Does playing video games lead to a lower IQ?

Throughout the years, many people have taken offense to the rising popularity of the video gaming community. This community is stated as being under-productive and, more importantly, most likely to have a lower Intelligence Quotient. Being an avid gamer myself, I have researched this subject and have come to a few conclusions.

The first time I heard this question asked, I thought long and hard about my motives into video games. Was I really having my intelligence sapped by my inconspicuous technology? When I stated that I was in college and asked what they would prefer me to do, they told me to read a book. That is when I realized that the IQ argument could be made about almost anything. If reading a book is the more productive thing to do, then one could assume that the countless educational video games on the market are far inferior to the many books out there on subjects ranging from the healing properties of smelling feet, to the brutal slaying or one's mother. I would agree that there is some benefit to reading a good book, but there is also much to be learned from certain video games. The amount of reading involved in most games is immense compared to what normal people go through in a day.

The recent release of the Nintendo DS title Big Brain Academy has only further strengthened my belief that there is educational value to be had in many video games. The games feature a series of mini-games that are designed to increase the thinking capacity of a single person. The game has logic, reason, math, visual, and memory based questions with increasing difficulty. Prior to these games, there were many games that were used in classrooms as a tool to increase interest in previously unattractive subjects. Games such as Number Munchers make math fun by use of quirky characters and fast-paced action, while incorporating many math problems in the process. Other games may teach people about unfamiliar regions of the world, or find fun ways to increase their vocabulary.

The Nintendo Wii has also incorporated the use of bodily movement in video games adding an element of exercise to the popular video gaming community. As critics previously said that video games are prohibitive in the growth of children, the popular Japanese based company produced the Nintendo Wii in an effort to get children more physically active. Along with the system itself, Nintendo has also released the "Wii Fit" game that has a series of physical exercises that encourages people of all ages to get in shape through the use of the video game.

Although there is no real test that can determine the amount of intelligence that is either gained or lost through gaming, there are several games that have proven they have an educational value. As people in the media scramble to prove that video game violence is correlated to actual violence, there is a ray of hope in the fact that some children have escaped this diluted reality, and have adventured into the world of imagination and education.

Gaming – It’s not All Bad

According to recent studies as well as long-held beliefs by gamers, playing video games can bring mental and physical benefits. The games industry is very big and, as fears of the economy slowing down and the potential of recession ahead it remains buoyant with record sales of software and 'next generation' consoles. 

 

Fundamentally the games industry is growing as it is because as a source of entertainment is it fun, absorbing, value for money and imparts a sense of achievement as well as, recently with online gaming, community and teamwork.  Now however you can add to this possible health and brain benefits, from problem solving, concentration, stress relief to visual and sight training.  The mass appeal of the DS and Wii is taking games, specifically "educational" or "training" titles, to a new demographic of people previously untouched by any of the big gaming companies.

 

Video games can help to improve both the movement and capabilities of your eyes.  Besides the release of a specific sight training game on the Nintendo DS playing certain types of games, especially action games, push a player’s eyes beyond what they would normally go through and the brain as a consequence adapts to it and improves.  Constant movements of the eyes and picking up on the small movements and subtle changes in pace and direction often seen in games effectively gives your eyes a work out.  Potentially this could mean that visual defects and injuries could be treated with specially designed games.  

 

 

Mentally there are also other benefits of a few hours gaming a week.  As a stress busting method games have been proven in studies to help students during revision periods by taking their mind away from studying and giving them a few minutes of needed relaxation, enabling them to concentrate better and work harder during the periods that they are working. In a similar way, games act as means of escapism, allowing everyone to leave the real world behind them for a few minutes a day, helping to relieve stress and boredom, thus improving an individual’s mental health.

 

So as the games market gets bigger and makes record amounts of money what are the benefits to you and I of spending our free time playing video games?  As mentioned above it is a fairly new phenomenon for the current generation of gaming consoles to release mass-appeal educational titles, such as the famous Brain Training games and Big Brain Academy Games.  The educational benefits of these games are clear to be seen by anyone who has played them, with faster brain activity and memory seeing marked improvements.  Add to this the physical benefits of the new Wii games such as Wii sports and the new Wii Fit and there is the potential for a full mind and body work out in your living room.

 

So gaming, far from being a source of ill health and injury can help to give your whole mind, body and eyes a work out.  To take advantage of games’ interactive abilities to impart both knowledge and health we have already seen specific titles like Wii Fit, Sign Training and Brain Training, so far all pioneered by Nintendo, and we will probably see more titles like this released in the future.

 

 

Does playing video games lead to a lower IQ? – Part 1

This proposed argument is quite interesting however; no politician or member of Congress can today state that video games can potentially drop ones IQ.

