Recommended
More Related Content
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Featured
Featured (20)
The Healthy Benefits of Online Games
- 1. The Healthy Benefits of Online Games
- 2. The universal appeal of online games is astounding. Research shows that one in four internet users visit online game websites, bringing the annual total to more than 217 million online game players worldwide. Online game communities are populated by people from both sexes and all age groups. Everywhere, people are spending time playing strategy, board and trivia games. But is all this game play healthy? Yes – probably in more ways than you think. Introduction
- 3. Boost Memory and Develop Cognitive Skills Puzzle games such as Mahjong or Sudoku, trivia games and strategy games are easy to learn and start playing, yet offer an ongoing challenge for players. Adults tend to use certain parts of their brains often, while other parts are less active. By playing games that focus on reasoning, logic, speed and memory, you can “work out” those lesser used parts of the brain. Studies have shown that memory, puzzle, trivia and logic games can help stave off dementia and the forgetfulness that sometimes comes with old age. For children, these same challenges can enhance the cognitive development they are undergoing as they grow
- 4. Foster Social Interaction Mental challenges, cooperative play and rich story lines draw game players in, but part of what makes online games highly popular is the social interaction. Through online interactions, players build both casual and meaningful relationships. Through time spent in multiplayer games and online game communities, players have the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and meet new people. Chatting with partners or competitors during play adds a higher level of enjoyment to the game and creates a sense of camaraderie. Players often find that partnering up with someone to overcome a difficult challenge through personal experience and know-how can be as satisfying online as it is in the real world.
- 5. Staying Connected Multiplayer online games and online game communities offer opportunities to promote social interaction within existing relationships as well. When friends and family members are miles apart, staying in contact can be challenging at best. But, today grandpa and grandson can go head to head each night battling it out over chess, backgammon and 8-ball. While old college buddies are playing checkers, bingo and sub-hunt – all the while talking about the day and staying involved in each other’s lives.
- 6. Illness and Recovery There is also the potential for online games to help families deal with chronic illness and other health issues. In 2006, the not-for-profit Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation released several online games designed to help children understand and cope with serious illness. Games can be easier to understand than books and pamphlets, especially when dealing with health. From battling cancer cells to understanding bone morrow, from pain management to managing dyslexia Free online games allow families to use imagination and creativity, while opening the door to understanding and recovery.