Since the influx of video games in the market, there has always been this thinking that video games are only a waste of time and money. Most parents would nag their children who spend most of the day in front of the PlayStation and the endless hours online as they play and download games. It seems like their kids are living in virtual reality. The medical community has recently conducted research that would prove the contrary.
Gaming has expanded and worked its way into the mainstream thanks to Nintendo’s interesting marketing efforts. The campaign hinges on a simultaneous push of the Wii as a game console while also nudging video games out of its stereotype to generate mass market appeal. A key example of this is “Wii Fit,” which has been used to encourage the elderly to exercise and move, helping them keep mobile while also being entertained.
For many games, moderated play has been known to help children diagnose with ADHD to better focus on a single task. It also allows the children’s minds to relax and enter a more stable, tranquil state than normal without the use of medication. The state seems to be related to the focus of achieving some goal or objective in the game, giving the child something to focus on for far longer than they normally would.
Studies conducted has revealed as well that the use of games on ADHD patients is equally good (if not better) than the use of medication; the latter sometimes causing adverse effects on the body. An increase in attention span, IQ levels and neurological feedback has also been confirmed.
It’s also not a surprise that video games can help a person of any age boost their vision. True that the belief once was that it was bad to stare at a TV or computer screen for prolonged periods. However, overlooked was the fact that the focus required to fulfill some of these games were doing more good than harm. Having said that, gaming has been proven to effectively improve contrast sensitivity, assisting the eye in making out the smallest changes in shades and colors that are taking place within the game. Meanwhile, doctors and scientists strongly believe that gaming can also decrease the effects of age related macular degeneration, although no concrete study as of late can support this position.
Several video games out there, similar to chess, also require a serious ability to plan strategically, examine all possible solutions and then eventually choose the most effective one. Games like chess and Sudoku are believed to be some of the best cognitive enhancing activities a person can play. In other words, they serve as mental workouts. With that in mind, many modern games, even those “shoot ‘em up” ones are created in order to promote neurological function, memory, logic, cognition, and intellectual capacity.
Tons of video games that can enhance cognitive skills are also available. These games, like chess and Sudoku among others, require you to plan strategically, examine all possible solutions and eventually choose the most effective one. These practices improve several set skills such as problem-solving and analytical skills. In other words, these games are also mental workouts. These games are developed to promote one’s neurological function, memory, logic, cognition and intellectual capacity.
Completing such games successfully also gives the players some sense of achievement as they go on to the next level. This teaches them the value of hard work and motivation; they will become more result-driven and goal-oriented. Hopefully, this kind of mentality will be applied to real life, so they can put the same amount of concentration, hard work and determination towards real-life aspirations and desires.