Why people play computer games

This is not surprising considering the complexity and multiple determinants of human behavior. In our analyses, we thoroughly controlled for the influence of sex and age and still found evidence that video gaming was differentially related to measures of psychological functioning. The current study adds to the knowledge on gaming by uncovering the specific relations between video gaming and distinct measures of psychological functioning. Potentially problematic video gaming was found to be associated with positive affect and social relationships while playing but also with psychological symptoms, maladaptive coping strategies, negative affectivity, low self-esteem, a preference for solitude, and poor school performance.

This knowledge might help developing adequate interventions that are applied prior to the occurrence of psychological impairments that may go along with potentially problematic video gaming. Whilst participants were not signing a separate consent form, consent was obtained by virtue of completion.

We implemented agreed procedures to maintain the confidentiality of participant data. JH analyzed the data. BE and JH wrote the manuscript. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Lucas, K. Sex differences in video game play: a communication-based explanation. Mathiak, K. Reward system and temporal pole contributions to affective evaluation during a first person shooter video game. BMC Neurosci. Mazurek, M. Video games from the perspective of adults with autism spectrum disorder. Senior's Guide to Medical Marijuana. How to Break the Multitasking Habit. Eytan Alexander. Dyslexia and Prejudice. Gobinder Gill. Are You Experiencing Social Jetlag?

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These video games are good for your health and can be a great way to break a sweat without having to head to the gym. The most powerful benefit of these exercise-focused video games may be that they can change the way a person thinks about being active. These fitness games make exercising fun and provide an easy way to get in shape.

As your brain ages, your memory, focus and ability to multitask all begin to decline. While young people are often able to juggle several different mental demands at once, older people may find it difficult to stay focused even on a single task. However, there are many ways to keep your brain young , such as by doing puzzles, eating healthy, exercising and even playing video games.

In a study by the University of California, San Francisco, researchers created a simple driving game where players had to identify road signs while driving around obstacles. When required to multi-task, players of all ages performed worse than when only completing one task. However, those between 60 and 80 years old showed a drop in performance of 64 percent, while younger participants between 20 and 30 years old showed only a 26 percent performance drop.

As the older players continued to train with the game, however, they experienced improved multi-tasking abilities, short-term memory and long-term focus. The benefits of playing the video game were so extreme that the older trained players performed better than untrained players in their 20s. Playing video games that require multi-tasking and focus may be a great way to keep your brain young. On a basic level, when you are playing video games, your brain is working and growing.

As you figure out how a game works and complete puzzles to master a level, you are creating new connections in your mind. The more motivated you are to beat the game, the more your brain is working and the more you are learning. Continued learning and stimulating your brain is essential to keeping it healthy as you age. When a player enjoys the story or setting of these games, they may be motivated to continue learning more about it on their own.

From better memory to better navigation, playing the video games you already love is great for your brain. Now, the next time someone tells you to stop playing video games so much, you have an arsenal of evidence to support your love of gaming. If you are looking for new video games to improve your health or just to enjoy, Record Head is the place for you. As your local hub for new and used video games and gaming systems , we have something for everyone, from vintage classics to the hottest games.

If you have old games lying around, bring them to our Milwaukee shop to trade for a new toy to enjoy. With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, we know a lot about buying, selling and trading video games and electronics.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff would love to chat about your favorite games or even repair your broken console. Visit us today to find great deals on awesome video games and gaming systems, or shop our supply online. Now that you know how good video games are for your brain, its time to start gaming.

Memory Many video games require some serious strategy and concentration. Spatial Visualization On top of improving your spatial memory, playing video games also helps you visualize space better.

Perception and Vision When faced with a complex environment with competing stimuli, your brain creates a perceptual template that helps you determine what is important and what is not. Decision Making Fast-paced video games like Need For Speed or Call of Duty require you to stay on your toes and make decisions quickly.

Problem Solving Strategic and role-playing video games also challenge players to solve complex problems.