Unlike passive television viewing, first-person shooter video gaming has been shown to enhance various aspects of cognition (including problem solving and decision making). Young women and girls seem to derive particular benefit. The reason is that these types of games increase rotational abilities that contribute to success in math and other STEM disciplines. Video games are also being used therapeutically to counter dementia and cognitive decline in older patients.
I suspect that attacks on gamers and gaming are more about generational tensions caused by the changing demographics. It’s certainly not about science because most older people would be better off if they turned off their televisions and picked up a game controller. Gaming is not only healthier from a cognitive perspective, it’s a more interesting and interactive art form.
Gaming is already bigger than the movie and music industries combined. It’s also pushing the boundaries of art into realms of cognitive fitness.
No comments:
Post a Comment