, such as the promotion of social skills and teamwork, it is necessary to establish limits and supervision to ensure a balanced use of video games.

Ultimately, the Free Fire video game, as an educational resource, can be a valuable strategy for learning and skill development, provided it is accompanied by proper guidance. Cognition and cognitive development are key elements, but affective activity and family context also play a role, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to the relationship between adolescents and video games.

The influence of Free Fire on adolescent behavior is complex and multifaceted, requiring a delicate balance between entertainment, learning, and parental supervision.

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