The Psychological Benefits of Video Games: An Expert’s Perspective

Do you believe that video games are beneficial to our health? As much as many people believe so, a psychologist is showing, through her studies on games as a form of entertainment, how they impact the routine of people who use them.

Dr. Rachel Kowert is director of research at Take This, a mental health NGO linked to the gaming industry.

Additionally, Dr. is also a content creator on the channel Psychegeist on Youtube. In this virtual space, the specialist shares psychology concepts in an uncomplicated way.

In this sense, today, we are going to bring some of the discussion about the use of video games, as well as the psychological benefits.

Psychological benefits of gaming

According to Kowert, “The effects of games are far more positive than negative.”

In this sense, she adds:

“Peripheral vision is one of them, the ability to perceive small changes in peripheral vision is something that is being trained by shooters…

Plus there’s increased stress relief, mood management – moving you from a negative mood to a better mood, social connection and friendship, team building and leadership skills. We are learning skills that are translatable.”

Additionally, Dr. points out that the biggest benefit is something called “unintentional learning”. In this context, the expert points out that it is now possible to play games like “Civilization” and learn about world history, world leaders, urban planning and a multitude of other subjects.

So players, while having fun, learn practical skills, experience trial and error. Another point that Kowert highlighted is that, from these games, gamers develop persistence and improve their creation skills.

In this sense, this “unintentional learning” goes beyond game content. In fact, it covers a wide range of knowledge and skills that are acquired in a very immersive way.