Video games often get a bad reputation. Many consider them a waste of time, a distraction, or a bad influence. This misconception causes many parents to limit their children’s video game time. Some people may also find them a stressor in their relationships. However, they have many overlooked benefits.
Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of gaming.
Video Games and Connectivity
Video games can provide people with a platform to connect with others. Several people opt to play with their friends or family, which can strengthen relationships. People can meet others worldwide and make friends that they otherwise wouldn’t. Many of them are team-based. Therefore, they allow the opportunity to grow teamwork and leadership skills in children and adults.
Real-life interactions were limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. In turn, video games provide a setting for people to interact with others safely. Maintaining sociability during quarantine could be difficult. Having an outlet to spend time with friends and family was important for boosting mental health.
Strategy, Problem-Solving, and Other Skills
Video gaming has been shown to increase strategic and problem-solving skills. A study by the National Institutes of Health revealed that children who reported playing video games performed better on a cognitive skills test than those who didn’t. Many video games involve critical thinking and strategy. Strategy-oriented games like Civilization VI and Starcraft allow gamers to sharpen their critical thinking skills.
Alternatively, puzzle-based games like 2048 and Candy Crush can help develop problem-solving skills. There is a wide variety of video game genres, with some dedicated entirely to honing these skills and learning new ones. Problem-solving skills often come in handy regarding issues revolving around logic. Game designers most likely design a game depending on what an individual looks for.
Hand-eye Coordination and Reaction Time
Multiple studies have shown a positive correlation between video gaming and hand-eye coordination. Tech Times, a technology news source, details an experiment in which gamers outperformed non-gamers on a hand-eye coordination test. Hand-eye coordination builds over time since many video games utilize a mouse, keyboard, or controller for the main controls. In turn, this leads to better sensorimotor skills.
Some studies show that video games correlate with improved response time. Futurity, a news source that covers research universities, explains an experiment that showed that action-based video games can improve reaction time. Most action-based games are fast-paced and require quick thinking, which shapes gamers’ response times. They cause a decreased reaction time, which can translate to real-world situations that might require quick thinking.
Conclusion
Critics have criticized video games for as long as they’ve existed, often ignoring the benefits they can have on players. However, various studies have proven these benefits and highlighted the pros of video gaming. Anyone interested in learning more should research the worth of gaming’s advantages despite the tendency to overlook them.
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