Video games have been the subject of controversy since their invention. Even if they have progressed in terms of technology and as an art form, to this day, parents worry about the time their kids spend on such games, whether it is through the perceived adverse effects they might have or issues with their content.
What many scientists and medical professionals are discovering is that playing these games has positive effects both in the long and short term. There are now plenty of studies that show that video games can be healthy for your body, mind, and emotional well-being.
Here are some of the health benefits of video games to assuage some of your worries.
They improve your hand-eye coordination
While you might be skeptical about a video game’s benefits related to your hand-eye coordination, video games train your mind to respond in a split second, forcing you to make incredibly complex motions (and decisions) in the blink of an eye. Action-based games are fantastic for this, as they can train your brain to acquire repetitive motion-skills like playing musical instruments, sports, and other activities more easily.
That was proven by a 2014 study at the University of Toronto, where they tested the sensorimotor abilities of people who play Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed against people who do not play such games.
They develop your eyes
The notion that video games can destroy your eyesight is incredibly wrong. This activity causes no more strain to the eyes than watching TV or working at a computer. All of these activities require regular breaks for the eyes and a brightness level similar to your ambient lighting.
A study found that video games have been shown to develop a skill known as spatial resolution. It is a technical term that refers to your ability to perceive even the most minute details. It can increase your observation skills significantly, and the speed at which your brain can process such information.
They can prevent Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions
A study from the University of Montreal has shown that three-dimensional platform games stimulate growth in a particular area of the brain: grey matter in the hippocampus. In older adults, this is essential, as it can be a preventative measure against Alzheimer’s disease.
The neurological health benefits of such video games are already visible in young adults and can be easily applied to older adults at risk of other debilitating neurological conditions. That is a clear indication of the improvement of an older adult’s quality of life and lifespan.
They can be as educational as they are fun
The standards for creating a video game have now gone up, as most gamers prefer a game with compelling themes and discussions in addition to fantastic gameplay. There is no limit to the philosophical discussions that can be facilitated by such games, from the moral quandaries in The Last of Us, to the exploration of history in games like Sid Meier’s Civilization series and Assassin’s Creed.
Even then, video games are not relegated to the acquiring of knowledge. There are plenty of games out there that teach empathy and gentleness, such as Undertale or Animal Crossing.
Conclusion
Video games have certainly come a long way from just beeping lights moving back and forth on a screen. They have become their legitimate art form, with many benefits that need acknowledgment. What is important is that everything must be taken in moderation, video games included, for you to enjoy just the positive effects.
If you’re looking for more information on health and other related topics, send us a message at Dose of Healthcare! We have lots of resources for everyone looking to learn about the human body and how to make it healthier.
