For years, parents are so worried about their kids playing video games for hours, as more screen time would damage their vision. But, a new analysis, the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that playing video games benefits kids in various ways. Read along to know more interesting facts and the positive effects of video games.
Role of video games in children’s brain function
The ABCD study involved nearly 2,000 nine and 10-year-old children who performed cognitive skill tests. Researchers at the University of Vermont analyzed the data of these children and found young gamers who played video games for three hours or more per day performed better at the cognitive skill tests compared to those who didn’t play. The tests involved impulse control, attention, and memory-related tasks. This indicates that the young gamers’ brains showed more activity in these areas and functioned differently than children who had never played video games.
How video games benefit kids & adults
A number of recent researches among adults and kids revealed certain unspoken benefits of video game play. Even though the studies didn’t prove that video games improve cognitive development, they implied that gamers’ brains function differently than non-gamers. Here are the various cognitive benefits of video games for kids & adults.
Enhances problem-solving skills
Individuals, who play video games on a regular basis, will be able to understand the difficulties in a game and analyze ways to solve those problems. This will help improve their decision-making and problem-solving skills. Children and adults who play video games will implement these strategies in real-life situations to make decisions.
More focus and attention
Studies published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience revealed that gamers exhibit more focus and attention than individuals who don’t play video games. Especially, these people will have selective attention and this would help focus on a particular target to be achieved. This is one of the surprising benefits of video games.
Boosts memory
Gaming requires memory skills to read or listen to instructions mentioned in the game regulations and to follow those while playing it. Remembering the protocol of the game is a major part of any type of game. This way, one’s brain focuses on remembering things which indirectly boosts memory skills.
Improves multitasking skills
Almost all video games need multitasking skills to play it effectively. Playing video games often demands you to watch the screen while pressing keys in the joysticks. This will help boost your multitasking skills.
Encourages teamwork
Children who are introverts do not communicate well with others. Video games can help them engage in teamwork through multiplayer games. This way introverts can improve their social skills and learn how to achieve success as a team. This is one of the unspoken benefits of video game play.
Bottom Line
Though playing video games benefits children and adults in many ways, there are disadvantages too. Some games tend to make the players become addicted to them, affecting the individuals’ daily activities. Parents should check the game content and set time limits before accepting their child to play video games. This way one can avoid the negative impacts of video games.
