Complex, challenging, and ambitious, video games have come a long way because the simple arcade titles of the 1970s--and evidence is mounting that the benefits of play go well beyond entertainment and enhanced hand-eye coordination. With regard to Video Games Day (today), here are 15 ways games are programming better people.
1. THEY'RE PRODUCING BETTER SURGEONS.
As you might think you want your surgeon reading up on the latest medical research rather than playing games, then you might want to rethink: a study of laparoscopic (small incision) specialists found that people who played for over three hours per week produced 32 percent fewer mistakes during exercise procedures compared for their non-gaming counterparts.
2. THEY MAY HELP PEOPLE OVERCOME DYSLEXIA.
Some research points to attention issues as being a crucial component of dyslexia. 1 study has revealed dyslexics improved their reading comprehension following sessions of matches heavy on actions. The rationale, researchers believe, is that the games have constantly changing environments that require extreme focus.
3. THEY COULD IMPROVE YOUR VISION.
"Don't sit too near the tv" used to be a common parental refrain without a lot of science to back this up. Rather, scientists are detecting games in moderation may actually improve--not stress--your vision. In one study, 10 weeks of drama was associated with a higher ability to differentiate between different shades of gray. Poweredbyfuse.com Another had participants attempt to play games with only their "lazy" eye, with the "great" one obscured. Those players revealed significant, sometimes normalized advancement from the affected eye.
4. YOU MIGHT GET A CAREER BOOST.
Because certain genres of games benefit and promote leadership traits--supplying for "communities," securing their safety, etc.--researchers have noted that players may display a correlating motivation in their real-world livelihood objectives. Improvising at a game may also translate into being faster on your toes once an office crisis crops up.
5. PLAYERS CAN BECOME FASCINATED WITH HISTORY.
Many games use real historical events to push their tales. Those figures and areas can then spark a child's interest in finding more about the culture they're immersed in, according to investigators. Parents who have obtained books, maps, and other resources connected to matches have reported their kids are more engaged with learning, which can lead to a lifetime appreciation for history.
6. THEY MAKE KIDS PHYSICAL.
When some games promote a whole-body level of interaction, even those requiring a simple handheld controller may lead to physical activity. Sports games which involve basketball, tennis, or even skateboarding can result in children practicing those very same skills outside.
7. THEY MAY SLOW THE AGING PROCESS.
So-called "mind games" involving problem-solving, memory, and mystery components are proven to have a positive benefit on older players. In one study, just 10 hours of play resulted in increased cognitive function in participants 50 and older--improvement that lasted for several years.
8. THEY HELP EASE PAIN.
It is common to attempt to divert ourselves from pain by paying attention to something else or focusing on other body mechanics, but that's only one reason why games are a good post-injury prescription. Scifi Jackson Playing can actually produce an analgesic (pain-killing) reaction in our greater cortical systems. The more immersive, the better--that is why pending virtual reality systems can one day be as prevalent in hospitals as hand sanitizer.
9. YOU'LL MAKE NEW SOCIAL CONNECTIONS.
Players are sometimes stigmatized as being overly insulated, but the reverse is really true. The rise of multi-player adventures online has given way to a new form of interacting in which players work together to solve issues. But studies have revealed games may also be the catalyst for friends to collect in person: roughly 70 percent of all players play with buddies at least some of their time.
10. THEY MAY IMPROVE BALANCE IN MS SUFFERERS.
As it's a disorder affecting multiple nerves, multiple sclerosis patients often have issues with their balance--and no medications have been conclusively proven to help. However, 1 study showed that MS patients who played games requiring physical interaction whilst standing on a balance board displayed improvement afterward.
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