The Dangers of Electronic Games on Societal Security

Okaz, Saudi Arabia, May 16

There is no doubt that electronic games have significant educational benefits when managed and utilized correctly. However, they also pose substantial risks, potentially causing considerable harm. One primary concern is the scourge of addiction. Gamers often become hooked on violent games that promote aggression, instill feelings of hatred and revenge, and encourage violent behavior. This addiction can also lead to severe psychological effects, fostering isolation and detachment from reality. Additionally, these games can disrupt social communication within families, cultivate selfish attitudes, and diminish the spirit of initiative in various social activities. Valuable time is wasted without yielding any real benefits, leading to neglect of essential responsibilities, such as delaying mandatory prayers. Beyond these personal and social impacts, electronic games also pose security risks. Privacy can be compromised through group play with unknown players, potentially extremist groups who may recruit young individuals, exploit children, and gather personal information, crucial data, or account passwords. There are also risks associated with downloading unsafe games, which may contain malware that can severely damage devices and the data stored on them. The pervasive influence of the digital world—embodied in smart devices and video games—has rendered children vulnerable to the dangers of electronic games and addiction. This situation calls for families to take up the mantle of protecting their children from such pitfalls. Parents need to monitor who their children communicate with, oversee the websites and games they frequent, and regulate the types of games they are allowed to play. This includes setting specific play times, educating children on the importance of not discussing personal or family matters with unknown players, and teaching them to read and understand game terms before downloading, ensuring they are age-appropriate and do not violate religious or social values or moral principles. The state also bears a significant responsibility in protecting its youth by regulating and monitoring suspicious electronic games and accounts and taking action against them. It is crucial to report any attempts by extremist individuals or groups to recruit children, or instances of violations or electronic blackmail, to the competent security services. These games may expose children to bullying, threats, harassment by online predators, and even involvement in immoral activities. They can also become victims of fraudsters who target them through gaming platforms, advertisements, and enticing links, aiming to illegally obtain their money. What is required, then, is a cooperative and integrated effort between parents and the state to safeguard children and protect society from the harmful or immature use of electronic games. This includes launching continuous awareness campaigns and enabling parents or law enforcement to monitor suspicious activities through smart security applications. Such measures can help protect our children from harm and encourage the healthy and safe use of electronic games. Furthermore, there is a call for security services to impose the harshest possible penalties on those who violate electronic gaming regulations established by law. —Muhammad Ali Al-Husseini (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)