While there are downsides to playing video games, there also are surprising benefits.

Video games can help kids build skills and make social connections.

Kids who play video games are often very creative.

There are clear watch-outs for families when kids play video games. Some kids have trouble shutting down or transitioning off games. Others have mood swings during or after playing or become hyperfocused. And there are kids who are secretive or totally consumed by games. However, there are some upsides, too.


Here are six surprising benefits of playing video games.




1. Reading

Studies show that children who play video games may get a little boost to their reading skills. this is often true even for kids who struggle with reading, and even when playing action games.

 

Researchers think that this might happen because kids need to find out text instructions to play. There’s also a fun factor. Kids who are reluctant to open a standard book may rush to read an internet site or internet forum to get the newest on their favorite game.

 

That doesn’t mean video games should replace books, though.

 

2. Visual-spatial skills

Many games — like Minecraft — are set in 3D virtual worlds that kids need to navigate. And there’s no GPS or smartphone map app to lead the way.

 

The result's that kids who play these games have the chance to practice their visual-spatial skills. this will cause a far better understanding of distance and space.

 

3. Problem-solving

At the heart of every computer game may be a challenge. Some games are often mindless, like Space Invaders. But many others — from puzzles and mysteries to managing virtual cities or empires — offer kids the chance to require a problem and work to find an answer.

 

Some researchers say kids who play these video games improve in three areas: planning, organization, and flexible thinking. But don’t get too excited about this. It’s not clear that these gaming problem-solving skills carry over into lifestyle. And there’s no evidence that so-called “train the brain” games can improve real-world skills.


4. Social connections

Some kids have trouble fitting in and making friends in the real world. Video games are often a refuge for them to find people to attach within a positive way. In our busy lives, games offer virtual playdates with real-life friends.

 

Video games also give kids something to speak about at school. lately, games are a mainstream topic of conversation for teenagers, a bit like sports and music. An interest in gaming can help kids who have trouble coming up with topics to discuss.

 

On the flip side, kids who struggle socially in the real world can also have trouble online. find out how this will play out in multiplayer online video games.

 

5. Imaginative play and creativity

When kids are young, there’s a lot of space for imaginative play, from LEGOs to dolls to make-believe. except for tweens and teenagers, society sometimes frowns on that play. Video games give kids an opportunity to continue imaginative play.

 

There’s also some evidence that games encourage creativity. In one study, 12-year-old gamers were asked to draw, tell stories, ask questions, and make predictions. All the kids showed high levels of creativity and curiosity.

 

6. Video gaming careers

Just as with professional sports, the probabilities of becoming a professional video gamer are very small. However, the video gaming industry is growing by leaps and bounds, much faster than traditional sports and entertainment.

 

There are many careers during this growing industry — careers like coding, marketing, or running events.

 

Those are a number of the potential benefits of video games.