There are several benefits to online gaming beyond entertainment for teenagers. Online games build a sense of community, companionship, camaraderie and even help teach some life skills. According to a recent study, one-in-three boys (ages 10–15) say that they feel closer to their friends when they play video games (31%) and that playing makes them feel less lonely (35%) and one-in-four boys (26%) think that video games teach them how to be good friends (Geena Davis Institute, 2021).Many gamers find positive aspects to video gaming such as enjoyment, feelings of achievement, friendship, and a sense of community (Sublette & Mullan, 2012). The benefits of online gaming can be grouped into three categories:
- Improve thinking/cognitive skills: Online games often require children to follow instructions, take actions which lead to consequences, and respond to problems. This can help develop important thinking skills, such as: problem-solving and planning; paying closer attention to details; being aware of the virtual environment; expanding knowledge; enhancing memory, brain speed and concentration (Sweetser, Johnson, Ozdowska & Wyeth, 2012) and also attention, and visual–spatial skills. (Staiano & Calvert, 2011).
- Improve social skills: While online games can seem like an isolating activity, there are several social and psychological benefits to online gaming which include increased self-esteem, motivation, and social interaction. It is also a great way to make new friends. In a study conducted by the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, half of those surveyed had played online games with someone they had not met in person (Moody, Marsden, Nguyen & Third, 2021). This can improve a child’s social skills, including collaboration, teamwork and peer-to-peer learning. Online gaming environments also create a sense of community, companionship and even help teach players life skills, such as team building, solving problems under stress or duress, multitasking and analytical thinking (Clark & Ernst, 2009).
- Help manage emotions: While online gaming can be fun, it can also help users learn how best to regulate and manage their emotions, calm themselves when under stress, and learn how to build resiliency (NSW Department of Education). Games that require solving skills and peaceful strategies can make the user more calm. The online environment also provides a safe place to talk about fears because players can find comfort in others who share similar traits. They also can make positive contributions to the mental health and stability of an individual because games create an environment where teenagers can relieve stress, combat loneliness, and experience healthy brain stimulation.
Citations:
Moody, L., Marsden, L., Nguyen, B., & Third, A. (2022). Consultations with young people to inform the eSafety Commissioner’s Engagement Strategy for Young People.
NSW Department of Education, The benefits of playing online games. https://www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au/articles/the-benefits-of-playing-online-games
Sublette, V. A., & Mullan, B. (2012). Consequences of play: A systematic review of the effects of online gaming. International journal of mental health and addiction, 10(1), 3-23.
Clark, A. C., & Ernst, J. V. (2009). Gaming in technology education: the study of gaming can teach life skills for the twenty-first century that employers want… these include analytical thinking, team building, multitasking, and problem solving under duress. The Technology Teacher, 68(5), 21-27.
Geena Davis Institute, Oak Foundation, Promundo (2021) The Double-Edge Sword of Online Gaming. https://seejane.org/wp-content/uploads/gaming-study-2021-7.pdf
Staiano, A. E., & Calvert, S. L. (2011). Exergames for physicl education courses: Physical, social, and cognitive benefits. Child development perspectives, 5(2), 93-98.
Sweetser, P., Johnson, D., Ozdowska, A., & Wyeth, P. (2012). Active versus passive screen time for young children. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 37(4), 94-98.
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