Can Playing Video Games Be Good for You?

Research has indicated that video games may be good for you, since there are demonstrated cognitive benefits. The games may even improve the performance of surgeons. According to a 2004 study by New York's Beth Israel Medical Center, surgeons who spent three hours per week playing video games made about 37% fewer mistakes in their work.

The reason? A 2013 German study found that regular video game playing increases the volume of the brain’s grey matter, which is thought to improve memory and sensory perception. Seniors who played video games 10 hours per week reduced the rate of cognitive deterioration from aging by seven years, according to a 2013 University of Iowa study.

More about playing video games :

• Although playing video games is often thought of as a solitary activity, an estimated 70% of gamers play with a friend or on a virtual team.
• There are thought to be approximately 1.2 billion video game players worldwide.
• Gaming has been found to reduce pain levels by up to 50%, according to 2010 findings from the American Pain Society. This is likely due to the mind focusing elsewhere while playing, as well as increased endorphins, a brain chemical associated with feelings of pleasure.