This day and age, almost everyone has at least one television. Some families have multiple televisions throughout their home. From cable to satellite, there are many options available for families to choose from. The sad reality of it is that too many families, especially those with young children, are spending much of their days in front of a television screen. Children will mindlessly engage themselves in shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, while parents may sit in the evenings to watch some of their favorite prime time comedies. But are any of these television shows doing any good?
Although video games and computer games sometimes get a bad rap, studies have shown that they tend to stimulate the brain much more than television.
First, video games are interactive, whether you play them through a video game console or on the computer. This means that the individual playing the game must interact with it. Many video games have several levels to get through before you can win the game–you cannot proceed further into the game play if you do not physically play the game. Television doesn’t require any interaction at all, which keeps it from stimulating the mind.
Second, since video games are interactive, they hold your attention. In order to win many games, you must be focused in order to beat a level or advance through the game. TV doesn’t require much thought, while interactive games will encourage an individual to problem solve and use their logical reasoning to play.
Third, some interactive games allow you to play with other players, which can help strengthen social ties to family members or friends. Individuals either play on the same team or compete against one another. In either case, these interactive games with multiple players help children and adults utilize their social skills and improve their ability to work as a team to achieve the same goals.
Fourth, educational games help sharpen your mind and intellectual skills. Trivia games and crossword puzzles keep your mind working. Sometimes you’re using math, sometimes logical reasoning, and other times you’re using your problem solving skills in order to play an interactive video game. These are great for children as well as adults.
It is essential to keep your mind working and challenged, so turn off the tube and try your hand at a video game instead!
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