The misconception of video games
Video games often get a reputation for the causes rather than the major benefit that it can offer to someone. For example, video games are often blamed for the cause of violence, bad anger, laziness and many more that you can think of. It is for sure that playing too many video games has many side effects, let’s talk about the benefits of video games when video games are being played in moderation.
There are many great video games out there that offer not only entertainment but also as a way of learning new things as each game has a different form of game mechanics. For example, games like Minecraft bedwars server where is a PVP game mode of players trying to destroy each other’s bed to win the game. This itself requires a lot of strategizing and thinking.
What are the benefits of video games?
Prevents dementia / alzheimers
As mentioned, playing video games requires a lot of thinking as players think of a strategy to beat the level or to win the game be it if it’s a single-player or multiplayer game.
Studies have also shown individuals who play a lot of 3D video games have shown an increase in grey matter in the brain compared to those who do not play video games. Thus, not only will it improve memory and cognition, playing video games will also help in potentially reducing the risk of diseases like Alzhemier’s as muscle memory is constantly used to learn new things in video games.
Improve hand-eye coordination
A study from 2014 found that there is an increase in cortical thickness in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left frontal eye field in adolescents who play video games. This indicates a greater density and more brain cell connections as brain function in those areas improved.
The left frontal eye field is a part of the brain that is responsible for providing visual-motor information as its main function is to make judgments on reacting to external stimuli.
The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain that is responsible for high order thinking such as self-control and decision making.
Hence, putting these two together along with the greater left frontal eye field and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex will greatly improve hand-eye coordination.
Reduces stress and depression
Playing video games is like a getaway or an escape to the trouble uncertainties individuals face in life. A 2009 study concluded that there is a significant improvement in terms of mental health to gamers who vent out their frustration and aggression by playing video games. By playing video games, it will help players to be in a state of relative mindlessness which will allow them to avoid reaching “a certain level of stressful arousal” as they try to relax.
Researchers also found that there is a display in improved mood and heart rhythms compared to those who don’t play video games, as this research was funded by PopCap after a player reported to the company that their mood has greatly improved after investing in countless hours of playing Bejeweled. That player is also reportedly suffering from depression.
Improves learning
Video games, especially in education have been extremely beneficial to students. A study has concluded that playing video games encourages students to have critical thinking, like as mentioned above, playing video requires a lot of thinking and strategizing. Not only does it improve critical thinking, it also improves motor skills and promotes essential qualities such as leadership and team building.
Video games in education are also helpful in subjects like algebra, biology and coding as these 3 subjects require heavy thinking. With gaming, it will deepen learning and understanding.
Video games will also help college students as a trial by the University of Glasgow concluded that can help students to develop the necessary skills such as communication, mental adaptability, the resourcefulness that will help students to succeed in higher education.
Keeps our body fit
As technology improves, so do video games. Video games have changed drastically where playing video games is not just sitting down in front of the screen with a controller or a mouse and keyboard.
With video game systems like VR or the Nintendo switch ring fit, this kind of gaming platform will allow players to exercise as some games require a lot of body movement. For example, VR has a running platform where players can simulate a real-life gaming experience in the form of a video game. This itself is already a form of cardio as it helps players to burn the body fats as they play the game.
Use it to greater use
By looking past all the downside of video games that are reported by the media, it is unfair to label video games as something bad as different people have different characteristics on the way their brain reacts when it comes to video games.
With all the benefits that are contributed when playing video games, video games should be put to good use as an exercise regimen as a way to strengthen the muscle in the brain and our body to be healthy mentally and physically.
