Because of this, some researchers and educators argue that video games can teach people to be more confident and to work towards their goals, treating each misstep as just another learning opportunity. Multiplayer and online games are good for virtual social interaction. In fast-paced game settings, you’ll need to learn who to trust and who to leave behind within the game.

Good spatial visualization is also essential for success in many STEM careers.

That may be a consideration as parents struggle with whether to moderate screen time. There is “little evidence for substantial negative associations between digital-screen engagement … Some kids have trouble fitting in and making friends in real life.

More on this topicFor Kids

Researchers think final fantasy that this may happen because kids need to figure out text instructions to play. Kids who are reluctant to open a traditional book may rush to read a website or internet forum to get the latest on their favorite game. This is especially true for gamers of first-person shooter games where extracting information from your visual periphery is crucial for spotting enemies or dangers.

Research has shown people who play video games like Fortnite or Rocket League have higher visual acuity, meaning they can keep track of multiple moving objects at once – or even see things in the fog or rain that others cannot. It’s one of the many benefits researchers like me have discovered about playing video games. By embracing video games as a tool for cognitive enhancement, stress relief and social connection, we can unlock their potential to improve our lives.

Research in this area has shown that approximately 3-4% of gamers are addicted to video games, and many more experience an unhealthy relationship with video games. What about attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or commonly referred to as ADHD (formerly ADD)? There is a common belief that video games can cause or exacerbate ADHD, but there is currently no empirical evidence that shows that video games cause ADHD. However, it does appear that people with ADHD, especially children with ADHD, are captivated by video games. Subsequently, many individuals who experience excessive gaming may also have ADHD, but the two issues appear to be more correlational than causational.

When Did We Become Too Old For Games?

Video games can strengthen neural connections and even create new ones, which can help maintain cognitive health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. If you play games in moderation, for fun and recreation, you may experience many benefits. However, if you play games excessively to escape real-life problems, then you may begin to experience problems from your play, and in extreme cases, develop a gaming disorder.

Now learn how to choose video games and apps for your child. In a study conducted by Brigham Young University, teams that played video games together for 45 minutes performed up to 20% better than teams that were involved in other forms of team-building exercises. Some games involve cooperating with other players and talking with them through text or voice chat, which can improve your ability to work with other people and have better social interactions, even when playing games.

Some games can help improve hand-eye coordination, and active games get kids moving. Physical activity-oriented games aren’t just good for the body – movement also benefits the brain and helps reduce stress and anxiety. For those who think video games are a waste of time or a negative force in your life, it might be worth showing them what the latest science has to say. Gamers, have you ever noticed that you’re the first person to spot animals at the zoo? Or if someone drops candy on the ground, you know exactly where every piece landed? It’s hard to get enough active play and exercise if you’re always inside playing video games.

The screening questions ensured that, in each country, there was a final sample of 1,000+ active gamers, all of whom played video games for at least an hour per week. All survey respondents were accessed through professionally accredited consumer research panels.AudienceNet is a fully accredited global consumer research company, currently conducting nationally representative research in 52 countries. As a Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partner, AudienceNet is bound by the MRS Code of Conduct, as well as GDPR in relation to the collection and handling of consumer research data. Playing video games for a couple of hours a day can improve mental health, according to a study on gamers in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic1. On a basic level, when you are playing video games, your brain is working and growing.

More Physical Activity

Studies show video games have a positive effect on children including better performance on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who have never played video games. Some studies are small with a very narrow scope, like this one that suggests children who are physically active have faster reaction times than those who only play video games. Other studies are much broader in their approach, like this one that suggests people who play video games have an increased ability to learn from their experiences and manage conflict. There are many misconceptions about video games and the impact they have on mental health.

These social skills can be transferred to real-life situations, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships and better communication in professional and personal settings. Researchers have found that video games can significantly improve memory performance, especially in tasks that require visual memory. Players often need to remember information, patterns, or locations within a game, which strengthens their memory skills. This enhanced memory capacity can translate to real-life situations, such as remembering important information at work or school. Though video games themselves aren’t bad for your mental health, becoming addicted to them can be.