There is much speculation about the effects that video games have on us. Some say that video games make us more aggressive, while others claim that they improve our problem-solving skills. Still, others posit that video games are good for us and improve our hand-eye coordination and cognitive abilities. So what does the research say about video games and their effects on us?
Video games can make us more aggressive
A large body of research suggests that video games can make us more aggressive. For example, the University of Missouri found that when participants played violent video games, they were more likely to behave aggressively in subsequent tasks. Another study by the University of Essex found that violent video games increased hostility and aggression in players.
So why do violent video games make us more aggressive? There are a few possible explanations. One is that violent video games provide a safe outlet for aggression. Playing violent video games allows us to express our anger and aggression in a relatively harmless way. Another possibility is that violent video games desensitize us to violence and make us more likely to commit violent acts in real life.
Some video games can be addictive
There is some evidence that suggests that some video games can be addictive. For example, a study by the University of Utah found that young people who played many violent video games were more likely to exhibit signs of addiction. Another study by the University of Rochester found that people who played action video games for extended periods were more likely to show signs of addiction.
So why are some video games addictive? There are a few possible explanations. One is that video games provide a sense of escapism and pleasure. Playing video games allows us to escape from reality and enjoy ourselves. Another possibility is that video games provide us with a sense of accomplishment and achievement. That is, playing video games allows us to feel like we’ve accomplished something, which gives us a sense of pleasure.
Studies show that video games can help increase problem-solving skills.
Yes, video games can improve our problem-solving skills. For example, a study by the University of Missouri found that when participants played violent video games, they were more likely to behave aggressively in subsequent tasks. Another study by the University of Essex found that violent video games increased hostility and aggression in players.
So why do violent video games make us more aggressive? There are a few possible explanations. One is that violent video games provide a safe outlet for aggression. Playing violent video games allows us to express our anger and aggression in a relatively harmless way. Another possibility is that violent video games desensitize us to violence and make us more likely to commit violent acts in real life.
Video games can help us learn new things faster.
Video games can help us learn new things faster. For example, research from North Carolina State University found that people who played action video games were better at learning new tasks than those who didn’t play the same types of video games. University of Toronto researchers found that playing certain video games improved participants’ visuospatial skills (the ability to visualize objects in space). So why do these video games help us learn? One possibility is that video games provide a more stimulating learning environment than traditional learning methods. Video games also require players to be constantly engaged and make quick decisions, improving our problem-solving skills.
Playing video games can help relieve boredom and stress
Playing video games can help relieve boredom and stress. For example, a study by the University of Rochester found that people who played Tetris for 3 minutes experienced decreased feelings of boredom and stress. Another study by the University of Utah found that people who played video games for 10 minutes had lower cortisol levels (a hormone that is released when we experience stress). So why do video games help relieve boredom and stress? One possible explanation is that playing video games allows us to take a break from our busy lives and relax. Another possibility is that playing video games provides us with a sense of accomplishment, which reduces feelings of boredom and stress.
Conclusion
Video games can be beneficial to our cognitive abilities. We need more research on how video game play affects us. Still, the current evidence suggests that playing certain games may increase problem-solving skills and attention span while providing a safe outlet for aggression or stress relief. For parents concerned about their child’s behavior, it’s still important to visit children’s behavioral health professionals if a child is experiencing learning difficulties.