8 Cognitive Benefits of Playing Video Games

Contrary to the traditional belief that gaming is merely an addictive source of entertainment
and diversion, recent research has proved that gaming has numerous benefits and key
among them, is the development of cognitive skills in both children and adults. Just as
physical exercise helps in improving and strengthening your muscles, cognitive games
help to indulge one's brain in constant stimulation, thus improving the brain's performance.
The following are some of the cognitive benefits of playing video games.



1. Improves coordination

When an adult or child is playing a video game, he or she is not only staring at the computer
inactively. The activities and actions on the screen provide a lot of mental stimulation. For
one to play, he or she will need to coordinate their visual, audial and physical movement.



2. Improves problem-solving skills

Video games involve certain rules. This means that the player has to think carefully before
making any move to ensure that they stay within the required rules of that particular game.
The player needs to make split- second decisions that will determine whether or not he or she
will advance to the next level.



3. Enhances memory

Playing your favorite video game may require both visual and audial memory. The player is required
to read or listen to the instructions which might only be provided at the beginning of the game,
thus the need to remember them throughout the entire game. Mastery of the keys on your keyboard
helps you easily move your characters in the game. This helps improve your memory, whether
short- term or long-term.



4. Improves attention and concentration

Video games especially action games, have proven to be able to capture the player's attention
for the entire period of the game. This is brought about by the player's need to achieve certain
objectives within the game, and be able to progress to the next level.



5. It is a great source of learning

Gaming is not only beneficial to adults and teenagers, but to children as well. Many modern education
institutions incorporate video games as a teaching methodology. This helps these children improve their
academic skills by providing video games that are specifically aimed at enhancing their cognitive and
creative skills.



6. Improves the brain's speed

While gaming, the brain receives multiple stimulations, both Visual and audial. According to research,
individuals who play video games frequently can process these stimulators faster than others. These
stimulators ensure that the brain is continuously working to interpret them.



7. Enhances multitasking skills

An action game, for example, may require you to be very observant. It requires you to be able to move
your joystick or keys while looking at the various features on your screen such as energy levels, oncoming
adversaries, ammunitions left, available time among other factors, all which are vital to winning. This
ensures that the player can observe and react accordingly to all requirements of that particular game.



8. Improves social skills

Online gaming enables many players to engage in a particular game simultaneously. As such, there is
constant communication between the players which in turn results in the development of meaningful as
well as casual relationships among them.

This helps players meet new friends while also strengthening bonds with their old friends.Though
computer games might be beneficial, there is need to play them in moderation. It is also important to
pick the right game as not all of them provide the same cognitive benefits. Age should also be a factor.
Small children should not be exposed to violent games.


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