Introduction
Video games have long been a topic of contention and disagreement, with some believing they are a waste of time and others suggesting they may aid in learning and growth. Video games can have both beneficial and harmful effects on children, depending on their use. One of the most frequently mentioned advantages of video games is that they help children develop their cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, attention, and memory. Video games have both positive and negative impacts on children; however, when used appropriately, they can help children become smarter by enhancing intellectual capabilities such as problem-solving, concentration, and memory. Video games can have a profoundly beneficial impact on individuals and the community by developing analytical skills, fostering social relationships, and providing a source of enjoyment and stress relief.
Hand-Eye Coordination
The ability to synchronize the movement of the eyes with the movement of the hands is referred to as hand-eye coordination. It enables users to visually follow an item or target and interact with it with their hands. According to Shapi’i et al. (2018), this is a complex process that requires the coordination of several cognitive and physical processes, including visual perception, attention, and motor control.
Video games can help kids enhance this skill by exposing them to a challenging and dynamic environment that needs quick and precise visual processing and reaction (Bavelier & Green, 2019). When playing video games, players are presented with visual information on the screen, such as the position of targets or obstacles. They are needed to interact with the game by making precise hand motions.
In a first-person shooter game, for example, players must aim and shoot at targets on the screen swiftly and precisely. This necessitates visualizing information regarding the target’s location, movement, and speed, followed by precise hand motions to aim and shoot. With more players working on this activity, their hand-eye coordination develops better due to the experience.
Problem-Solving Ability and Logic
Video games require players to think critically and creatively to overcome obstacles and advance to the next level. In a puzzle game like Tetris, players must quickly and thoughtfully place descending blocks to clear lines without letting the stack grow too tall. Players must utilize problem-solving abilities to discover the best answer to the challenge.
Furthermore, video games aid in developing problem-solving skills by pushing players to experiment with various techniques and approaches to issue resolution (Hamlen, 2018). In a game like Minecraft, players must collect resources and craft items to survive and thrive within the game environment. Video games can also help children improve their logical reasoning skills. In a strategic game like chess, players must employ logic to anticipate their opponent’s moves and tailor their strategy accordingly. To make judgments and forecast results, players must use logical reasoning.
Attention and Perception
Computer games require players to focus on multiple factors simultaneously, including the game environment, character movement, and objectives. This aids in developing attentional control, or the capacity to direct and sustain attention on a given activity. This is especially advantageous for youngsters with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) since it can improve their ability to focus (Bediou et al., 2018).
Furthermore, these games require players to analyze visual information rapidly and accurately. For instance, in a first-person shooter, players must quickly spot and target enemies while navigating obstacles. This enhances visual perception and the capacity to absorb visual information, which benefits youngsters who may struggle with visual perception in everyday life.
Cognitive Skills
Furthermore, computer games sometimes require players to memorize complex sequences of actions, such as button presses or keystrokes, which can aid memory. Problem-solving games, such as adventure and puzzle games, can also aid in boosting memory abilities, as players must recall knowledge to solve problems and progress through the game. Moreover, video games can increase executive function cognitive skills such as organization and adaptability (Pallavicini et al., 2018).
Strategy games like Civilization require players to plan long-term goals and manage resources. Players in puzzle games, such as Tetris, must swiftly adjust to shifting scenarios and make decisions based on the game’s current state. Finally, according to Hisam et al. (2018), these games frequently require players to interpret visual and aural information quickly. For example, in a first-person shooter game, players must swiftly identify and aim foes while avoiding obstacles. This increases processing speed and the capacity to process and respond fast to visual and aural information.
Spatial Intelligence
Video games can help children develop spatial awareness, which is the ability to recognize the location and arrangement of objects in their surroundings. Exploration and puzzle-solving games, such as Minecraft and The Legend of Zelda, require players to navigate 3D worlds and search for hidden items. This enhances spatial awareness and the ability to create mental maps of one’s surroundings.
Furthermore, video games help children develop spatial reasoning abilities, which involve the capacity to visualize and manipulate objects in space (Pallavicini et al., 2018). In a game like Tetris, players must swiftly and strategically position falling blocks to clear lines while preventing the blocks from stacking too high. Players must employ spatial thinking skills to mentally rotate and arrange the blocks.
Visualization abilities, or the capacity to construct mental representations of objects or scenarios, may also be improved through computer games. In a game like Minecraft, for example, players must use bricks to create structures and landscapes, which requires them to envisage the finished product and plan out the placement of blocks ahead of time. Finally, games that challenge players to recall and traverse a 3D world, such as adventure or first-person shooter games, can improve spatial memory. This refers to the ability to remember the locations of objects, obstacles, and adversaries within the gaming world.
