Did you know that playing computer games can benefit you in multiple ways? No, we’re not discussing the advantage of passing the time for a few hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We’re talking about actual advantages that can make you better at academics and improve your social life. Likewise, playing computer games can also have disadvantages that may hamper your growth as a young student. Are you curious to know what these are? Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of computer games for students.
Pros
Learning important life skills
One of the key advantages of playing video and other computer games as a student is how they teach you many valuable life skills. Some of these skills are as follows:
- Perseverance
- Collaboration
- Tolerance
- Delegation
- Responsibility
Playing computer games at a young age also teaches students the importance of teamwork and working in unity. It allows them to gain some insight into analyzing problems in a much deeper manner and solving them using advanced thinking and communication skills.
Education
Whether it comes to historical facts or training programs that players are exposed to when playing computer games, these activities have a lot to offer when it comes to educating students. A video game doesn’t necessarily have to be an educational game to impart knowledge to the players playing it. However, it helps if the game has scientific research put into it that the player needs to be aware of to succeed in the game.
On the internet today, students can find educational games, cooking recipes, and other helpful content. Educational help online may include write my essays review services, which offer reviews of essay writers for hire. Such writers can aid students in paper writing and other academic activities.
Physical exercise
Nowadays, many computer games are accompanied by elements that allow players to engage physically with their environments and move their bodies as much as possible. The motion-control feature on the Wii is a very good example of a video game that enables gameplay when the player is active.
Another recent example of a game that required players to exercise to win is the treasure hunt game Pokémon Go which took the world by storm as players got out of their homes looking for Pokémon that could help them win the game.
Improves overall brain function
While some video games improve physical health, others directly contribute to a growth in mental health and abilities. For example, computer games are proven to improve brain function by enabling higher resilience and problem-solving using complex thought patterns and in-depth analysis.
Playing computer games results in an increase in hand-eye coordination as well as auditory perception in players. To many parents’ surprise, it also improves eyesight and visual contrast sensitivity.
Cons
Exposure to violence
One of the most common disadvantages of playing computer games early in one’s childhood is the graphic violence that children are exposed to. Many parents question the presence of computer games in the lives of their children because of this reason.
While some studies say that exposure to violence doesn’t necessarily impact children’s brains in the longer run, others suggest that people who play violent video games may have lower control of emotionally-linked thoughts.
Possible addiction
In some countries, governments have started to view video game addictions as legitimate health problems and have begun treating patients. Turns out, the dopamine released during a quick gaming session floods us with many happy feelings.
The human brain loves the way this feels and wants to do the thing that caused it again and again until the feeling no longer satisfies it. Interesting, isn’t it? You can read many scientific essays and papers about this from the services listed in the best essay writing service reviews. There is also a lot of information on this phenomenon on the internet.
Lack of social interaction
One of the saddest consequences of playing computer games for long periods is how it alters the human brain. This is true, especially for young students. Video games result in an overdependence on virtual activity for companionship. This can result in children relying more and more on computer games when they’re lonely and starting to replace social interaction as a whole.
Final Thoughts
While we know that video games cannot replace human connections, it may be difficult for young students to recognize this. This is why parents must help their children form clear boundaries and understand how to play video games without letting them take over their entire lives. That said, parents would be wise to recognize the positive effect of gaming and try to incorporate video games into their child’s routine in a healthy and measured way.
Author’s Bio – Ruby Butz
Ruby Butz is a children’s counselor and therapist. Her experience has allowed her to understand the intricacies of how video games affect a child’s brain. She also publishes articles on her blog and contributes to the local newsletter.