The Intelligence Quotient is a number used to measure a person's cognitive abilities by using a number of standardized tests which are mainly made up of logical problems, mathematics and general knowledge. I guess I can say that video games should be used to train youngsters for any IQ test.

Since the birth of video games, programmers and developers have made it their duty to find intuitive ways to integrate problem solving into these games. Since then video game developers have used methods such as logic, mathematics, reason and visual/memory based questions to test the level of intelligence of players. Examples like Tetris which was introduced to world in the 1980's and Big Brain Academy released in 2006 firmly reinforces my point, these games are used to stimulate the player's mind and force him/her to make intellectual decisions which determine the loss or victory. These games encourage intelligence among its players. In addition, Tetris has sold over 40 million copies to date, making it one of the most popular games of all time.

The video game known as "Tomb Raider" was based around solving logical puzzles in order to move forward and ultimately achieve success. Other games such as "The Legend of Zelda" and "Metal Gear Solid," are well known for containing "cinematic cut scenes and intricate storylines as well as its exploration of the nature of politics, warfare, censorship, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, loyalty, reality, subjective vs. universal "truths" and other philosophical themes." (Quotation from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) This shows the level at which these video games can educate its players about a number different subjects which affect the world today as well as in the past.

Today video games are used for a vast variety of purposes. For example, with the introduction of the Nintendo DS, there have been a number of games made solely to educate players as well as test their knowledge on particular topics. Nintendo again in the interest of society introduced to the world, the Nintendo Wii which revolutionized gaming. A motion sensor on the Nintendo "Wiimote" allows for gamers to interact with images on the screen using accelerometer and optical sensor technology. This technology has created avenues for games such as Wii Fit and Wii sports which require full body involvement thus requiring more brainwork from the players.

The following is information collected by the University of Rochester on the relationship between playing video games: "Research conducted at the University of Rochester has shown that action video games can give a person the ability to monitor more objects in their visual field and do so faster than a person who doesn't play such games. The study suggests that in addition to making game players more aware of their surroundings while performing tasks such as driving, action game playing might be a useful tool to rehabilitate visually impaired patients or to train soldiers for combat."

Therefore, it can be concluded that video games can indeed increase ones IQ and not pull it down. It cannot be argued that reading books is inefficient as such a claim can never be proven however, video games is definitely an alternative which can be considered.

Which video game console is better: PlayStation 3 or Wii? – Part 24

In my opinion, playing video games improve your intelligence. What strategy to use, which equipment is most suitable? How do I figure out the code- these are all mind-stimulation questions as you play all sorts of games.

But, let's face it. Becoming a lazy couch potato, and inflating like a balloon is NOT on our list for having fun in this 'intelligent' way. There are times video game addicts, like me, stare at the basketball court and wonder why we can't run and leap like that. You feel your energy so low, and you crave action.

Look no further- Wii is THE solution to modern entertainment. Open your eyes to revolution ladies, gents and kids. Why waste your time lethargic on a couch when you can not only monitor your actions, but be the action itself? Yes, Wii allows us to jump, run and swing our bats in the basketball game, with only an easy-grip, wireless remote control. Why settle for the old and dying when you can be with the new and alive?

Wii is the next best thing to Virtual Reality. Give yourself, and your kids more exercise as they involve in sports inside the living room! My first try at Wii, and I was sweating after a hot game of tennis. It was so refreshing and addictive.

There is no doubt about it- gamers find this invention fascinating. Wii is the 'IN' thing, as I always say, out with the old, ON with the new.

Speculating on the future of video games

Video games can be a lot of fun. There is so much variety these days that there is truly something for everyone in the video game world. Over the past 10 ten years, video games have evolved so much. Remember Atari, with the paddle you moved back and forth to hit the ball? From black and white video games, to one of the newest systems, the Nintendo Wii, video games have changed so much.

The Nintendo Wii is one of the latest systems out on the market. It uses some of the latest technology in which you are able to feel like you are actually in the video game. Playing with the Wii remote and nun chuck, you can actually be one of the characters. It actually can become quite a workout in a sense it is like you are actually fighting, or racing, or whatever the game may be.

Take the video game Dance Dance Revolution for example. This was one of the best video games ever made in my opinion. You hooked the dance mat up to your video game system and followed the on screen cues for your every move. They even had a workout mode to see at the end of each session how many calories you have burned. Now this was high tech!

I think that video games are going to be around to stay. With the Playstation 3 system, you actually have the capability to be able to browse the internet, check your email, and all sorts of things. You are able to be playing against someone across the world if you would like to. It doesn't even cost you a penny to do these things, you just need to have wireless internet in your home.

