Who Knew Video Games Could Be Good for You?
Kids are often told to put away the controller and go read a book. The truth is that videos can actually be good for you, but you also need to be aware of their downside. By understanding the positive and negative effects of video games, you can decide how much Fortnite to play. Here are 10 ways video games can be good for you and 10 reasons they're not.
1. Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Certain video games require quick reflexes and exact timing. A player must process information, plan, and then execute their plan. Sometimes, these things need to be done simultaneously. Practicing these skills over time can improve your coordination and fine motor skills.
2. Better Problem-Solving Abilities
The market is flush with puzzle games, strategy games, and open-world adventures. These forces players to think creatively and manage resources. There's also some long-term planning involved.
3. Social Connection
Multiplayer games are a great way to connect with friends or make some new ones. These video games encourage communication and foster bonds. Over time, players can develop better collaborative skills and make some fun memories.
4. Learn the Value of Teamwork
Many video games, including shooters, force players to work together toward a common goal. If you find your kid isn't learning teamwork at school or soccer practice, then video games might do the trick. Anyone experiencing social anxiety might find some solace in online gaming communities.
5. Enhanced Adaptability
Learning to adapt to a situation is an important life skill. A video game throws constant challenges at a player, forcing them to adapt to the situation to pass a level or beat the game. Learning to quickly adjust a strategy will serve someone well in life.
6. Improved Focus and Attention
Playing a video game can be engrossing. Some might need you to memorize maps or moves while multitasking. Players get to exercise their memory while they provide their undivided attention to a task. This sustained attention can help train a brain to ignore distractions.
7. Tap Into Your Creativity
Excelling at a video game takes some creative thinking. Games where you build worlds, characters, and stories can help a player become more creative and enjoy some self-expression. This can be especially good for those who don't get to be creative in other areas of their lives.
8. A Pain Management Tool
Some studies have shown that immersive games can distract a player from the pain their experiencing. This is accomplished by engaging a player's emotional centers and attention. Certain hospitals have started using interactive games or VR to help patients manage their pain.
9. Fosters Goal Setting
Video games usually have clear objectives, and you must track your progress, and adhere to a reward system. These types of games help players improve their ability to set goals and work toward achieving them.
10. Encourages Motivation
Motivation is a product of setting goals. When a video game makes a player work toward an objective, like beating the big boss, this motivates the player. This motivation can seep into other parts of their lives, such as finishing their homework or going for a promotion at work.
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1. Can Lead to Sleep Disruption
Video games are an immersive experience, and we can get caught up playing them for all hours of the night. This means that you are losing out on valuable sleep. Try to keep your game sessions to under an hour, and turn off your console well before bedtime.
2. You Will be Sedentary
Video games are not a physical activity, even if you throw the controller at a wall now and then. Playing video games means sitting for a long time, which can contribute to poor posture and obesity.
3. Can Foster Addiction
Video games have an addictive quality and, like any addiction, can lead to a player neglecting other aspects of their lives. If you're too invested in video games, you may start ignoring your responsibilities and relationships.
4. Increased Aggression
The link between frequent exposure to violence and aggressive thoughts is still being studied, but it's important to recognize that it may exist. Violent video games can desensitize a person and carry even greater risks for younger players.
5. Video Games Are Expensive
Playing video games can be an expensive hobby, and it's not getting any cheaper. There are microtransactions within games, subscription fees, cosmetic products, and the cost of games and a console. Video games can cause you to feel some financial strain.
6. Experience Social Isolation
Playing video games can be a solitary experience. While some can be played with friends or strangers online, many force you into a dangerous level of social isolation as you play alone.
7. Vision Problems
Staring at a video game on a TV or monitor for hours can cause your eyes to strain and lead to headaches. Couple these things with poor lighting or extended gaming sessions, make this issue even worse.
8. Toxic Online Behavior
Video game culture can be toxic and mean-spirited. These spaces can produce bullying, harassment, and interactions with toxic people. Parents should keep a close eye on younger children who are entering these online communities.
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9. Unrealistic Expectations
Some video games can set up young players to have unrealistic expectations about lifestyles. For instance, Grand Theft Auto tends to glorify violence and being a criminal, which can reshape a player's perception of these negative things.
10. Body Image Issues
Many video game characters feature unrealistic body types, and this is especially true for female characters. While there are a few pudgy ones like Mario, the litany of fit characters can mess with a young player's body image.
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