Want To Be Smarter? Play Video Games

                Want To Be Smarter? Play Video Games

            

               Gaming both video and computer 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 behaviour and addiction. However, all is not negative about gaming; studies by leading researchers have shown that video and computer games have many benefits.

               

               Video games and computer games are known to improve hand-eye co-ordination. A player has to watch on screen while simultaneously operating the joystick of the device in his or her hand to make moves. This requires the player to be alert and well-coordinated. Moreover, he or she can see his actions taking effect immediately, thus getting a first-hand experience of his/her actions taking effect. For example, First person shooters especially account to this. Paying attention to enemies in cover, keeping your eye on the target, can translate into many real life situations. These games also can lead to an overall increase in concentration. Researchers have found that surgeons who have played video games in their life have a better time using their hands while working on patients.

              

               Children can benefit from video games. Children with an inferiority complex, lack of self-confidence are seen to be gaining help from playing video games. Video games have also been included in the therapy for children with such psychological problems. In playing video games, a child gets a sense of participation, a sense of achievement, thus building his or her self-confidence. Children, after playing video games begin to feel excited about their lives, they start feeling positive and enthusiastic. This enables them to defeat their psychological disorders to a certain extent. A lonely child can acquire social presence after becoming a fan of video games!

               

               Lastly, video games have been known as a healthy outlet of aggression, or as an overall stress relief, despite their reputation stating otherwise. Much like books or movies, video games allow a sort of “escape”. Playing games has been a help to many in stressful and traumatic situations. Critics have to keep in mind that those who scapegoat video games as a cause of aggression, most likely have had additional concerns that needed to be taken into account. The gaming universe can certainly account for hours of stress relief, escape from personal issues, and years of fun times. So while the media chooses to force a condemning image upon video games, one must remember to take into account, the other end of the spectrum, which in fact has many helpful benefits to those willing to open their mind to the greater picture.

              

                However, there is a common negative effect on playing video games. Spending an increasing amount of time on video games can significantly reduce physical activity in children and teenagers, thereby increasing the risk of obesity among them. Besides obesity, other health related issues associated with playing video games include video-induced seizures, muscular and skeletal disorders and nerve compression.

            
                 In conclusion, it’s time we begin looking at video games in the right perspective. It is important that we realize their positive effects. We need to become aware of how can video games have a positive impact on a child's development. So next time you plan to get a video game for your child also plan to try your hands on it! 
















Group 3
Name: Tan Jun Xian