Video games have been around for decades, and while some may argue that they make you lazy, damage your brain, or ruin your social life, the truth is that they can actually have a lot of physical, cognitive, and social benefits. Studies have shown that some video games can improve mood and heart rate, a sign that they can also help relieve stress. From better memory and problem solving to better mood and social skills, the positive effects of video games are numerous. Here are 10 reasons why video games are good for your brain. Games can help people who suffer from addictions or cravings to reduce the intensity of their desires.
They can also help people with multiple sclerosis maintain balance and improve cognitive function. Professional video games are available to most of us, but there are also a lot of non-professionals out there. The average age of a gamer is 33, which sets off the myth that video games are only for teenagers and children. Contrary to popular belief, multitasking while playing video games is actually quite effective. A study conducted by Dr.
Anthony Wagner at Stanford University found that players can effectively juggle a large number of tasks. Dr. Bavelier has identified elements of video games that help players develop the ability to multitask, which she calls “broccoli” and their context—the video games themselves—“chocolate” (or “attractive products you can resist”). Her goal is to combine the good from broccoli and chocolate to develop new tools that help non-players hone their ability to concentrate and analyze information more efficiently. A study conducted at University College London and Queen Mary University in London involved 72 volunteers who played two different games for 40 hours over six to eight weeks.
The results showed that these video games helped players focus better than non-gamers, especially those who played violent shoot 'em up games. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center also conducted a test to discover the advantages of video games for children compared to activities such as watching television and browsing the Internet. Many video games are set in different periods or historical settings, such as Assassin's Creed and Grand Theft Auto. As you discover how a game works and complete puzzles to master a level, you create new connections in your mind. SPARX is a game specifically designed to provide therapy to teens in a more active and fun way than regular counseling. It's important to choose quality games and limit screen time, including television, computer, smartphone, tablet, and video game time, to a reasonable amount.
Researchers at the University of Denver wanted to know if playing video games was one of the ways couples could have fun together and relax. It makes sense that this area of the brain would be affected by playing Super Mario 64, a game that requires players to plan ahead and consider how to use and interact with objects in a virtual world. The results were more pronounced in those players who really dedicated themselves to the game and had a strong desire to win or discover the difficulties of a certain level. Bavelier hopes that this finding will lead to games that help people with vision problems “retrain their brain” to improve their vision.
