The world of video games has grown exponentially in the last few decades and more gamers today are connected online for various action and role-playing games. Today, there are plenty of sites that talk badly about how video games impact our physical and mental health negatively and that we need to switch away from them. However, the question is do video games offer nothing good for us?
Of course, it is understandable that being addicted to video games can cause us harm, but being addicted to anything isn’t good for our health. Hence, it can be argued that the primary problem is addiction and not video games in the first place.
Become a Problem Solver
Believe it or not, being a video gamer can make you a problem solver. This is because there are many games where gamers have to think creatively and strategically to find a way out. Even in some of the violent action games that most parents wouldn’t want their kids to play the main motive is probably to rescue some character or escape a situation and all that requires quick thinking, planning, and execution. Also, many video games have glitches and bugs that can be irritating, but gamers eventually find a way to work around them. All of this improves cognitive thinking and helps the gamer to come up with creative solutions.
Be Social
Although it is widely believed that gamers have limited social activity, the fact is that more than 60% of frequent gamers prefer to play games with their friends, siblings, and even spouses. Also, there is a vast community of online gamers where they socialize and interact and therefore the perception that gamers are cut-off from the real world or society isn’t just true to a large extent. Various strategy video games require players to work as teams and therefore they need to be good at communication to win the game which makes them better at social activities.
Take the Lead
Not all of us have leadership in us, but a gamer can prove that wrong. Various people that play video games gradually develop leadership skills as they participate in various role-playing games where they have to take responsibility, assign tasks, and complete objectives. There are many things that video games teach us about leadership. Hence, the perception that video games are bad for us isn’t right in the true sense.
Coping with Failure
In life and so in video games, you don’t always win. Hence, playing video games isn’t just about how you become a leader or a problem solver, you also learn how to deal with failures. When you see the ‘Game Over’ on your mobile device, TV, or computer screen the feeling is difficult. Sometimes, gamers end up breaking their mouse and keyboards as well. However, that doesn’t keep them from playing once again. Video games teach players to become resilient and come up with better and newer strategies, reflect, and learn from their mistakes. It also makes them practice self-compassion because they understand what it means to lose. However, it also inspires and helps them cope with failures and come back harder, stronger and better.
