Video games have a rich history of providing unmatched entertainment. But despite criticism of promoting unhealthy behaviours like screen addiction and obesity, playing video games has immense health benefits.
For example, researchers have proved that playing video games can increase dopamine levels to feel more relaxed. Video games are also said to make players smarter. By nature, these games will require you to solve specific problems and make quick decisions to complete tasks.
In this detailed article, we’ll discuss some data-backed reasons why video games can make you more intelligent than a non-gamer.
Improved Problem-Solving Abilities
According to research, video games have excellent learning principles that can promote problem-solving skills. The study, which featured 1,492 adolescents, revealed that those who played more strategic video games had better problem-solving skills. The study also revealed a direct relationship between academic grades and playing strategic video games.
In another study by scholars at Michigan State University, kids who played video games had more creative abilities, such as writing stories and drawing pictures. However, this study, which sampled 500 12-year-olds, found that smartphones and computers had no relationship whatsoever with increased creativity.
To add more credence to these studies, a 2017 research by the University of Glasgow revealed that playing video games can help learners develop the mental adaptability skills needed to succeed at the university. The research added that playing games under controlled conditions can increase your communication skills.
Spatial Ability and Playing Video Games
Spatial ability is understanding and remembering the visual relationship between objects. Excellent examples of spatial skills include navigating a map, creating sculptures, packing a suitcase, merging into traffic, and more. In short, these are frequent things you must remember to do correctly.
Studies reveal that playing video games, especially skill-based games such as the Mahjong link game can significantly increase your spatial abilities to handle complex situations effectively.
Research by the National Center of Biotechnology Information showed that playing action games can boost the spatial resolution of your visual system. This study added that gamers can better tolerate smaller-target distractor distances. All in all, there is enough evidence that video gamers outperform non-gamers in different visual tasks.
Video Games and Decision-Making Capabilities
Studies suggest playing more video games can make you a better decision-maker. Recent research by Georgia State University shows frequent video gamers have superior decision-making skills to non-players. The study found that avid gamers responded more accurately and faster.
Elsewhere, in 2014, the American Journal of Play revealed that fast-paced video games require players to make split-second decisions, ultimately affecting attention, perception, memory, and decision-making. Most psychologists consider these attributes the core building blocks of an intelligent person.
It’s an open secret that different games can build other soft skills needed in your daily business. For example, puzzle games can increase your problem-solving skills. On the other hand, fast-paced action games can boost decision-making abilities, with strategy games helping you plan and manage resources more effectively.
Last Words
Video games often carry the blame for promoting anti-social and unhealthy behaviours. But if done in an uncontrolled manner, playing video games moderately during your free time can bring immense benefits, as discussed in this post. Have fun and build your skills!