Although your mother probably told you numerous times that being a gamer is bad for you, it turns out she was wrong all along. Sure, spending 24/7 on your Xbox or PS4 isn’t going to do wonders for your health and wellbeing, but gaming in moderation actually has many health benefits. There have been many studies done with same conclusive results, so now you have an argument every time someone tells you to stop playing.
Increases Brain Function
Remember all the times your teacher told you that playing video games would rot your brain. Well, according to scientists in a research group in Germany, that isn’t the case. In fact, these scientists found that playing video games for half an hour to an hour every day promotes brain function. Fine motor skills were improved, as were memory formation and spatial navigation. In short, gaming has a positive effect on gray matter in the right hippocampus of our brains. Essentially, gaming could be used to help mental health patients and improve memory in old age.
Increases Intelligence
Many games require the gamer to come up with quick solutions to problems. Therefore, it goes without saying that gamers in general are better problem solvers. However, the increase in intelligence goes far above and beyond that. According to research, gamers who play more than five hours a week are often faster and better at completing psychological tests. These studies found that the brains of gamers become more flexible and therefore more equipped for learning, even when using sites like I Like Cheats. Researchers have claimed that playing video games could have a positive effect on people diagnosed with ADHD.
Stay Youthful
Playing brain teasers or active games, like the ones played on Wii, can somewhat halt the aging process. Over 50’s that participate in gaming activities can significantly improve cognitive function and memory. Playing these types of games is a great way to exercise skills that are easily lost in older age. It can also help older people become better drivers. Many games require players to react quickly and see things from multiple points of view. Older people can exercise their responses and become less distracted by other drivers.
Help Children with Dyslexia
Classrooms often don’t have the facilities to help children with dyslexia on a one-to-one basis. Where the school systems fail dyslexic children, gaming can step in. Research has shown that children with dyslexia who play action games, are able to read and recognize words much faster and easier than they were before. Perhaps it’s something to do with the adrenaline of playing a fast-paced game and your brain having no choice but to keep up. It’s also been said that these types of games can increase a child’s attention span.
Along with being one of the best distractions when you’re in physical pain and improving eyesight, there are many other benefits to becoming a gamer. So, when your parent or teacher (or anyone else) tells you that gaming is no good for you, list these benefits and carry on playing.
