A new study suggests that all that video gaming could be enhancing an unexpected life skill: memory. According to the study, playing video games can enhance the brain’s grey matter, which is responsible for improving hardwired skills. Games that promote fine motor skills also impact the brain’s memory and spatial orientation regions. But the real benefit may lie elsewhere. In addition to enhancing memory, video gaming also improves decision-making and planning abilities.
Enhances decision-making
The latest study suggests that video games may be training our brains for an unexpected life skill – speed. Since speed is crucial in many everyday situations, including driving and operating a car, players may benefit from a quicker reaction time by playing video games. However, these games may have adverse effects on other aspects of our lives if the speed reduction is permanent. In order to avoid such negative outcomes, it would be best to limit the amount of time people spend playing these games.
Improves planning
A new study shows video games may be boosting a seemingly unforeseen life skill. According to researchers, playing video games regularly can improve the brain’s ability to make rapid decisions. The study examined dozens of young adults, ages 18 to 25, who played two types of video games – a fast-paced action game and a slower strategy game. When the subjects were given time to make decisions, the speed of their reactions was measured.
ALSO READ: How Gaming on the Mac is Getting Better With macOS Ventura
Improves flexibility
A study out of Michigan State University found that more than half of children aged twelve and older showed signs of increased creativity after playing video games. This benefit was independent of any increase in other types of technology. Furthermore, it wasn’t the violent games that increased creativity. In another study, a team from the University of Glasgow found that playing video games increased students’ critical thinking, flexibility, and resourcefulness. Ultimately, the findings suggest that video games could be a valuable tool for improving all sorts of lives.
Improves memory
A new study suggests that the vast majority of youngsters play video games for three hours or more per week. Despite the popularity of video games, little has been done to study how they affect the brain and decision-making process. A new study has uncovered some surprising results. First, video games improve attention, which is closely related to memory. According to McDermott and colleagues, action video game players were found to have significantly higher precision on visual-spatial short-term memory tasks. The same study showed that video game playing was positively correlated with visual memory, suggesting that playing these games primed the brain to better process visual cues.
Improves spatial orientation
Video gaming has been shown to improve spatial orientation and perception. Researchers have found that playing games can enhance spatial thinking in both children and adults. The study found that playing a 2D version of Tetris can improve spatial orientation. But playing a 3D version did not significantly improve spatial visualization. The researchers also found that playing games with 2D graphics improves mental rotation. It is not clear whether video gaming improves spatial perception or spatial visualization.