Gaming is a fun hobby you can take up during your leisure time. Kids love it. Adults love it too. No doubt it’s a great de-stressor. However, overindulging in this activity can lead to addiction. Parents often complain that video games are a waste of time because they can keep their kids glued to the screen for hours. So it may come as a surprise to you to hear that video games can make better surgeons. Video games have other surprising benefits you may not know of. So allow me to shed some light on some of these benefits.
Video Games Can Make Better Surgeons
Still not convinced? Hear me out before you disagree. Video games have been found to improve manual dexterity or the ability to use your hands in a skilful, coordinated manner to grasp and manipulate objects and for small, precise movements. This skill is beneficial and essential, especially for surgeons. Based on a study conducted on a group of surgeons, those who played video games made 37% fewer mistakes than those who didn’t. Those who played video games were also faster at performing advanced procedures. Impressive right?
Video Games Can Boost Your Imagination and Creativity
Because of the ability of video games to stir the imagination and immerse you in a whole new world of make-believe, they are said to make us more imaginative. Besides that, there’s also evidence that video games can boost creative thinking. In a study conducted on 12-year-old gamers, subjects were asked to draw, tell stories, ask questions and make predictions. Based on the results of the study, the gamers exhibited high levels of creativity and curiosity.
Games Can Make You a Better Problem-Solver
Another awesome perk of gaming is that it can improve your problem-solving skills. This is especially true for strategy-based games. Games often present players with a challenge that they are required to solve. The opportunity to solve a challenge teaches you to become a better problem-solver. Based on a long-term study published in 2013, children who played strategy-based games showed improvement in their problem-solving skills and this contributed to better grades at school. So if you intend to sharpen your mind, play a game! (Of course, pick the right ones).
Gaming Can Strengthen Your Decision-Making Skills
Now, one final fun fact about gaming. Did you know that it can help you improve your decision-making skills? Some games, especially the fast-paced ones, require you to react or make a decision in a split second. In a study, gamers who played fast-paced games were 25% faster in reacting to questions about an image they had just seen compared to non-players. Being someone who is not very good at making decisions fast, I intend to test out this interesting fact. Any suggestions on what games I can try?
In conclusion, playing video games is not all bad, so it shouldn’t be discouraged by parents. Besides relieving stress, it healthily stimulates your brain and boasts numerous other benefits. So if you like playing video games, go ahead and enjoy it! But always do so in moderation.
Random Rose is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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