The negative connotations of video games held at the late 20th century often overshadowed the positive, leaving the discussion of positive effects of video games in the dark. With a modern society overwhelmingly in agreement that video games do not cause violence, research has been initiated into the positive and even therapeutic effects of video games, effectively unlocking new information that could prove useful in a society more accepting of video games. The video game industry did not become successful overnight by catering only to a specific demographic comprised of people who can handle violent video games. There exists over 50 types of video games tailored to all manners of audiences, each having different positive effects depending on the player and demands of the game.
|
Research into video games and how they are both augmented and limited in reality uncovered several physiological and psychological factors enhanced through the playing of video games. According to basic principles of human nature, we are “always at play,” which leads to the conclusion that video games act as triggers for playfulness that precipitate profound interest in human beings (Uribe-Jongbloed, Scholz and Espinosa-Medina 1171). Such excitement can maintain healthy levels of emotional exercise for the brain while generating a positive supply of positive thoughts for the brain (Uribe-Jongbloed, Scholz and Espinosa-Medina 1176-1177). Some video games types, such as multiplayer, particularly increase sociability through the sharing of goals and resources along with teamwork and communication (Uribe-Jongbloed, Scholz and Espinosa-Medina 1178). Some physiological benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, overall fitness, and cognitive abilities when playing games involving interactive devices or lots of motion. (Uribe-Jongbloed, Scholz and Espinosa-Medina 1182-1184).
|
“If playing video games simply makes people happier, this seems to be a fundamental emotional benefit to consider.” -Dr. Isabela Granic, Ph.D |
Given these benefits, video games could be designed to target specific audiences with specific needs for positive development. For instance, adolescents with underdeveloped brains who lack good judgment require strong problem-solving skills, which can be fostered through playing role playing or strategy games. Spatial navigation, reasoning, memory, and perception are all fundamental abilities vital for the human to function and can all be improved and/or developed through video game playing (Granic). In this specific case, children would benefit the most from puzzle and action games that promote development in those categories. Of course, the scientific community and general public agree that control over what games can and cannot be played should be monitored by parents for their children. So long as no adverse affects such as addiction or carpal tunnel syndrome occur as a result from gaming, proponents of beneficial video games believe it should be the video gamer’s right to choose what to enjoy.
|