Numerous academic studies indicate that playing video games has many psychological and physical benefits. In this presentation I would like to introduce you some really interesting researches that can change your way of thinking about computer games.
In 2013 , German researchers asked 23 adults to play „Super Mario 64” for 30 minutes a day, over a period of two months. A separate control group was asked not to play video games at all. The results of the test showed that the gaming group had a rise in gray matter in the areas of the brain responsible for spatial navigation, memory formation, strategic planning and fine motor skills in the hands.The researchers concluded that video games could potentially be used as a therapy for patients with mental disorders like schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer's.
Another game study I would like to present, was conducted at Queen Mary University and University College in London. 72 volunteers agreed to test their „brain flexibility” before and after playing „Starcraft.” The research showed that after playing „Starcraft” participants experienced boosts in their performance on psychological tests. They were also able to complete various tasks with greater speed and accuracy.
In 2010, during the American Pain Society's annual scientific meeting, researchers presented evidence that video games, especially those based on virtual reality, are effective in reducing anxiety or pain caused by medical procedures or chronic illness. Gaming allows the brain to stay busy using other senses instead of focusing on pain. Gaming also releases endorphins in the brain, a chemical that is generally associated with happiness and capable of numbing discomfort.
In 2012, researchers in New Zealand created a video game designed to give therapy to kids in a way that was more fun and active than traditional counseling. The study included 168 teens with an average age of 15 that had previously struggled with depression. Half of the group was randomly assigned to classical treatment, the other half played SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic and X-factor thoughts). The results for the SPARX group were extremely encouraging. About 44 percent of SPARX players recovered completely from depression while only 26 percent of the control group were no longer depressed.
If you would like to read about other ways computer games can make your life better, I encourage you to read this article :
Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/video-games-good-for-us_n_4164723.html
Comments
The most important point in my case is that they also help people with figuring out what they like and what they want to do in life.
I always liked strategy games - building my own bases/countries and managing them. That's how my interest for management and business started.
Video games sparked my interest in learning English - I associate games with most of my early English skills. Now I work in English, as a project manager in IT/telecom.
There was that really awesome game called Shenmue that started my interest in martial arts and the Japanese culture. If it wasn't for it I wouldn't have done my bachelors degree at pjwstk.
I really discovered what I like through video games and I am happy being able to say that I find things I enjoyed in video games in reality through my job and studies. I have games to thank for that.
Results of researches tests, for me are not surprising, from years many people is talking about this.
It is great that computer games helped you so much in your career and personal life. That's another reason we should not underestimate their hidden potential.
But your article is very interesting, I have heard that games are boosting some of our skills, but I never read what exactly does it change.
I only wonder what would happen when we compare "game group" to "book group" :D
From my experience with computer games I can say that when I was a kid I learned a lot about greek and egyptian mythology as well as about different cultures. I learned some English too (the games didn't have Polish translation).
On the other hand when I play Diablo I don't feel like learning of developing skills that will help me in my everyday life, but I have to admit - it's fun :D
It's also funny how most parents see gaming as worst thing for their kids to do but don't mind that much if they're watching tv.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgJfVRhotlQ&spfreload=10
they built science calculator in game from scratch!
or strategy games are good for planning and in some way organising.
But you should watch out because for some people it can be very addictive.