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If you're like most parents, you're probably confused over the number of reports that argue against the use of video games as entertainment. Some of the information in these reports is quite convincing. After all, they're written by psychology experts, child educators, and social science professors from esteemed colleges or other similar institutions. And the arguments presented within these reports make sense. They're based on years of research and they may even resonate with experiences you've had with the children in your very own social circle.
On the other hand, it's important that some of this information be taken with a grain of salt. Rarely will you see a report that argues on the side of video games, and that outlines the positive attributes that time spent with a Nintendo system or Sony Playstation generates. With all the negativity surrounding these products, one could easily think that Nintendo and Sony were evil manifestations of the devil himself! But this couldn't be further from the truth.
The Nintendo system and Sony Playstation are mere platforms for video games that range from educational lessons to downright questionable material. We can't argue against the latter. There *are* some inappropriate video games in the public, but does that mean parents have ban the entire video gaming industry altogether?
Absolutely not - and to do so, in our humble opinion, would be detrimental to childhood development. That's right - detrimental. We don't believe this claim is a leap of faith, because just as there are reports that dissuade video gaming, there is a tremendous amount of evidence that suggests why video games are an important part of growing up. This evidence points to things like hand and eye coordination, the ability to focus, perseverance, and improving problem solving skills.
This evidence should give parents a bit of comfort in knowing that the gaming industry in itself is not the issue. The issue is instead, the parents' choice of video games that are allowed in the home.
The question of whether video games are good or bad for people is an interesting topic – and one that's hotly debated by both sides. You may find vastly different answers depending on who you talk to, while at the same time, there have been a recent flood of studies concerning video game benefits and detriments. Who can you believe?
Perhaps consider this before making a judgment: the video game industry has exploded since the early 1980s, when games were made accessible to everyone. Although some people may not like it, video games are here to stay.
Video Games & Stress Relief
It's a proven fact that video games help to relieve stress. For the average person, playing a game for about 15-20 minutes every day is a great way to wind down and relax – there are plenty of easy games that anyone can learn, though are difficult to master, such as Minesweeper or Tetris.
In the same way that some people like to read a book to relax, video games are their own form of ‘fictional universe' that takes a person's mind off the world around them and allows them to slip into a comfortable place where stress and worries take a back seat. With the advanced nature of some of today's video games – with complex plots and puzzles – a person can find a deeper sense of relaxation and separation from the world's problems.
Video Games & Decisiveness
No one can deny that almost all video games rely on quick thinking and decision making. Typically, a game player will have a limited time to make a decision in their game – whether it's placing down a Tetris block, or moving their character to a descending platform – and neglecting to make that decision in time has negative consequences. Video games increase the brain's ability to make quick and logical decisions, something that certainly can't be gained from simply watching television.
Studies have shown that games such as Brain Age and Big Brain Academy can actually serve to improve memory with old age, and even delay the onset of some diseases such as Alzheimer's. The fact is, logical thinking is a neglected part of daily life – especially in children's education – and there are many video games today which serve to specifically enhance this part of a person's brain.
The Downside
Like anything else, video games must be used in moderation. If they begin to cut into social interactions, time spent with family, schoolwork, or even hygiene… it's time to cut back. Parents should also be aware of the games their children are playing, and monitor the amount of time they spend on games as compared to other activities. If parents neglect to pay attention to their children's games, there is always the risk of an inappropriate game making its way into young hands – which is often what causes the problems that are heard about in popular media.
Video games have both their benefits and potential downfalls – but when used wisely and in moderation, they can be an excellent source of personal development and stress relief.