Interactive Gaming Consoles
The Benefits and Risks of Online Gaming and Consoles
Interactive gaming can provide hours of fun for gamers. A discussion of several benefits and risks of online gaming consoles.
Things sure have changed since the days of playing Pac-Man and Space Invaders against the computer or another player. The days of one-to-one, or multi-player gaming played in the family room, have morphed into a different realm: interactive gaming. Although gaming consoles provide hours of fun and entertainment, there are some risks parents and adults need to know.
Certain gaming consoles can wirelessly connect to the Internet or to other devices using short-range wireless technology. The world of make-believe wrapped up in a nice and shiny console box might just be another venue for online strangers, predators, offensive players and electronic bullies.
Microsofts XBox 360
The popular gaming console, Microsoft’s Xbox 360, has a service available called Xbox LIVE or LIVE Vision. This service allows users to connect and chat online with other users worldwide, using a headset and microphone. With Live Vision, a camera for real-time video chat is included . The ability to simultaneously connect with other users by simply using a console with a microphone, headset or camera, be it via voice, video or text, now exists. Gamers, depending on what gaming device is used, can chat in real time while playing video games, listen to music or watch movies by connecting to the Internet or connecting with other nearby devices. While this can provide great fun and entertainment, it also presents some potential risks and concerns parents need to be aware of.
Although not all gamers use voice or video chat, the capability to connect with friends as well as strangers, is available, depending on what system is used. Companies, including Microsoft, have added extra safety precautions and numerous parental controls. For instance, family timers are now available on the XBox 360, allowing parents to manage 360 play time. Voice masking may also be available—to change the voice of the user to a robot, adult or other available voices. Although this may be a good idea for children to disguise and distort voices, predator's voices can also change by using the same technology. It is crucial to remind children, people online are not always who they say they are.
XBox Live
The Microsoft Xbox Live community has approximately 7 million Xbox Live users worldwide who reportedly send several million text and voice messages daily. Xbox 360 users are now able to connect with Windows Live Messenger Instant Messaging users.
According to the official website, Windows Live Messenger, is the "world’s largest easy-to-use consumer instant messaging service that allows people to connect with others in real time". This allows Xbox Live users to chat directly using Windows Live Messenger, which has millions of active accounts. Users can text and video chat using a variety of existing methods and the XBox Live Vision accessory.
Playing Safely
While due care is made to keep the desktop PC or laptop computer in a safe and open area of the home, electronic devices capable of wireless connectivity, pose another concern for parents. For those with gaming consoles that are able to connect to the Internet or by using short-range technology, parents needs to be aware of who children are talking to while they are using these devices.
Whether children own a gaming console or not, chances are they will come in contact with one sooner or later. Although parental controls can add peace of mind and extra safeguards, it is imperative to openly discuss online safety issues with children that may put them in harm's way, whether access to the Internet is gained from home, from school or elsewhere.
Children must stay safe online, no matter where they are, or how they get there. Talking to strangers online, be it using a gaming console, PDA, cell phone, or desktop computer, is a serious subject and should be addressed with children.
The Internet is a wonderful tool. Whether children use social networking websites or interactive gaming devices, the potential risks still exist; the methods and means just change.
For more information about online safety, read: Wireless Gaming Safeguard Tips and What is Cyberbullying.
