Passage B: Effects of Gaming Economy If people stopped buying video games and the related components, retail businesses would be greatly impacted. From 2009 to 2012, the video game industry in the U.S. grew by more than 9%. This is more than four times the growth rate of the U.S. economy during the same period. In 2012, the entertainment industry spent $6.2 billion on software. Consumers alone spent $21.53 billion on video games, hardware, and accessories in 2013. Based on information in Video Games in the 21st Century: The 2014 Report, more than 146,000 people are employed by the computer and video game industry. People working in this business earn an average salary of $94,747. Employment in this area grew more than 13 times the growth of the U.S. labor force between 2009 and 2012. California and Texas are the top two states employing workers in this industry. The popularity of gaming has prompted colleges and universities to offer computer and video game programs and degrees to prepare students for this popular area of employment. Sources for facts and statistics: The Entertainment Software Association and Video Games in the 21st Century: The 2014 Report. Health The popularity of playing video games has had an impact on the health of Americans. The U.S. Department of Health recommends young people ages 6-17 participate in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In 2013, only 17.7% of female and 36.6% of male high school students participated in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. The typical teenager spends about 53 hours a week (7 hours and 38 minutes per day) in front of a television, computer, or cell phone screen. Even though some games allow people to interact with the game, promoting some physical movement, most do not. Physical inactivity increases one's risk of heart disease and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Some people are more likely to snack on unhealthy foods while in front of a screen, which can lead to some of these health issues. Some mental health professionals believe video game addiction also leads to social isolation and depression. A 2009 study reports that violent video games teach youth that violence is an acceptable problem-solving strategy, Other researchers believe that violent games help young players release stress and pent-up aggression. Sources for facts and statistics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Psychological Association. Education Since young people spend many hours in a day playing video games or interacting with a screen, this could have an effect on the study habits of some students. The average high school student spends 6,8 hours a week on homework, but the average teen can spend 9-13 hours a week playing video games. However, some researchers believe that gaming improves strategic thinking, information gathering, hand-eye coordination, and flexibility. Some feel that students use effective problem solving and creativity while gaming. Playing games responsibly can help lessen the negative impacts gaming could have in the lives of young people. Sources for facts and statistics: National Education Association and the Entertainment Software Association.

Write an argument active of 4 paragraphs. My claim is that playing video and computer games has a negative effect on a teens life. Include: evidence to support ​