Growing up,
video games were always criticized and treated with
disdain. Whether it was that playing them too much “will rot your brain” or
that they’ll “stunt your mental development”, there was always a specific sort
of stigma associated with them. But now, many studies later, there is
undeniable proof that all that negative critique was blatantly wrong, and,
you’d be surprised to see just how beneficial playing video games can be. So,
let’s jump right into some of these benefits.
اضافة اعلان
Improved vision and reading
Contrary to popular belief,
playing video games — in moderation of course — could actually improve your
vision. Strange, right? You grow up hearing how constantly staring at your
screen will be detrimental to your sight, but scientists are discovering that
playing games without pushing your eyes to strain might be doing the exact
opposite. Studies show that people who played games were getting better at
discerning slight shades of color, and some players were seeing an improvement
in the clarity of their vision.
(Photo: RawPixel)
In 2013, Italian researchers focusing on people with
dyslexia found that participants’ reading abilities improved after playing
video games that featured a lot of action and text. Researchers believe that
the reason for this could be that video games have constantly changing
variables that require one’s complete attention, thus resulting in these
improvements.
Builds leadership
Studies have found that
video game genres that focus on having players provide for and take care of a
community could lead to the development of leadership traits. Multiplayer
survival games are a great example of such games, often requiring players to
think critically about resources their base needs and planning ahead to ensure,
well, survival. These moments in games seem to correlate to real life
motivation in some players, with people applying similar thought patterns to
their daily lives. Studies have also found that improvising in video games can
help with thinking faster on your feet, making you quicker to take charge of an
office crisis if one were to arise.
Brain health and focus
It isn’t all that surprising
to find out that focusing on playing video games ends up helping your general
ability to retain focus, but studies have also shown that playing “brain games”
has a positive effect on increasing cognitive function. Players who engage with
games that are oriented heavily around
puzzle solving and memory tend to see
lasting positive effects on their cognitive functions; with the effects lasting
for several years, in some cases.
(Photo: RawPixel)
A strange example, perhaps, involved a study that
showed that those who played video games tended to be better surgeons. In this
study, people who played video games made 32 percent fewer errors than their
non-gaming peers when participating in practice procedures. This could be
attributed to the finer dexterity and focus required for some games.
Social connections and new interests
A lot of people play video
games socially, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic this kicked into
high gear and many — not just people who self-identify as “
gamers” — have found
themselves engaging in social gaming. The social connections established
through games are not necessarily shallow simply because of the video-game
medium; many people the world over form deep and meaningful friendships that
last years.
As a result of these connections, people develop new
interests. Video games have led people to discovering interests they may never
have otherwise. Whether it’s a budding interest in history through games like
Civilization, or a fascination with physics by playing Kerbal Space Program,
it’s clear that a medium that was once stigmatized has added variety to the
lives of many gamers.
A healthy mental break
Games do sometimes have the
reputation of being stress inducting, especially those in which you’re forced
to fight for your character’s life, but the opposite can be true as well. One
study showed that the heart rate and adrenaline levels in players was reduced
by more than 50 percent.
Many people play video games as a way to escape the
trouble of their daily lives, offering a different world that can be explored
with the click of a button.
The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed
out, maybe you could try picking up a video game and giving it a go.
(Photo: RawPixel)
Don’t be fooled by what people say about video
games, as studies have made it evident that there are potential benefits from
playing them. Grab a controller or keyboard and reap the benefits.
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