There’s a school of thought that says that computer games are bad for you. The same school also subscribes to the notion that computer games encourage social retardation, psychopathic, and sociopathic, violent and aggressive tendencies, and might even be linked to obesity. In general what “they” are saying is that computer games are the reason that generally makes juvenile delinquents the delinquents that they are. On the other hand, there’s a new and fast-growing movement that begs to differ. And if these scientists and researchers are right, computer games may just save your life, one day. We give you some concrete evidence to prove that – contrary to popular belief – computer games are actually good for you! While these do not mean that we go all out and indulge it does speak of moderation, restraint and in the same breath relishing and benefiting from the experience.
Fine motor skills are developed at a very young age – while the ligaments are muscles in your arms are still building and growing. The coordination required to move the mouse by hand and track the corresponding movement of the mouse cursor on the screen by the eye has been shown to improve with increased computer use. Playing computer games augments this hand-eye coordination by quite a bit, experts say. Games like Assassin’s Creed, Angry Birds, and Hitman improve hand-eye coordination and, enhance decision making skills, and even boost auditory awareness! If some of you are wondering what your ears have to do with this, bear in mind that many of these games have auditory cues that are vital to game play. So when you’re playing a computer game, your entire focus is on the task at hand, your mind is trying to be two steps ahead of the game, your hands are moving in synchronization with your eyes, and your ears are wide open. In this heightened or elevated mode, the neuronal network in your brain is forming new connections – called synapses – which allow for more creative thinking. These new-found skills won’t be used in just playing games but can be applied to other vital tasks as well.
Final Word
While nobody can deny the advantages that games have, the verdict is still not conclusively out on whether these games can cause gamers to go on shooting sprees at the neighborhood mall or in their schools. While it is true that kids across ages are impressionable and extreme to violent content can be disturbing they can be empowered & guided by adequate information.
The fact is everything in life- including gaming – needs to be imbibed in moderation. Fortunately, each gaming pack comes with a standard ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) Rating (US specific) or the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) Rating (UK & EU) specific that helps us understand whether the said content is suitable for a particular age. Unfortunately, these ratings are not legally required & not completely legally enforceable by the law in all countries.
However, in the US legislation has been tabled that permits the sale of gaming as per ratings or be fined $5,000 for each violation. While the law shall evolve and provide for regulations, the onus of moderation is on us. So choose wisely and enjoy your gaming.
