The positive effects of video games

Note: Before I get started, it’s important to say that too much of anything is bad, even oxygen

When people think of video games they think of someone sitting with a controler in front of a screen. People think of video games as an anti social hobby that only introverts do. In a research study over half of people said that none or only a few of video games were helpful with half of those people saying that they were entirely a waste of time. The easy retort to this is educational games. Students that play “Pre-social” games are more likely to help others in real life situations. Games can help students learn not to do drugs, or let students explore a simulated environment, and games to teach geography. 70% of teachers reported an increase in student engagement while using educational games

However not all games are educational, in fact most aren't. However that’s not to say that everything other than educational games are bad. They notably improve hand-eye coordination, and multitasking. Doctors who regularly play video games are better at laparoscopic surgery than those who don’t play video games. Video games can help improve confidence, in the form of achievements or other in game activities. Video games also promote group and team play. For example the game Overwatch gives users 20% more in game experience points for playing in a group, and game consoles have features that allow people to chat with their friends while they play.

Aside from all of this video games can offer a great bonding activity for parents and their kids, especially as parents are approaching their kids on their own turf. Seeing as the average age of video game players is 37 a whole new generation of parents is having kids while knowing the world of gaming. And hey guess what, those positive effects I was talking about. They work for adults too! Research done by ONR show that adults that play video games can process information faster and improve in their abilities to solve problems and reason.

There are other activities that can provide the same skills, but video games are fun. Many people will say that games are addictive, and I am not here to argue against that. All I will say of the matter is that video games don’t use chemicals or hormones to trigger releases in the brain.

I know personally for me video games can be an escape. Have you noticed the world we are inheriting. A video game is a work of art whether you view it as “high art” or “low art” is your choice. I don’t use video games to improve my reaction times or things like that. I use video games to have fun. My personal purpose of this was not to prove that videogames are good. I wanted to prove that they aren’t bad. Video Gamers still face stereotypes as fat boys living in their parents basement. This is extremely far from true.  Video games are for all, and to be played by all.