Since the influx of video games in the market, there has always been this thinking that video games are only a waste of time and money. Most parents would nag their children who spend most of the day in front of the PlayStation and the endless hours online as they play and
download games. It seems like their kids are living in virtual reality. The medical community has recently conducted research that would prove the contrary.
Through the years, the role of gaming has evolved. With the introduction of Wii Fit, the elderly are kept entertained while being aided with mobility.
For many games, moderated play has been known to help children diagnose with ADHD to better focus on a single task. It also allows the childrens minds to relax and enter a more stable, tranquil state than normal without the use of medication. The state seems to be related to the focus of achieving some goal or objective in the game, giving the child something to focus on for far longer than they normally would.
The studies also noted that the use of video games is equally good (if not better) as the use of medication; the latter can sometime cause adverse effects to the body. Attention span, IQ levels and neurological feedback may also be increased.
While it stands against common perception, video games can also help improve peoples vision to a small extent. Prolonged staring at computer or TV screens was believed to generate eye strain. This still holds partially true, but it overlooks the fact that completing a game often requires that the eyes focus on a myriad of little details. In many studies, playing video games improved contrast sensitivity, the detection of changes in shades and colors and in hand-eye coordination. Meanwhile, there are some studies that have presented data implying that gaming can decrease the impact of macular degeneration, though the clinical data has yet to be verified.
Two entire genres of video games require skills similar to those of chess namely, the ability to plan strategically, adapt tactically and consider a wide range of possible solutions to a single problem. There is speculation among the scientific community about how chess, Sudoku and games like them can improve cognitive thinking skills. Several modern games incorporate challenges that require the same skills as chess does, but with different applications. This has led to theories about how they may promote better neurological functioning.
Being able to successfully finish the games would also increase the players self confidence and belief in his capabilities. This encourages players to strive harder to achieve their goals. Hopefully, this kind of positive thinking can be applied in real life, so that these people can be as hardworking and determined as when theyre playing video games.