Video games are going to become more like virtual reality. Your moves are going to dictate what your characters on screen are doing. This is also going to make more family fun nights, in my opinion. More families are going to be sitting around the television and playing video games because there is more interaction for the whole family to see and do.

The only downfall to these new and upcoming systems is that they are going to be really expensive. They are really bad now, at the average of fifty dollars for one game. If you can afford the game systems, I would recommend renting the games and trying them before you purchase them. It can get really outrageous if you buy every one you are interested in.

Benefits of playing video games – Part 4

I believe certain video games allow you to have a benefit because video games give you creativity. It takes you to a place you could never go in real life. Video games are like dreams that come to life on a T.V screen. These days there are video games that express somebody's dream in the world. There are games that you play on the new Wii made by Nintendo. Wii is probably the best Nintendo has every done because everybody can play Wii. An I mean exactly get to be part of the game like your exactly doing the driving, the flying, the sword fights with your control. I read in last months ESx I believe that is the name of the magazine. Anyways, it has a survey of senior citizens that played Wii an really enjoyed it. They said they would of whether be playing this video games instead of knitting. I believe they liked it so much because they could drive, fly, or get around as good as they use to. So they really enjoyed being able to do all those things they use to even if it was on a screen. It felt better than real life because it was fantasy I think dreams and fantasy are better than real life. All these games really take you to what you consider your dream come true. I mean you get the benefit of being entertained most likely never bored that is for sure. I mean I have played many video games in my life. I prefer the Super Nintendo which was the video game I ever played an got hooked on it. I stayed up all not playing Super Mario Bros. The best game I feel that has every came out. My benefit from that one though was just being a kid an having something to do on Friday nights and after homework time.

Benefits of playing video games

All videos games that are enjoyable are already beneficial because it gives you something to do for relaxation. Unlike the TV where you just watch and do not interact, you are always interacting with video games. It has been proved that the amount of brain activity that goes on inside ones head is greater in video games then many other activities like watching TV. You are always thinking and reacting to what goes in in the video game. Not all video games have the same benefits but they do have them none the less.

Fitness and Weight Loss

The Nintendo Wii video games are probably the most well known video games for exercise. While these games are fun you are burning away the calories that you need to loose for you diet. Others play the Wii to stay in shape.

Logic and Strategy

Games that have puzzles and logical problems such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic are great way to test you ability to solve problems. These can even sometimes teach you new ways of thinking and keep you on your toes.

Literacy and Writing

While your not going to find too many games that will expand your vocabulary you will find an exceptionally large amount of games that have reading in them. Games that are found on the Nintendo DS use text to explain evens going on and how you know what the characters in the game are saying. This also applies even to almost all games.

Retaining Memory

MMOs are probably the best examples for memory games. The thing about an MMO is that there is so much to do. You have to remember what you did before or you will have to relearn it. Other games that are on the smaller scale might be card matching games or Mario Tennis.

Reflexes

The first person shooter games are the best examples of helping improve your reflexes. You have you react as fast and as accurately as possible to success in these games. People who play these types of game usually have a higher average concerning their speed of reflexes.

Typing

Games that support multi-player or games that depend on multi-player such as MMOs heavily promote typing. I have learned how to type through video games, and I have them to thank for it. Many of my friends have learned to type through video games.

Learning a Foreign Language

This one is not too common but like people learn foreign languages through TV, people do learn foreign languages through video games. This can apply to pretty much any video game that has speech and/or text.

Wii Weight Loss: Is It Possible To Drop Pounds With Wii Sports?

Wii weight loss is the concept of having fun while playing video games while losing weight. Usually this Wii weight loss is accompanied by calorie restriction in addition to the moderate exercise that Wii gaming offers. Several bloggers across the web have created very popular sites detailing their Wii weight loss. Most of them have done this using the Wii Sports video game that comes free with the purchase of the Nintendo Wii system.

Wii Weight Loss with Wii Sports

Wii Sports is a set of five different sports games that utilize the Wii Remote's unique motion-sensing skills to get the player off the couch and burning calories. Many advanced users on the web report that Wii Sports is incredibly fun to play for the first couple days you have it. Some more advanced gamers are not as happy with it overall, but the allure of Wii Sports is that it is good fun for the gamer and non-gamer alike. Wii Sports has captured the hearts of wives, grandmas, mothers, kids, as well as hardcore gamers and casual gamers. For many, Wii Sports is just the first game they will play on Wii as they get used to the motion sensor controller. After they tire of Wii Sports they move on to other games. Wii Sports includes golf, tennis, and baseball games, which act as a showcase for Wii remote’s sensor functionality. Some find the game insanely addictive. The game draws every player into the experience. Wii Sports is the first Nintendo Wii title to use the Mii Channel, a customizable channel where you can create your own avatars. Wii Sports is fun to play with amongst some friends using the multi player function.

