Video games, like many other things in our world, are rapidly evolving, and for several decades, the primitive actions of pixel men turned into a fascinating stories with delightful graphics. The player has the opportunity to take different quests, solve logical problems, fight cunning opponents, and quickly respond to the rapid events of the plot.
But the most important thing about computer games is unchanged: they are so addictive that it is difficult to resist. Especially teenagers who find exciting adventures in games, interesting worlds, and outstanding abilities. The result of this attitude may be a game addiction.
In this regard, there are a lot of myths about computer games, as if they have a negative effect on the psyche, prevent physical development, and intellectual development, make a person withdrawn, and do not allow him to properly study or work. But in fact, this is not true, and now we will try to destroy the most common myths about computer games.
Myth #1. Computer games interfere with cognitive development
The first and perhaps the most stupid myth is largely based on the stereotype that games are only for children and computer games – for unstable teenagers. There is a perception that computer games are not complicated, that they are designed only for fun and all the players sooner or later become dumb.
But this is not true: scientists a long time ago proved that video games contribute to a more active and effective interaction of neurons. This increases the ability to concentrate and recognize patterns, as well as develop cognitive abilities. Games teach people to think very quickly: during the process, the situation can change dramatically, so the player must assess the situation, keep an eye on the opponent (if this is some kind of strategic game), anticipate his intentions, correctly assess his forces and only then act according to a preconceived algorithm.
It is an interesting fact that fans of action games – a genre of computer games in which the player’s success largely depends on his reaction speed and ability to make quick tactical decisions – have better spatial imagination and orientation in three-dimensional space, and they can switch their attention from one object to another faster and more precisely than fans of role-playing games or puzzle games, and often the result is not worse than after special physical training.
Myth #2. Computer games cause aggression
The second most common myth about computer games. No! No! No! Forget it! Computer games do NOT cause aggression. Aggression is caused by computer addiction.
Computer addiction, like any other, is a mental disorder, and this is where you need specialist help. If a child spends a few hours at the computer, absorbed in any game, it does not mean that he is a games addict.
The main propagators of the aggression myth are the media and ardent opponents of computer games: if an extreme case of teenage deviant behavior becomes a news item, it is immediately blamed on computer games.
Scientists have repeatedly conducted experiments that show no direct connection between realism in games and violence in life.
Myth #3. Games interfere with learning
Another common myth, thanks to the media and ardent opponents of video games. Video games not only do not interfere with the learning process but on the contrary, promote it. However, it depends on what and with what purpose people play. After all, there are a great many games: there are simulators that teach how to properly operate a vehicle, such as an airplane, train, or car, and there are games that allow the player to be in place cardiac surgeon and to perform heart surgery.
However, one should not forget the fact that the game is an additional tool and cannot be a complete substitute for classical training. Well, if the games distract from homework, and other duties then it is worth limiting the time on the computer, otherwise you will have to turn for help to the write an essay service.
Myth #4. Games make a person withdrawn
There is a stereotype that teenagers who play computer games are introverts, who are poor at socializing in society. And this is also a myth. Today, most games are aimed at the player to be as socially active as possible. To do this, there are various chat rooms, forums, and communities where players share experiences, talk about how to pass a particular level, and just communicate with each other, and over 70% play computer games with their friends on the network.
Myth #5. Gaming kills personality
That’s a myth, too. On the contrary, games help to develop leadership qualities – for example, in team games one player has to take on the role of a leader and prove that he is worthy to lead others with his skills and knowledge. Leadership, communication, and organizational skills are developed at these moments.
Also, games teach one to accept defeat with dignity and not give up. If he loses, he perseveres with another attempt and then another until he reaches his goal. Also, playing video games teaches you to see things through to the end, and this is a very valuable quality, which is sure to come in handy later in life.
Video games are now as important an element in the life of a teenager as books, TV shows, the Internet, and social networks. They are not the enemy of the learning process, on the contrary, if you choose the right game, you can get the most bored and uninterested students interested in the subject.