If you have noticed, you see that children are constantly playing video games. That can actually be a good thing. Studies show that computer games can actually help us. For example, children playing video games can develop problem solving skills. When playing video games, they can experience trial and error. For example, if you make a mistake in a video game, you can learn from it and try something else.
Another reason that computer games help us is that they can improve focus and concentration. When playing a game, it will make it so that you focus a lot more. Concentration plays a crucial role in video games. Studies show that when gaming, the player will have full concentration.
But people say that there is a bad side to gaming. For example, they say that gaming is one of the reasons that obesity occurs since they are not doing any physical activities. Gaming can also increase anger in a child’s behavior. For example, when playing violent games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” it involves shooting and death. If that happens to get into the player’s head, then they might hurt someone or themself. People also say that violent games are the cause of school shootings. Because of the violent shootings that happen in the game, the player has gun shots in their mind, hence the school shootings.
But what if they can learn from that mistake?
Nonviolent video games could be a source of learning. Like math games, for example. The child that is playing the math game, it could be easier for teachers to teach the students how to do math.
Another way that video games can be beneficial is that it could treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. People with ADHD will experience constant annoyance. They say that game play is a form neuro-feedback. That neuro-feedback can probably help treat ADHD. Dr. Henry Owens is a clinical psychologist that has a lot of ADHD patients. He says that 4 of his patients play Smart Brain Games (www.smartbraingames.com).
Another reason that gaming can help us is that they can help us socialize, work in teams, etc. Some examples are games that involve teamwork (Halo), socialization (Golf with Your Friends), critical thinking (Minecraft), interest in STEAM (Niche), historical subjects (Civilization VI), or puzzles (Bendy and the Ink Machine). But now there are games that promote family fun, such as Just Dance 2018.
For the past several years, video games have evolved. From Pong to Atari Breakout, from Super Mario 64 to Sonic the Hedgehog, etc. Gaming has transformed from 8-bit to 3D in just over a decade. Every day a new video game is released. Whether it would be an action-packed game, an adventure game, or a game that has a really big cliffhanger, someone always thinks of something new.
Some games that involve teamwork can also be helpful. Take Halo for example. Since it is a 2 (or more) player game, it involves teamwork. The object of the game is for a team to get the highest score to win.
Some video games involve creativity. For example, in the game Minecraft (if you choose Creative mode) you can make anything that comes to mind. Whether it’d be a house or design, possibilities are endless. This game can enhance creativity, allowing the player to think of what they want to build. Thus making their creativity better. But if you choose Survival or Hardcore mode, you can still be creative with what you do, it will just be a lot harder to do it.
Other games involve puzzles. Take Bendy and the Ink Machine for example. As you play the game, you will have to flip switches and look for clues on how to complete the goal. This is another good reason that gaming can help. Puzzles make the player think critically to complete a task.
Some games involve physical activity, like Just dance or Wii Fit Plus. It’s those types of games that will get you up and moving. They have typical family fun and can prevent obesity.
Some games involve strategy. Take Bloons Tower Defense for example. You have to place certain towers in certain places to pass the round. And as you pop bloons, you are rewarded with more unlocked towers and money. And you can use that money to by the towers that you unlocked. Thus making the player think and strategize.
Another reason it can help is that it can improve fine motor skills. It is the fact that our thumbs and fingers are constantly moving. Since that happens then we (and possibly our own hands) know what buttons and keys to press.
Another reason that they can make us plan out what we have to do. For example, in the game SimCity, you have to plan out what you want to build. You could build office buildings houses and even amusement parks. The possibilities are endless when it comes to building.
Another reason that gaming can help us is it can improve our accuracy. Say that you are playing a game like AZ. In the game you have to try to destroy the other players tank. Doing so will result in a score. You can get upgrades to help yourself. While playing you have to shoot your tank at a certain angle to destroy your opponent.
