One of the advantages of playing video games is that friendships are often formed and connected through discussions about video games. A number of researchers have reported that experience with action video games improves people’s ability to quickly and perfectly switch between tasks that have conflicting requirements (Anderson et al, 2010; Green et al., 2012; Colzato et al., 2014). An article in the American Journal of Play summarized research that found evidence of the positive effects of playing video games on some basic mental processes, such as memory, attention, decision-making, and perception. Playing video games has been linked to improved mood and mental health benefits.
It involves using a joystick to keep a target centered on a screen, monitor fuel levels, respond to lights on a dashboard, and listen to and respond to radio communications. High scores on this test are well correlated with the performance of the actual driver. These skills are important in the outside world for creating and maintaining friendships, especially in school and professional environments. Studies have shown that playing video games, including violent video games, can create and improve friendships between players. Players can fight against each other in the game, but develop their friendship while working together and sharing the experience.
If you are a parent who has restricted your child’s computer game due to the claims you have read about harmful effects, the research summarized here and in my previous articles on video games may make you think. Most research suggests that claims about the negative effects of video games are largely myths and that there are real positive effects. The types of mental skills that video games help develop can become increasingly important in today’s world. Chiappe and colleagues found that 50 hours of experience on an action video game significantly improved the performance of a test called Multi-Attribute Task Battery, which is modeled on the skills required when flying airplanes.
“Because of their engaging experiences and enriching virtual 3D environments, the same video games that children and adults have been playing for decades can actually provide our brains with meaningful stimulation,” the researchers wrote. Playing video games that involve collaborating with other players can increase people’s prosocial behavior in real life. Playing action video games can improve your space skills, including things like enumeration, multi-object tracking, spatial resolution, and visuo-motor coordination. Playing action video games can improve your reaction time, without reducing accuracy.
Often referred to as “in the zone,” players experience flow states when in-game challenges are balanced with the player’s skill level. When in a state of flux, players are hyper focused on the task at hand and are determined to overcome it as their skills are put to the test. Gaming News Games are also great learning tools because people want to play them. In addition, playing with others can strengthen the activity socially, making them want to play more. Studies show that children who play video games can get a little boost to their reading skills.
It may seem logical to think that violent video games like first-person shooters are not good for your mental health. Playing video games can lead to several cognitive benefits, such as improved reaction time, better mental flexibility, better spatial memory, and improved attention span. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that playing video games for the primary purpose of actively improving your cognitive performance can cause you to lose other important benefits of playing video games.