You might be surprise but do you know that playing video games has its benefits? Science has proven that playing video games not only improves hand-eye coordination but it can also be beneficial to the player as well. As humans depend more and more on technology to ease their way of life, playing video games can also increase one’s chances of survival. Below are some surprising benefits and advantages of playing video games.
Hand-Eye Coordination
It has long been proven that playing video games can improve hand-eye coordination. Gamers who played for longer hours especially action video games or role-playing ones tend to have better attention and are able to locate their target faster than those individuals who do not play games. In a study conducted by the researchers in Deakin University in Australia, they found that pre-school kids who play interactive games tend to have better object-motor skills than those kids that don’t.
Ability to Multi-task
A number of research reveals that gamers have the ability to allocate their mental resources allowing them to execute quick decision-making and better problem solving skills. They have the ability to engage in different tasks simultaneously and can switch between tasks to work on more demanding ones without any difficulty than others that don’t.
Improve Health Conditions
People who are suffering from mental health issues and other medical conditions find that playing games help alleviate their health issues. In a study published in 2009 in the Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine, individuals who suffer from mental problems such as depression and stress can actually use the activity to help them cope with their situation by distracting and changing their perception or mental state of mind.
Improve Social Skills
Although some games may involve role-playing games and therefore, are for one gamer only, most games nowadays are interactive allowing one to socialize with other gamers not only locally but also globally. Some gamers become friends in real life thanks to the games that brought them together. Some companies also invite gamers to international events and become sponsors allowing these gamers to become culturally and socially amicable.
Reverse Aging
Playing games also can help reverse aging. As games do require the use of cognitive skills, it helps players especially elderly people to improve their cognitive skills such as abstract reasoning and memory to go through the game. Aside from this, it also helps elderly individuals to be happy and improve their mental well-being.