Introduction.
Reynaldo, Christian, Hosea, and Gunawan (2021) explain that students who play video games have better cognitive skills than those who do not. Many people view video games negatively because they see them as entertainment, especially with first-person shooters concerning school safety. “Playing Video games can [improve] learning, health, social, [and]… problem-solving skills” (p. 212).
Research.
According to Reynaldo, et al., (2021), their research is a literature review covering 27 studies on cognition and video games. Their results were that people who play could have better decision-making and cognitive skills. Specific games can yield specific results. For example, some simulator games can boost visual perception. Increasing cognitive functions through video games can help memory-related diseases like Alzheimer according to Sosa and Lagana (2019).
Behavior can change depending on the type of game and how the game is played. Games can promote behavior through operational conditioning by giving some rewards and punishments. However, correlational data for bad behavior is limited and does not show causation.
Video Games have a training effect that allows for better cognitive performance. Strategy games, for example, increase time management skills based on the game’s scenarios.
Conclusion.
Video games are more than entertainment because they allow for intelligence development and improve multiple skills: decision making, cognitive, time management, and social (depending on the game). Not all video games provide the same level of training for cognitive development, but regular video games allow some improvement. However, there is the problem of game addiction. Therefore, there should be an optimal amount of time for video games. There needs to be more research on school use of video games. Esports is an excellent way to start.
References.
- Reynaldo, C., Christian, R., Hosea, H., & Gunawan, A. A. (2021). Using video games to improve capabilities in decision making and cognitive skill: a literature review. Procedia Computer Science, 179, 211-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2020.12.027
- Sosa, Giovanni W., and Luciana Lagana. “The effects of video game training on the cognitive functioning of older adults: A community-based randomized controlled trial.” Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 80 (2019): 20-30.
