This is an interesting debate, isn’t it? If you enjoy playing computer games or have kids who love to spend most of their time playing the computer games, you will definitely want to check this out. Keep on reading!
Computer games and video games are engaging pastimes. With the growing interest in computer games and the participation of the masses involving all age groups, it is matter of concern to know whether playing computer can harm us or not? If yes, then to what extent?
Computer games are looked down upon by wives, girlfriends or parents around the world as time wasters. However the truth is that computer games have a bright side as well. Playing computer games not only help you to fight your loneliness but also help to elevate your mood. Studies suggest that playing computer games makes the kid smart.
However, the engaging nature of these computer games forces you to spend several hours playing these games which often lead to addiction.
Limara Ferro, Industrial and Counseling Psychologist at Ascend Psychology says, “Computer games or video games in themselves cannot be labeled as good or bad. Effects on psychological as well as physical factors depends on many factors including amount of usage, age of individual, kind of video game i.e. sports, action or puzzle theme etc.”
Let’s understand the hidden benefits and drawbacks of playing computer games and also how you can minimize the negative aspects of playing computer games.
Benefits of playing computer games
- Introduces to the world of new technology
You would agree that we are now living in a high tech world. Playing computer games introduces your child to the latest technology and the online world. Playing games makes the child more comfortable with the concept of computing.
Some people read books or watch a humorous movie to get their mind off their problems. Computer games are also an excellent way to reduce stress. Playing computer games like Minesweeper or Tetris, helps to reduce stress.
- Improves logic and problem solving ability
Most computer games train your mind to logical thinking and increases the problem solving ability. The player learns to solve the problem using his logic with the limited resources that is available. This skill is honed mainly in strategy games like Age of empires etc.
- Managing multiple objectives(multi tasking)
Playing computer games forces the player to be flexible and quickly change tactics. For instance, while playing strategy games like developing a city, an enemy might emerge unexpectedly. Playing such games teaches the player to shift variables and manage multiple objects.
James Paul Gee, a professor of education at the University of Wisconsin says, “Playing a computer game is similar to working through a science problem. Like students in a laboratory, players need to come out with a hypothesis. If one strategy does not work, they change hypothesis and try the next one. Computer games are goal driven experiences which are fundamental to learning”
Playing computer games gives the brain a real workout every second. According to Researchers at the University of Rochester, gaming simulating stressful events such as those found in action games could be a training tool for real world situations. Studies suggest that playing computer games primes the brain to make quick decisions.
Limara Ferro adds, “Some research conducted on games that contained content of pro-social behavior have shown results where participants that played these games in experiments engaged in more helping behaviors than participants who were shown neutral games. New technology with virtual reality games like tennis etc. may have benefits like increasing the physical activity indoors. Games like puzzles etc. also help to keep cognitively engaged and may improve certain skills like numerical reasoning decision making or memory skills. Games that are simulations for sport, military operations may increase cognitive and sensory skills and abilities in these areas and may serve as good ground for practice.”
