6 Science-Backed Benefits of Playing Computer Games
Computer games are more than a source of entertainment. Learn here how playing these games can improve your learning, memory, decision making and other cognitive skills.)
— by Charles Brown
What if I say video games are to the brain what physical workouts are to your body?
Some of the readers out there won’t agree on this point, saying that it is an addictive source of entertainment. In kids, video gaming is linked to poor academic performance, aggression and the obsession of buying game everything they get money.
However, it can’t be denied that playing computer games benefit the cognitive abilities of the kids. Computer or video games keep their brain stimulated, thereby aiding the brain’s performance. Many studies have proved that playing these games can improve memory, learning skills, and creativity.
If you are still not convinced, here are some science-backed benefits that will convince you to grab a joystick now.
Computer Games Can Improve Memory:
A video game can boost your memory.
According to a 2015 research by The Journal of Neuroscience, players of the 3D video games like Super Mario and Angry Birds are likely to have a better memory. The researchers told that this is because of the stimulation triggered by the interactive 3D environment. According to the researchers at the University of Manchester, a video game can delay the onset of memory diseases like dementia.
Computer Games Can Benefit Your Eyesight:
This is an extremely shocking fact about video games. After all, we all have grown up with the parental warning that video game could harm the eyes. While prolong playing can cause eyestrain, dry eye, and blurred vision, it can benefit your vision.
A 2009 study by the University of Rochester showed that the players can have better vision after playing first-person shooter games like Call of Duty. Further, the study established that video games can improve an ability known as contrast sensitive function that helps identify the changes in gray with a colored backdrop, which is important while driving at night.
Computer Games Improves Hand and Eye Coordination:
Over the years, many studies have established that video games can improve hand and eye coordination. A player is more likely to rely on the coordination in shooting or action games. They need to track positions, aim, directions and other things. The brain processes all this information and coordinates with the hands as all the actions are to be carried out with a joystick or the keyboard. No wonder why video games are part of the treatment of people having little to no hand-eye coordination.
Computer Games Aid Your Learning Ability:
If you think that computer games can lead to poor academic results, here is a conclusion by the English researchers you should read—
“This result supports the notion that the within-StarCraft gaming manipulation led participants to manage more information sources during game play, thus leading to enhancements in cognitive flexibility.”
This conclusion is based on the effects of video games on over 70 volunteers who played the game for 40 hours more than six to eight weeks.
The reason is pretty simple—games like Starcraft require players to think constantly to get success.
Computer Games Develop Problem Solving Abilities:
Several studies have suggested that video games are a great way to work over one’s problem-solving skills. For example, a player learns through trial and error in order to solve several strategic games. Some games require the players to be equipped with different skills. Sometimes, the failure encourages the players to stay focused on the task until they get success. Players also have to look for other ways when their existing approach is not working.
Computer Games Aid in Decision Making:
Computer Games Develop Problem Solving Abilities
Being able to process information quickly is important in many situations. You may be asked to make rapid yet accurate decisions. And we all know those fast decisions are mostly wrong. Computer games are known for prompting the players to take quick action. Their slowness can cost their victory or cut off their rewards. Players are thus willing to lessen their reaction time to make a quick yet successful move. According to a study published in Policy Insights in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, video games can improve decision-making abilities in the short and long term.
So this is how playing computer games can benefit one’s cognitive abilities. Want to say something? Drop your thoughts to the comment box given below.
Author Bio:
Charles Brown is marketing manager of 1st Person Shooter Live, a laser tag based physical game available in Houston. Now a busy businessman, he has strong dedication towards games. He loves to travel around the world and write on related topics whenever finds some time from his busy schedule.
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