It’s a fact: today’s students are gamers, and they love it! With a staggering 92% of students playing video games regularly, and a whopping 35% playing almost every day, it’s clear that gaming has become a ubiquitous part of student life. In fact, on average, 75% of student gamers play for more than 20 hours a week, and over 40% report playing for more than 30 hours! Considering the facts, many colleges and universities have started to embrace esports. And, so, as of now, 175 higher education institutions in the US offer varsity esports programs with full or partial scholarships. These institutions are members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), which has paved the way for the mainstream acceptance of esports in the academic world.
However, it’s important to note that while gaming and esports can offer numerous benefits when played in moderation, the overuse of video games has been shown to be a high-risk activity that can have negative impacts on academic success. In fact, nearly half of the student gamers (48%) have admitted that gaming keeps them from studying. So, while it’s great to have a hobby and pursue your passion, moderation is key.
So, while talking about the effects of gaming on teenagers. Lets now figure or some major benefits of it in detail.
Benefits of Gaming on Students
Gaming has been a popular pastime for decades, with millions of people around the world playing video games on a regular basis. While gaming was once considered a frivolous activity that was best left to kids and teenagers, recent research has shown that it can actually have numerous benefits, especially when it comes to academic success. So, lets explore some of the ways that gaming can help students succeed in school and beyond.
1. Develop Problem-Solving and acritical-thinking skills: There are many free online games that require players to navigate complex puzzles, solve mysteries, and make difficult decisions. By playing these types of games, students can learn to think critically and creatively, as well as develop their problem-solving skills. This can translate to academic success, as students who are able to think critically and solve problems are better equipped to tackle complex assignments and exams.
2. Improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times: Gaming strategies are designed in a way that compels players to react quickly and accurately, which can help improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction times. This can be especially helpful for students who struggle with fine motor skills or who need to improve their reaction times for sports or other activities. Additionally, improved hand-eye coordination and reaction times can help students perform better on exams that require quick reflexes, such as multiple-choice tests.
3. Develop social skills: With the advancement of technology, players get a chance to participate in a team of their choice and must together to achieve their goals. By playing these types of games, students can learn how to collaborate with others, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships. This can be especially beneficial for students who struggle with social anxiety or who have difficulty making friends. Additionally, these social skills can be transferred to the classroom, where students must work in groups or participate in class discussions.
4. Provide a sense of achievement and motivation. The game is nothing without a reward after all. And these rewards are in the form of receive points, badges, or other rewards for completing tasks or reaching certain milestones. This can provide students with a sense of achievement and motivation, which can translate to academic success. Students who feel motivated and accomplished are more likely to put in the effort to succeed in school and beyond.
5. Improve memory and cognitive function: Many video games require players to remember complex rules, strategies, and plotlines. By playing these types of games, students can improve their memory and cognitive function, which can help them retain information better and perform better on exams. Additionally, these cognitive benefits can help students in their future careers, where they may need to remember complex information or make quick decisions based on limited information.
To Conclude
Gaming can have numerous benefits for academic success. However, it’s important to note that moderation is key. While gaming can be a valuable tool for academic success, it should be balanced with other
