Video games are often designed to provide the public with an accessible means of entertainment. Some games are centred around bettering the player’s skills and intelligence. Others are merely for the pleasure of play and amusement. But the majority, whether intentional or not, entail elements of fun and cognitive learning.
However, various concerns surrounding video games over the years have prevented people from understanding its positive influence. As many people believed, and some still do, that computer games cause concerns such as social isolation, aggression, obesity, and addiction.
In opposition, studies in recent years suggest video games present numerous benefits to players, such as enhanced logical thinking and literary skills.
According to Peter Gray, an author for Psychology Today, studies are often conducted by comparing regular gamers and non-gamers in a series of cognitive and perceptual tests. The outcome of which often shows video gamers exceeding in terms of cognitive performance over non-gamers.
However, these studies are problematic because those who choose to game frequently may already have enhanced cognitive and perceptual abilities.
Instead, tests that measure non-gamers and how they progress while practising on games each day is said to be a better predictor and decider of whether games improve cognition. These kinds of studies have been used to assert the cognitive and health improvements throughout this post.
Socialisation
Despite the stereotype that gamers isolate themselves when gaming, 70% of gamers worldwide choose to play with friends or form new alliances online.
For instance, World of Warcraft allows players to build guilds and add friends and family members to help each other on quests. Often players use the chat log or a headset to communicate while gaming.
Beyond reduced loneliness and enhancing a player’s wellbeing, according to the University of Michigan’s Oscar Ybarra, socialising improves cognitive functioning, as conversations exercise people’s minds.
Bingo is another variation of social gaming and is well-known for players socially interacting in land-based venues also known as bingo halls. With the game transitioning online, many believed the social aspect of the game would be lost, however many online bingo providers have ensured that players are still able to socialise. Wink Bingo for example, has installed a chat room on their site where players can chat while they play and share their experience, with some players even making lifelong friends! Bingo is recognised as a relaxing game for players to encounter together, as it instils peace and calm in players.
Spatial Attention
A study conducted in 2012 by Green & Bavelier revealed action video games improve players’ ability to identify stimuli among various distractions quickly.
Skills such as these are vital in determining a person’s driving skills and their ability to spot potential hazards.
Enhanced Self-Discipline
Another study by Green & Bavelier in 2009 revealed how when participants played action games, requiring targeting and acting upon stimuli. Each player’s performance improved in refraining from responding to stimuli which wasn’t a target. In turn, players were able to control impulsive actions better.
For example, in games such as Call of Duty, players need to refrain from shooting at specific targets unless the player feels they have a clear shot. Otherwise, the player could reveal their location to other players.
Problem Solving Skills
There’s cause to believe gaming enhances young people’s problem-solving abilities. A study published in 2013 demonstrates teenagers, who often indulged in strategic games, were likely to improve problem-solving skills. Consequently, school grades were more likely to improve a year following.
Almost every game requires players to exercise problem-solving abilities. Some examples include Tetris, Poker, FIFA, Tomb Raider, Grand theft Auto, and Starcraft.
Cognitive Improvements for The Elderly
The mental decline that happens with age is a common issue and worry for many. Areas that noticeably begin to deteriorate include memory, reasoning, focus, and cognitive flexibility.
However, some experiments reveal that elderly participants who played video games could improve these areas. The result of which also often led to a better quality of life for each member.
According to Science Daily, a research report advises that people between 55 and 75 could benefit from playing games like 3D Super Mario 64; to learn something new, improve memory, and to prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Tactical Thinking
A variety of online games, such as first-person shooter games, demand players to improve their focus and thinking skills to succeed in-game
For example, in the game Overwatch, players must make continuous fast-paced decisions among the intense action. For example, they need to assess the map, identify targets quickly, and make fast decisions about who to shoot at and when.
All of which amounts to a lot of hand-eye coordination, tactical thinking, and quick judgments.
Employment Skills
There’s evidence to suggest games enhance performance at work.
For instance, a study revealed that gamers could fly aerial drones, and their skills were likened to, if not better, than trained pilots who had this skill.
The practice in-game requires the users to focus, exercise their memory, make quick decisions, and of course, develop excellent hand-eye coordination.
Online Gaming Improves Cognition and Health
Previous negative connotations associated with gaming have often pigeon-holed teenage boys as the main culprit that play endless video games. However, gaming is actually more common among people aged 30 years of age. This is one example of research correlating to gaming, which is inaccurate.
Whether you’re a parent or gamer concerned about the negative impact of video games, the above highlights a few of many areas where gaming has numerous cognitive benefits. Coupled with an abundance of health benefits too, for example, in some cases, such as those diagnosed with lazy eye, gaming can eradicate or at least improve issues like Lazy eye.
As such, it’s reasonable to think gaming, in moderation at least, is not as bad as many people have been led to believe. Instead, video games appear to be a great way to boost brain health and skills in most instances.
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