It has been proved by various studies that games may have both positive and negative impacts on our brain development and cognitive abilities. Various factors may intensify or weaken their influence, including the duration we play, the type of the game, our characteristics, etc. Most of this research concerns simple video games, although there are also online games with 400% casino bonus in the industry, and other methods are used to study how they affect people. In any case, both sides of the industry have a characteristic influence on society that needs to be known. Here are some effects that playing games may have on our life.
- Cognitive skills improvement. Some games enhance our cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills, memory recall, and strategic thinking. They may provide all the necessary conditions to improve our critical thinking, spatial awareness, increase attention span and improve multitasking abilities. Engaging in challenging and competitive games that assist our skills development also helps improve our overall performance.
- Motor skills development. Certain games aim to enhance our action orientation and improve our motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall coordination. Playing games that include physical activity, such as sports or dance games, can enhance our motor skills and reflexes. Most of those games require quick decision-making skills, accurate movements, and reactions, and their regular practice may positively impact our brain development.
- Memory improvement. Puzzles and memory games can improve our recall abilities and memory. Those games require players to remember particular items, numbers, patterns, etc., and the brain needs extra pressure to be able to recall all of them. This is an excellent way to exercise and stimulate the memory pathways in our brains. Playing those games regularly will enhance our long-term memory functions.
- Problem-solving and imagination. Games that require us to solve problems using creativity and imagination may boost our problem-solving skills. Players are presented with challenges in different scenarios, and they are required to think critically and out of the box to be able to find solutions. The active engagement in such games boosts our flexibility, innovative thinking, and adaptability.
- Social interaction. Both online and offline games require players to interact with each other to complete tasks. Engaging ourselves in cooperative and competitive environments may help to develop our social skills and emotional intelligence. Those interactions help us to understand how communication works, manage to control our thoughts and emotions and express our ideas in a better way.
- Increase attention span. Games that require us to keep our attention on one thing for a long time will help to improve our cognitive abilities. Playing games that require us to deal with various tasks at the same time will enhance our attention and focus.
However, there are also drawbacks that excessive playing can negatively impact our brain development.
- Limited real-world interaction. Especially people who are engaged in playing computer games all the time may become isolated from the rest of society. They would prefer spending more time with their online friends and characters rather than enjoying a walk with a friend or a relative. The brain is a part of our physical body, which means it also needs movement and an active lifestyle to function effectively. If there is a lack of physical activity, it may have a negative influence on our cognitive skills development.
- Addiction and escapism. Computer games may develop an addiction, and individuals will be excessively preoccupied with playing them. They will start to experience dependence on the gaming experience, neglecting and escaping from the other aspects of life. They will start to lose the real sense of the real world and eventually escape from their responsibilities.
