Video games have been a controversial topic for years. Parents worry about the violence, while others worry about how much time their children spend in front of the computer. However, there are many benefits to playing video games that people don’t usually think about. This blog post will explore some of these overlooked benefits and encourage you to give gaming a chance as an activity for kids and adults alike.
They Improve Manual Dexterity
Video games require quick reflexes allowing players to use their hands in new ways. For example, if you are playing a game that requires the player to type on a keyboard, your fingers will automatically learn how to move across the different letters on the board.
They Can Increase Your Brains, Grey Matter
Brain studies show that video games can increase your brain’s grey matter. This is a good thing because the more neurons you have, the more connections between them. Consequently, it leads to better memory function, which also means sharper thinking skills.
It’s not just gaming either – any kind of stimulation like puzzles or reading can increase grey matter. For example, Forza Horizon 4 drift cars can help your child remember crucial things when they begin driving lessons.
You Will Improve Your Social Skills
A study from University College London found that playing video games can improve social skills. The study concluded that players could read the emotions on other people’s faces better than non-gamers, leading to improved empathy and understanding of others’ points of view.
Mental Health Benefits
Playing video games for more than six hours a week can improve mental health problems like depression, stress, and anxiety with no apparent adverse side effects. Besides, with improved mental health, you can live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
They Also Improve Your Vision
Your eyesight will improve through the use of video games. It’s because when your eye is focusing on a small screen for prolonged periods, it becomes more relaxed and gradually improves vision over time.
You Can Reduce Pain With Certain Types of Gaming
Researchers discovered that some types of gaming reported reduced feelings of pain than those who didn’t play it. The study involved participants completing a weekly questionnaire about their pain levels and had an MRI scan before and after the experiment. It showed players’ brain activity changed when playing games like Tetris compared with when not engaging in gaming.
The study found that the brain activity of Tetris players matched patterns for pain relief previously seen when people use morphine or a placebo to treat their pain and anxiety.
They Provide an Outlet To Relieve Frustration
Video Games are just like any other form of entertainment. They provide people with something they enjoy doing, and when it is not possible to do that activity, it provides them with a way to relieve frustration.
They Promote Creativity
Many video games ask players to solve puzzles and come up with creative solutions to problems. This can be beneficial because it helps players think outside the box and develop new problem-solving skills in real life too.
In conclusion, many people overlook the benefits of gaming, and it would be good to know about these forgotten benefits.