Why You Should Encourage Gaming for Your Child's Development
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The Debate on Gaming
Recently, I found myself in a rather intense discussion with my best friend, and this time, the stakes felt personal. Our conversation revolved around a topic that had been a source of contention for a while:
The potential consciousness of AI, as suggested by Google engineer Blake Lemoine regarding the chatbot LaMDA. Many believe it was a false alarm, but the debate sparked further investigation into the realm of gaming.
The catalyst for our conversation was my friend’s assertion, as an aspiring physicist and psychologist, that she would not permit her future children to engage with video games. My immediate reaction was one of disbelief; I, being an enthusiastic gamer and currently working on my indie game development project aimed at teaching math and moral philosophy, was taken aback.
She questioned the educational value of gaming, leading me to defend the notion that games can be beneficial tools for learning.
Her argument was centered on the risks of addiction, the sedentary lifestyle associated with prolonged screen time, and the perception that games trivialize violence. However, after diving into research, I discovered compelling evidence to counter her claims.
Research Backing the Positive Impact of Gaming
Recent studies indicate that gaming can actually enhance cognitive abilities in children. According to Klingberg and Sauce, while children who play video games may not initially exhibit higher intelligence levels compared to non-gamers, those who engage more frequently see significant gains over time. For instance, those in the top percentile of gaming hours increased their IQ by approximately 2.5 points more than their peers within two years.
This finding aligns with my own experiences, as I feel that gaming has improved my concentration and cognitive skills. Titles like "Red Dead Redemption" and "The Witcher" have profoundly impacted my personal growth.
Enhancing Visual Skills and Reflexes
A 2008 study from the University of Rochester examined the differences in visual processing between non-gamers and gamers. The results showed that gamers performed better at identifying targets amidst distractions. This suggests a correlation, not causation, but indicates that gaming may enhance visual processing abilities.
Moreover, action games often require quick reflexes, training players to respond promptly to dynamic situations. While my friend pointed out that other activities can develop similar skills, the unique challenges of video games provide an engaging platform for improvement.
Exploring New Worlds Through Gaming
Unlike passive viewing of movies, video games allow players to immerse themselves in interactive experiences. They actively engage with the narrative, solve puzzles, and navigate complex environments, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
Imagine having the choice between showing your child a mundane Disney film or letting them explore vast virtual worlds. The latter not only entertains but also stimulates mental engagement.
Video Games as Moral Educators
As a philosopher, I am passionate about teaching ethics. Interestingly, many games incorporate moral dilemmas that encourage players to think critically about their choices. "Red Dead Redemption 2," for instance, presents players with decisions that lead to various outcomes, imparting lessons about responsibility and the consequences of one's actions.
Despite the male protagonists, I found their journeys of loyalty and strength inspiring. Characters in video games can serve as role models, potentially offering more relatable lessons than traditional media.
The Fun Factor
Ultimately, we discussed the sheer enjoyment that video games bring to many individuals. It's vital for children to have hobbies, and gaming can be a legitimate passion alongside traditional activities like music or sports.
So, where do you stand? Are you Team Gamer, like me, or Team Noob, like my friend? Interestingly, she conceded several points during our discussion and even claimed a small victory of her own, which I plan to explore in a future article.
Thank you for reading! If you appreciated this perspective, feel free to clap for recognition. Follow me on Medium, and I'll gladly return the favor. Your thoughts are welcome in the comments below.
References:
- Could video games be making kids smarter? A new study says yes (newatlas.com)
- The study of the University of Rochester, 2008
The first video, "WILL YOU PRESS THE BUTTON?", engages viewers in a thought-provoking dilemma about choices and consequences in a fun, interactive format.
The second video, "Whatever Button You Press, I BUY IT!", showcases the impact of decision-making in a light-hearted and entertaining way, illustrating how choices can lead to unexpected outcomes.