THE MANY BENEFITS OF PLAYING VIDEO GAMES Mason Bird

Introduction An accomplished student, Mason Bird studies

cybersecurity at a four-year university. Having previously majored in political science, he maintains a strong interest in both subjects. When not busy with schoolwork, Mason Bird enjoys watching television and playing video games.

Regularly playing video games has been linked to numerous benefits. Certain video games have been linked to increased gray matter in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and right prefrontal cortex, areas of the brain influential in strategic planning and spatial navigation. Further, these areas play a role in the formation of memories and fine motor skills in the hands.

Benefits of Playing Video Games Additionally, studies have shown that just two hours per

week of a brain-teasing game can slow down the normal aging process and help maintain cognitive skills.

Beyond benefits in brain function, video games help players develop a range of skills. Regular gamers who play action video games demonstrate a stronger ability to complete perceptual tasks than their non-gaming peers. Meanwhile, young children who play video games exhibit improved reading abilities, and teenagers who game show a stronger ability to perform virtual surgery than some medical residents. Video games have also been connected to decreased pain among chemotherapy patients and improved recovery among stroke patients.