We now live in a world where everything is found and done online. This technological advancement has brought a great deal of convenience into our lives. This is to the point that we rely on it for the most part of our lives. Kids, nowadays, are also fond of using gadgets as their anytime and anywhere as their means of entertainment. Many may view this as a negative, but what are the benefits of online games? Find out here.
Understanding Online Games Addiction
Online games addiction refers to the extensive consumption and use of electronic devices to play video games available on the internet. For decades, significant studies have been discussing the negative impacts of online gaming. As mentioned, it causes a prevailing addictive behavior in a person, which may lead to feelings of aggressiveness and even depression.
While may get more implications on the negative side, there can still be a good light from playing video games. Professor and lead author of an article from the American Psychologist Isabela Granic, Ph.D. mentioned the importance of a “more balanced perspective” of looking into the impact of it on a child’s development.
According to her, previous research has demonstrated spatial abilities in the field of science, technology, and even mathematics. Thus, brings significant implications for children’s education and career development.
Benefits of Online Games
A few notable benefits of online games to children include the following:
It helps with reading and learning
According to studies, children who play video games may benefit from a minor boost in their reading abilities. When kids get into the hang of playing their usual video games, they have the tendency to read through the given instructions in order to proceed to the next part of the game. Through this, they learn new things along the way.
There are some games that can also help your child to learn the different basics like spelling, animals, and even the countries in the world.
Moreover, certain games that are set in three-dimensional virtual worlds also enhance the kids’ visual-spatial skills. It helps them appreciate and understand different shapes and distances. Spatial intelligence is highly connected with mathematical abilities and is incredibly useful in engineering and science careers.
It helps with problem-solving skills, memory, and concentration enhancement
Immersive games that need strategy and problem-solving skills to win demand players to remember and absorb a large amount of data. Some of the benefits of online games, say a number of studies, are how they can aid in the development of certain mental capabilities.
They frequently encounter puzzles and problems that become increasingly difficult as the game progresses. Because of it, the player is able to grasp the logic behind the problems and learn how to solve them.
It improves decision-making and multi-tasking skills
Players must pay attention to detail and respond quickly in games that demand them to find things while competing against other opponents. According to studies, playing these types of games can assist children to improve their multitasking abilities, as well as their decision-making skills.
It promotes social interaction
Even though many people believe that video games negatively affect social life and skills, studies demonstrate that this is not the case. One of the benefits of online games is increased socialization.
Researchers from North Carolina State University discovered that video gamers spend a significant amount of time engaging in social activity both online and offline. Online games addiction did not replace social contact; rather, it enhanced it.
Furthermore, many children meet new friends while playing video games in arcades or online. Children can take on a variety of roles in multiplayer games. It lets them learn to handle a team or negotiate strategies to win as part of a group.
The shared experience can be a wonderful opportunity for children to communicate and interact with one another. Therefore, helping in building rapport and self-confidence. It is important to note, however, that parents must ensure their child’s safety by monitoring who they interact with online.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, the advent of online games is not all bad. Allowing kids to play their video games can provide surprising benefits. Some of which we may also look into for us to also understand why kids enjoy it.
You can turn online games addiction into something pleasant when you also guide and support them in the process.
It is now, more than ever, important to make sure you have an eye for seeing things in good balance and moderation.
What do you think are the benefits of online games? Let us know in the comments!
Learn more about school-age children here.
