In this article, we’ll discuss the social aspects of gaming, the effects of video games on kids’ cognitive and social skills, and the effects of gaming on their physical health. We’ll also touch on the time-limits and other safety settings. And finally, we’ll talk about the health benefits of gaming and the positive effects on children’s lives. While these benefits are obvious, there are some other things parents can do to help prevent gaming from being a detrimental experience for children.
Social aspect of gaming
The social aspect of gaming extends beyond the popularity of prosocial games. Some prosocial games require players to talk with other players to improve their communication skills and increase social interaction. In fact, three studies have demonstrated that prosocial video games can improve people’s social skills. As these games become more popular, the social aspect of gaming will continue to evolve. As technology advances, this aspect will likely become even more important. Here are three ways video games can benefit society.
First, games create unique social contexts. Social contextures do not pre-exist a gaming encounter. Players are bound by the rules of the game and are thus socially compelled to participate fully. Players may find it easier to play a game alone at home than with their friends or in a multiplayer environment. Furthermore, social engagement is more difficult to achieve in multiplayer games. As such, the social aspect of gaming is crucial to the growth of online gaming.
Effects of gaming on children’s cognitive and social skills
There is a growing concern about the negative effects of video games on children. However, research has focused on problematic forms of gaming, not the social and cognitive impacts of regular use. For example, a Norwegian study evaluated the effects of video games on the social and cognitive skills of 6 to 12-year-olds. The results showed that the amount of gaming time was not associated with social competence, and 10-year-old girls who played video games frequently were less likely to have friends than 12-year-old girls.
While children who played video games as children were better at processing 3D objects, this advantage was lost after the training period. In addition to this detrimental effect on cognitive and social development, video games may also encourage antisocial and aggressive tendencies. The American Psychological Association (APA) concluded that video games and violent behavior are inextricably linked. Nonetheless, research is needed to determine the best way to protect children from this danger.
Effects of gaming on physical health
Researchers in Finland investigated the effects of Nintendonitis, a condition that can lead to musculoskeletal problems. They surveyed 436 school children in the 15-16 age group and measured their pain levels in various areas, including the eyes, head, neck, wrists, and fingers. They found that frequent gaming is associated with increased pain levels, especially in these areas. Further, these video games can contribute to poor self-care and poor nutrition.
The results of the scoping review suggest that video game playing can affect physical health, although the association is not universal. However, playing more than five hours per week is associated with more negative health outcomes, including higher BMI, sleep problems, and reduced activity levels. Although this association is not definitive, it is consistent among studies. In addition, the included studies measured a variety of factors, including general health, mental health, and social behavior, and were not limited to physical health outcomes. Researchers recommend that future studies use validated measures of health outcomes associated with video gaming.
