Published: August 30th, 2021
Author: Caitlynn Joann
Did you know...
When you play action-based video games, you’re training to make the right decision more rapidly? No, no it’s true! Gamers develop a heightened sense of their surroundings, aiding in the ability to multitask. Even more impressive; surgeons who regularly destressed playing these action-based video games made nearly 40% fewer errors and performed 27% faster at completing tasks when compared to their colleagues. This study was conducted by the University of Rochester in 2010.
If you still don’t take my word for it, allow me to summarize a literature review conducted in 2020, “Using Video Games to Improve Capabilities in Decision Making and Cognitive Skill.” This review covers 27 various literature and experimental studies. Thus proving, video games do in fact improve cognitive and decision-making skills including perception and attention control. And parents, it’s not just rotting their brain; it is found that students who gamed excelled further during cognitive ability tasks when compared to students who didn’t play.
Video games are learned through a “training” method, or with rules and regulations, that if not followed will result in a negative outcome for the player. This can mold the gamer to be more disciplined through repeated play. This negative outcome encourages the player to act according to the rules or restrictions in order to receive the medal, the high score, the win, etc.
Time management can be closely tied to cognitive skills and, you guessed it, video games. We see many games on a time constraint, whether it is problem-solving, strategy or an action-based. This force us to create a “game plan” on where to spend our time accordingly to complete the task, often times simultaneously avoiding character death. While there are more variables to consider when measuring a player’s time management skills in relation to video games, we know players level of efficiency increased after a session of play. On the other hand, we see they may have lost time they, in hindsight, should have spent elsewhere. Whether they made the right or wrong choice, they tend to be more confident in their decision; a choice necessary to make under pressure.
Even after all of these positives you know what we’re going to tell you; everything in moderation! Gaming addiction can be dangerous and we always encourage to play and enjoy at your own risk with awareness of how much time you are spending doing so.
Sources:
It’s interesting how video games are often misunderstood, especially with the idea that they can “rot your brain.” In reality, they can enhance problem-solving skills and creativity. For those interested in creating engaging games, argentics offers valuable expertise in game development. With the right approach, video games can be a great tool for learning and entertainment. It’s all about finding balance and using them in ways that benefit both the mind and body.
However, like anything, balance is key. When gaming turns into an addiction and starts affecting your daily life or mental health, it can become a real issue. I’ve seen how addiction rehab can help individuals regain control over their lives by finding healthier outlets for stress and entertainment. It’s all about knowing your limits and keeping gaming as a fun part of your life, not a dependency.