“A game is an opportunity to focus our energy, with relentless optimism, at something we’re good at (or getting better at) and enjoy. In other words, gameplay is the direct emotional opposite of depression.” ― Jane McGonigal, Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World
Apart from being so entertaining that it leaves children hooked on for ridiculously long hours, there aren’t many negative aspects to gaming. Sure, a great debate surrounds video gaming and considering that “too much of everything is bad” anyway, let’s not disregard the incredibly remarkable and noteworthy outcomes of video games.
Realizing Personal Responsibility
Video games have a lot to offer; the greatest of all is that they teach personal responsibility and perseverance. There are various challenges in the games that help players focus on their own actions. This eventually helps them control and improve the situations around them. However, it may not seem obvious when you play. A little introspection on our part can help us use these gaming skills in the real world.
Expand Problem-Solving Skills
Many researches show that playing games improves problem-solving ability, which further acts out in helping you quickly make the right decisions. According to these research studies, it is evident that some parts of our brain can grow as a result of playing games. These parts are linked with tactical and calculated planning, memory, and spatial navigation. But then again, it takes a bit of introspection on our part. You just don’t get smarter just by playing video games all day. The idea is to use it as a tool to learn new skills and practice them in real life, for personal growth and benefits. Numerous games are developed for the same reasons: improve your reading comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The Learning Experience
Video games incorporate different stories and characters from various cultures, subliminally adding diversified information about numerous perspectives of life while handing out the entertainment. Video games also reconfigure your brain to deal with negative emotions while troubleshooting the challenges in stressful situations. But this doesn’t give you a legitimate reason to ignore your school work and spend hours and hours playing. Moderation in everything is extremely crucial. Therefore, keeping this in mind, let’s move on to learn more about the advantages of games.
- Helps Eliminate Stress
In spite of the disadvantages associated with video games, several studies have shown that they could help improve the quality of life, especially for those who have mental disorders or disabilities. These people have a more challenging time enjoying life to the fullest. Not everyone around them understands enough to understand their needs and feelings. So what does that mean? Video games in real life can be just as effective as physical exercise when it comes to fighting stress and anxiety. They assist you to overlook your existing tensions for a while and give you a pleasant experience. They help you connect with like-minded people. Therefore, they can expand your quality of life.
- Boosts Your Creative
Playing video games lets your brain take a break and start over. Video games also provide an immersive experience to the games, making them indulge in life’s simple pleasure, which, in turn, helps you disregard the things that worry you. When you feel fresh and content, you tend to be more creative. Another feature that fuels your creativity is that these games help you see things from various angles. You try to be inventive to conquer the challenges of the game. Bringing these skills into real life will help you deal with real-life challenges as well. Yes, playing certain video games is good for memory and learning, but don’t overdo it.
- Learn How to Start-Over
Nothing in life stays the same. Sometimes when relationships and friendships are over, it becomes extremely difficult to move on. But, gamers certainly know the sad emotion of carrying out a game that they enjoyed playing. Also, sometimes they stop playing a game that no longer amuses them. This helps them learn to let go and develops their self-control. They allow us to face our bitter sentiments and stroll away or embrace new phases. Therefore, playing these games can turn out to a form of practice that helps you deal with similar situations in real life. Make sure it has something good to offer.
- Develop Multitasking Skills
Some video games allow you to deal with audio and visual distractions at once. Doing so will improve your multitasking ability, which is great for growing productivity. If you’re already good at multitasking, you can always practice your skills while playing, as there is always room for improvement. So why not get better at the things you’re already good at?
These multitasking skills also help you take pleasure in your favorite games while being an excellent student. Since reading the game directions and implementing them requires good attention, it also improves your reading understanding. This signifies that you are more likely to understand your essay prompts and assignment instructions. But if you still find it difficult to do some of your schoolwork, you can seek help online when you need sample movie review essays or sample video game review essays.
- Enhances Positivity
How do video games positively affect the brain? Well, do you know that when you do something over and over again, it trains your brain to do it with less power? For example, players in the game Tetris also see shapes in real life that fit together. So what does this convey? It is pretty simple. The constructive effects of this game teach us to overcome the negativity that surrounds us. Also, it can help players avoid food cravings or erase bad memories. Isn’t it amazing? Various other games help you reconfigure your brain to be positive. So, choose them wisely and allow them to have a positive impact on your life.
But then again, we must keep in mind that excessive indulgence would cause serious health issues and learning about these benefits doesn’t mean you can immobilize on a couch all day. It is still essential to do physical and fun activities. Various stimulatory hobbies like watching movies with the family, reading books, exercising, and eating healthy play an important role in your wellbeing. That’s why you must give time to all these different hobbies equally rather than letting one single hobby drain all your energy.
Which game is best for learning English?
You can teach students English with games like Minecraft and Among Us. Apart from these, many simple puzzle games are best to teach incredible problem solving.
What impact does video gaming have on mental health?
Video games in excess are associated with encouraging, optimistic and constructive emotions, as well as social relationships while playing. However, problematic and excessive video games are also linked with maladaptive coping approaches, negative sentiments and attitudes, low self-esteem, loneliness, and reduced academic performance.
Aren’t children exposed to violent content through video games?
It often happens that a 5-year-old child accidentally watches something violent on television, and in response to his shocked and scared behavior, we usually have to tell them that “it’s okay, it’s not real … it’s just special effects and animation”, and that tells him that he’s supposed to sit there and learn to like it. Instead, we as parents or caretakers should reinforce his correct natural response and say “that’s dreadful, let’s turn it off.” With that said, everything is best in its due time, and the age restrictions on the games should be taken seriously by everyone.
Does the interactive nature of video games have a heavier effect on children than media like television?
Theoretically, that is what we would presume. However, there is only a little scientific proof for it at this time. I, therefore, think that this is still an open question that needs additional study.
Do video games have any positive uses?
People all over the world enjoy video games for recreational, educational and therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic value of games is increasingly important in today’s society and offers incredible innovation to treatments, as in the field of dementia, stroke rehabilitation and ADHD, and many other areas.