What is something positive you get out of video games?

Question

I play lots of video games. Madden, 2007 FIFA Soccer, Grand Theft Auto; what lessons do you get? I know hand-eye coordination. In one article, it talks about how Grand Theft Auto San Andreas was good because it showed a guy get out of jail and struggle in life. What is something good you get out of video games? I know there are lots of negatives, but I need some positives so I can defend video game "haters".

Answer 1

Video games are not completely evil, however. Many skills can be learned by playing them. Some such skills include problem-solving abilities, perseverance, pattern recognition, hypothesis testing, estimating skills, inductive skills, resource management, logistics, mapping, memory, quick thinking, and reasoned judgements (Sheff 33). These video games permit the practice of skills that are often not incorporated into the school curriculum. They have also been seen to help build confidence in the ordinary child. Another potential positive is that video games allow for the development of hand-eye coordination. However, baseball and other such social activities also develop this ability. Video games may require a higher degree of hand-eye coordination than many other activities, but the question is how much hand-eye coordination does the average child need?

Video games also mimic social structure. Video games allow a means by which to establish hierarchies of skill and ability, and ultimately leadership just like in other areas of life. Furthermore, video games are one of the few settings in which children can be teachers if grown-ups take the time to participate, and if they allow the children to lead the way. “Engaging the child in an interactive experience, developing hand-eye motor skills, giving the child a sense of accomplishment, keeping the child off the streets, and just encouraging having fun are all judged by many parents to be valuable or, at worst, benign (Tapscott 162).”

Video games can also be helpful in other areas. Children who have problems with attention, self-esteem, and boundaries are often helped by the gaming experience, and video games are now being implemented into therapy for these type of children. Children that see themselves as failures also receive benefit from playing video games, because they provide the player with a sense of participation and excitement in basic life-like situations. Video games furthermore “empower” certain children who have a difficult time in social situations. For example, a child who is an outcast may gain social standing because he is a video game aficionado.

Answer 2

im no video game hater or anything, but there really isnt anything good that comes out of video games. hand eye coordination you dont get out of them, because it cant be applied to real life sports, exept medical surgeons. The more time you play video games the more your real life suffers. Its ok to play them for about 1 - 2 hours a day or so but any more is bad for you. I think they are responcible for anger problems in people that are taken out in rages. my buddy plays alot of video games and if you make him mad hell try to kill you basically.

Answer 3

Hand - Eye coordination.

There was a piece on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 that said experts have found a link between playing video games and better vision.

It also helps you improve your problem solving skills.

Answer 4

Develops hand-eye coordination

Answer 5

Playing video games increases your reaction time and hand-eye coordination.
SO PLAY ON!! ;)

Answer 6

Well, with the sports ones, you're learning about the positionsof the players and their names. A general thing is that you'll learn hand eye coordination. =]

Answer 7

you get hand-eye co-ordination and if your playing games on real life e.g:
NFS, grand turismo: u learn all about cars and their parts, something i would never have learnt

War games such as medal of honour etc u can learn about different guns and wars in history.

apart from that there are strategy games, improve your thinking skills and helps you assess situations better

Answer 8

I suppose your memory improves. I haven't played a video game in years, but I remember for Mario Brothers and Zelda and others you had to memorize the patterns. Zelda was hard to memorize. I found it confusing and never remembered where to go.

Answer 9

Well they have a new study and they said that video games increase your eyesight by 20% it's really weired but it's true.

Answer 10

I actually find this time as relaxing and you should explain to video game haters, that how you choose to spend your time is YOUR business!