Wii Weight Loss with Wii Sports Has Critics

Some critics find it difficult to get used to the fact that in Wii Sports your character automatically runs forward to hit the ball. Others remark that the Wii remote waving around isn't a realistic experience. If following the strides of annual big name sports titles that rely on depth and realism is your thing, then Wii Sports isn't what you're looking for.

Wii Weight Loss Success with Wii Sports

Here are some quotes of people who had Wii weight loss success:

This guy lost nine pounds in six weeks enthusiastically playing his Wii.

Mickey started out at 182 pounds, and after a month and a half of Wii workouts, whittled his weight down to 172 pounds, which he found quite amazing considering that this was the first substantial loss he had attained in over two years, and he never even cut back on the Eat ’N Park cookies (or similar).

Benefits of playing video games – Part 3

With the average youth playing over 13 hours of video games a week, (Video Game Addiction: 81% of American Youth Play; 8.5% are Addicted, 2006) there is no debating that todays youth are playing far to much time gaming.

Fortunately, the makers of Nintendo whether intentional or not, have created a diversion that engages youth in an active form of gaming. With the creation of the Nintendo WII children are forced to get up off the coach and be active while playing video games, and surprisingly enough, not only do kids love it, but adults are enjoying it as well.

I purchased this game, not for my son, but for my husband. This investment has engaged my whole family in fun, quality time, gaming together. In addition it has successfully distracted my son from traditional video games, which he spend far too much time vegetating in front of. While the enjoyment that my family has found is reward enough, I was elated to learn that nursing homes are using Nintendo WII to engage their residents. Seniors who have been unable to bowl, play tennis, or even golf because of health conditions, are now able to participate in the activities they once so dearly loved. Who would have thought that one day seniors would be as excited about video games as our children?

The game controller works like your club or bowling ball and you have to simulate the exact motion that you would make while holding the controller. The difference is you don't have a ten pound bowling ball in your hand to bowl, or have to walk an entire golf course to enjoy a game of golf. While the game isn't the exact replica of the true sport, it is surprisingly accurate. Regardless of how much I play, my golf score is still double par and somehow I've even managed to throw my bowling ball backwards. (Things I do when I play the real games, proving how close to reality Nintendo WII truly is.)

With all the controversy of video game violence and excessive play, it is nice to finally see something positive coming from video games. So to the creators of Nintendo WII, I say thank you for offering a solution to the video game craze that has plagued our youth for over a decade!

Works Cited

Video Game Addiction: 81% of American Youth Play; 8.5% are Addicted. (2006). Retrieved February 22, 2008, from Metrics2.0: http://www.metrics2.com/blog/2 007/04/04/video_game_addiction _81_of_american_youth_play_85. html

Nintendo Wii Previews – Everything You Need to Know

How does playing video games teach you to learn your child’s language?

mistiblue asked:


Why should parents play video games with their kids? Why shouldn't they? Does this lessen arguments with them?

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How good do video game reviewers have to be at playing video games?

Trey S asked:


Obviously, you have to be pretty good at playing video games. However, I'm curious as to how good must one be to be successful? Any thoughts?

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What are the benefits/ detriments of playing video games?

Joe asked:


I've been playing video games since I was 5 years old. A lot of people assume playing video games gives you faster reflexes. Others say it ruins your ability to think. Could somebody please enlighten me on this and tell me what's good AND bad about playing video-games?

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How can i get good grades and still play video games and be good?

JLap1991 asked:


Well lets see i love to video game but when i do that my grades go down. And when i dont play video games then i just get really bored and then theres nothing to do and my grades go up. I would stop playing video games but i cant because i love to play them. Also i cant really balance them out cause most of the time i play 10+ hours. I am 15 years old and have been playing since i was 10 years old. I am still in good shape though, i have a six pack so i know that getting fat is not a problem for playing video games just my grades go down and also my attitude goes negative. What should i do to balance this?

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Is playing video games good for your hands?

xxsweetGxx asked:


Does it exercise it in anyway ?
Since you use your hands a lot [to press keys etc.]
Because I play video games a lot and I was just
wondering because my hands start to hurt after
I've been playing a video game for a long time.

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How to get better at playing video games?

Seattle_sounders_fan asked:


Last week I bought a PSP. And I love it. How can I get better at video games? I usually find time through out the day when I am bored. I even play one of my games before I go to bed. I want to improve on playing video games.

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What are the risks of playing video games for long periods of time?

littlecaesarsmmm asked:


I play video games probably 3-6 hours a day, depending on whether I have school or not. I was wondering what risks there are to playing video games for extensive amounts of time.

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