The pros of playing video games

“Alex , you have a test tomorrow, stop facing the computer all the day! “

The dialogue is becoming very common among mothers nowadays and it has turned into a serious matter that worries the authorities as well. What is the subject that is becoming so crucial and needs to be taken action before it turns even worse? The answer is video games. Video game has become more than a fad, it is a part of life. First generation video game players have now become adult and carry their passion to adulthood. Parents and teachers worry about games having negative effects on children and a great deal has been written about games leading to violent behavior and addiction. However, all is not negative about video game, studies by leading researchers have shown that video and games have many benefits:

Playing video games have shown to have positive effects on cognitive health. It is no wonder why, because the majority of games require players to follow rules, think tactically, make fast decisions and fulfill numerous objectives to win. Of course gamers aren’t automatically guaranteed to have better cognitive health than their grandparents because cognitive fitness mostly depend on four major pillars: nutrition, physical exercise, stress management and mental exercise. Although gaming is a good mental exercise, but just sitting in front of your computer doesn’t serve for better nutrition and physical health.

Studies have shown that games help to improve knowledge retention. Video games can be used for the specific purpose of advancing learning. A study conducted at the University of Kansas found they can impart specific knowledge. Researchers administered tests to three different groups, one of which prepared using a PowerPoint lecture and two of which prepared using a video game. Of course, the latter two groups demonstrated better knowledge retention. The advantage of using video games in this case may have been the mere fact that it requires active engagement of the mind, as opposed to almost thoughtlessly looking over slides.

The last but not least video games could be improve social skills. Gamers have been unfairly stereotyped through the years as socially inept, significant-other-less freaks who dwell in their parents' basements. The fact of the matter, given the sheer popularity of gaming, is that a variety of individuals with varying personalities compose the gaming community. As it turns out, World of Warcraft, a game that requires players to be social, teachers leadership and conflict resolution skills, according to a Swedish researcher. Although fans of the game may be viewed as cult-like, they're actually strengthening their ability to function in the outside world.

In a nutshell, playing a video game is not a negative activity. Even though video game can be a disadvantage, it also benefits us in many ways. Thus, youngsters should use video games in a right way to avoid negative issues. They might not use for hours every day due to it could decrease school performance and visual attention skills. Intentionally, parents should recognize that video games can have powerful effects on children, and should therefore set limits on the amount and content of games their children play. In this way, we can realize the potential benefits while minimizing the potential harms.

Written by 

Sheathing (Methodist Boys' School)