5 benefits of gaming
1. They boost your memoryMan having fun playing video games | Source: Thinkstock
More and more studies are showing that video games are good for memory. Just recently, a study from the University of California-Irvine found that the hippocampus, the region associated with complex learning and memory, was altered by playing 3-D games. The memory improvement was fairly substantial, as high as 12% in some individuals. Though it’s not quite clear how or why these games are helping memory, researchers are excited about how their findings can be used to treat people suffering from memory and cognition issues.
2. They increase coordinationFriends playing video games | Source: iStock
Video games help zero-in impressive levels of hand-eye coordination. In fact, they help so much that games are actually being used to help train surgeons, as they work on making precision movements and performing tasks in very limited space. The link between video games and motor skills has been known for quite some time, but newer research is shedding even more light onto the connection. Fast-paced games, like first-person shooters, have been shown to boost motor skills and help develop fast decision making.
3. They’re good for cognitive healthWe already discussed how games can help with memory, but they can also help with overall cognitive function as well. That means that by sinking some time into your favorite game, you can be working on becoming more attentive, focused, and perceptive — all while thinking critically and making decisions, in-game. This is especially important as game-playing may be a viable treatment option for folks suffering from age-related cognitive diseases, like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
4. They reduce stress and depressionTwo friends playing video games | Source: iStock
Nothing relieves stress quite like using a Scorpion tank to decimate waves of enemies on a faraway planet (or alien construct). And there’s plenty of evidence now that points to a link between video games and reduced levels of stress, and even reduced rates of depression. As it turns out, games can keep your brain busy while not slamming you with any of the stress and anxiety that real-world problems present. Playing Angry Birds, for example, is a simple and relaxing exercise for many personality types. Games can also be a social outlet, allowing those who are lonely a chance to get some interaction.
5. They can sharpen your decision makingWe touched on this, but video games can really help you sharpen your decision-making skills. Many games are rife with moral dilemmas, which force you to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that will impact your in-game experience. Others, like strategy games, require you to think critically on a very high level. Even a first-person shooter requires a good deal of critical thinking and strategy, rather than just “aim and shoot.” The skills polished by playing games can actually translate well into the real world as well, studies are finding.
More and more studies are showing that video games are good for memory. Just recently, a study from the University of California-Irvine found that the hippocampus, the region associated with complex learning and memory, was altered by playing 3-D games. The memory improvement was fairly substantial, as high as 12% in some individuals. Though it’s not quite clear how or why these games are helping memory, researchers are excited about how their findings can be used to treat people suffering from memory and cognition issues.
2. They increase coordinationFriends playing video games | Source: iStock
Video games help zero-in impressive levels of hand-eye coordination. In fact, they help so much that games are actually being used to help train surgeons, as they work on making precision movements and performing tasks in very limited space. The link between video games and motor skills has been known for quite some time, but newer research is shedding even more light onto the connection. Fast-paced games, like first-person shooters, have been shown to boost motor skills and help develop fast decision making.
3. They’re good for cognitive healthWe already discussed how games can help with memory, but they can also help with overall cognitive function as well. That means that by sinking some time into your favorite game, you can be working on becoming more attentive, focused, and perceptive — all while thinking critically and making decisions, in-game. This is especially important as game-playing may be a viable treatment option for folks suffering from age-related cognitive diseases, like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
4. They reduce stress and depressionTwo friends playing video games | Source: iStock
Nothing relieves stress quite like using a Scorpion tank to decimate waves of enemies on a faraway planet (or alien construct). And there’s plenty of evidence now that points to a link between video games and reduced levels of stress, and even reduced rates of depression. As it turns out, games can keep your brain busy while not slamming you with any of the stress and anxiety that real-world problems present. Playing Angry Birds, for example, is a simple and relaxing exercise for many personality types. Games can also be a social outlet, allowing those who are lonely a chance to get some interaction.
5. They can sharpen your decision makingWe touched on this, but video games can really help you sharpen your decision-making skills. Many games are rife with moral dilemmas, which force you to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that will impact your in-game experience. Others, like strategy games, require you to think critically on a very high level. Even a first-person shooter requires a good deal of critical thinking and strategy, rather than just “aim and shoot.” The skills polished by playing games can actually translate well into the real world as well, studies are finding.