A Better Sense of Planning, Resource Management, and Logistics
To succeed in computer games, players are often required to manage resources effectively. In games like Minecraft, players must gather materials and create items to survive and prosper in the game world. This can help children develop resource management skills, which are essential for real-life tasks such as budgeting and household organization.
These games can also help with logistics or the capacity to organize and arrange the transfer of resources (Pallavicini et al., 2018). For instance, players must collect and manage the flow of commodities and people through a virtual transportation network in a game such as Transport Tycoon. This can help children develop logistics skills, which are essential in real-world jobs such as managing a supply chain or building a transportation network.
Multitasking
Many video games require players to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as controlling their character, navigating the game environment, and making decisions. This can help children develop multitasking skills, essential in real-life tasks such as managing multiple projects at work or juggling multiple responsibilities at home. Moreover, first-person shooters, action-adventure, and sports games require players to multitask to be successful. Players must manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as aiming, moving, and reloading, improving cognitive flexibility and multitasking (Shapi’i et al., 2018). These games can also enhance attentional skills and reaction time, as players must quickly and accurately process multiple information streams.
Video games also help children to develop the ability to switch between tasks quickly and efficiently, as they need to respond to different situations in the game and make quick decisions. This can be beneficial in real-life situations where they must switch between different tasks or activities (Hisam et al., 2018). Finally, video games expose kids to fast-paced and dynamic environments, which can help to improve their processing speed, that is, the ability to quickly process and react to visual and auditory information. This can be beneficial in real-life situations where they need to process and respond to information quickly, such as in sports or driving.
Cooperation and Teamwork
Playing video games can enhance cooperation and teamwork in children by providing them with an interactive and social environment that requires collaboration with other players to achieve a common goal. Multiple people play multiplayer games simultaneously, either online or in person. These games require players to communicate and collaborate to succeed. Multiplayer games often need players to communicate with each other to coordinate their actions and achieve a common goal. For example, in a team-based game like Overwatch, players must communicate with each other to strategize and coordinate attacks (Shapi’i et al., 2018). This can help children develop communication skills essential in real-life situations, such as working in a team or giving a presentation.
Multiplayer games also require players to collaborate to achieve a common goal. For example, in a game like Minecraft, players must gather resources and build structures together to survive and thrive in the game world. This can help children develop collaboration skills, which areessential in real-life situations, such as working on a group project or running a business (Keith et al., 2018).
These games also provide opportunities for children to develop leadership skills. For example, players can assume leadership roles in games like League of Legends and make strategic decisions on behalf of their team. This can help children develop leadership skills, which areessential in real-life situations, such as managing a team or running a business.
Conclusion
Playing video games can be a valuable tool for learning and development, as it can improve hand-eye coordination and other cognitive skills in children. Video games provide a challenging and interactive environment that requires rapid and precise visual processing and response. Playing video games can enhance children’s visual perception, attention, and motor control, which areessential for developing hand-eye coordination.
Additionally, video games can improve problem-solving, logical reasoning, and memory skills. Ultimately, computer games foster skills such as multitasking, teamwork, cooperation, planning, resource management, and logistics. However, parents must monitor their children’s screen time and encourage other activities, as excessive playing can lead to adverse effects.
References
Bediou, B., Adams, D. M., Mayer, R. E., Tipton, E., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2018). Meta-analysis of action video game impact on perceptual, attentional, and cognitive skills. Psychological Bulletin, 144(1), 77-110. Web.
Bavelier, D., & Green, C. S. (2019). Enhancing attentional control: lessons from action video games. Neuron, 104(1), 147-163.
Hisam, A., Mashhadi, S. F., Faheem, M., Sohail, M., Ikhlaq, B., & Iqbal, I. (2018). Does playing video games effect cognitive abilities in Pakistani children?Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 34(6), 1507-1511. Web.
Hamlen, K. R. (2018). General problem-solving styles and problem-solving approaches in video games. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 56(4). Web.
Keith, M. J., Anderson, G., Gaskin, J., & Dean, D. L. (2018). Team video gaming for team building: Effects on team performance. AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction, 10(4), 1-28. Web.
Pallavicini, F., Ferrari, A., & Mantovani, F. (2018). Video games for well-being: A systematic review on the application of computer games for cognitive and emotional training in the adult population. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. Web.
Shapi’i, A., Abd Rahman, N. A., Baharuddin, M. S., & Yaakub, M. R. (2018). Interactive games using hand-eye coordination method for autistic children therapy. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 8(4-2), 1-6. Web.