LEARN OR DIE! - A promotional shot of various characters from World of Warcraft, an Internet strategy game that may increase mental concentration and problem solving skills. The APA has found evidence that some video games help in key learning areas.
Recent study finds video games helpful in some areas
Ever since the 1980s, video games have had a major impact on society. With advanced technology and added realism, people of all ages and walks of life are now playing more video games than ever before.
However, video games are still most popular among children and teens. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2008 stated that ninety-nine percent of boys and ninety-four percent of girls spend some degree of time clicking buttons, and staring at video screens. Yet, how is this affecting today’s teens? This study suggests that video games may actually enhance enhance coginitve skills.
The researcher's article states that some video games help increase attention spans. Some video games even appear to sharpen scientific thinking skills. Browser games like World of Warcraft use complex systems and models for understanding situations that often require math and testing to investigate problems.
Concerning this aspect of video games McClellan student Davante Ireland said, "Guitar Hero helps with my hand-eye coordination and helps me to play the guitar better."
"Games like Dance Dance Revolution helps improve your foot-eye coordination. Strategy based games can help you increase your critical thinking skills." Ireland added.
In contrast, the APA found that violent video games often negatively impact a person’s thoughts and actions. For example, college students who played more violent video games exhibited a greater chance for aggressive and even criminal behavior. Another study reported students who tested on a violent game behaved more aggressively toward an opponent than students who tested on a nonviolent video one. In addition, car thefts by children as young as seven can often be linked to video games such as Grand Theft Auto.
In many ways, the recent scientific work on the affects of video games are no surprise. Powerful technolgies can have both positive and negative consequences, depending on how they are used. As McClellan student Marshall Jackson said, "Keep it in the game. When you take the violence beyond the game, that's when trouble starts."
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