How Today's Video Games Keep Reinforcing a Generation of Instant Gratifiation and Low Resilience

Video games have come a long way in the past 30 years. In the early 90s, games were primarily played on consoles such as the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, and graphics were much simpler compared to today's games. The gameplay was also more linear and less open-world, with players typically having to complete levels in a specific order.

Today's games, on the other hand, are played on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices (they are on every screen). The graphics are much more realistic and immersive, and the gameplay is often more open-world and non-linear. Players can often explore vast virtual worlds and make choices that affect the outcome of the game.

However, one of the biggest changes in video games over the past 30 years is the concept of instant gratification. In the past, players had to put in a lot of time and effort to progress in a game. They had to learn the mechanics, figure out the puzzles, and master the controls. This made the kids of then much more resilient than today's kids; they learned early on that time, dedication, and lots of failures eventually lead to success, making that success that much more rewarding. Today, games often provide players with instant rewards and shortcuts, making it easier to progress without putting in as much effort. I see this live through my son, who is eager to try the old games, but is quick to give up on them because of the lack of constant save points and the significant reduction in rewards. "I wasted my day today in the game and did nothing" is common. No you did not waste your time! You discovered 17 different things that do not work. That is success through failure!

This shift towards instant gratification in video games can have a negative impact on kids. It can teach them to expect rewards for everything they do, without having to put in the hard work and perseverance. It can also make them less resilient, as they may give up more easily when faced with challenges. It's important for parents to be mindful of this and to encourage their kids to take a break from screens and to engage in other activities that teach resilience and hard work.