Since the inception of video games, a persistent stereotype has described gamers as lethargic, sluggish people. We don’t think there’s anything wrong with living a laid-back lifestyle, but scientific research has now been done to disprove the critics. This article explores the exact ways that playing video games can improve your intelligence, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of gaming.
The University of York in the United Kingdom relatively recently carried out research on the connection between intellect and video games. We realize that it sounds like something that fans of “Rick and Morty” would treasure. However, it turns out that there’s a link between having a high IQ and being able to do well in games.
Two primary assessments were used in the study: an IQ test that was standardized and an observation of the performance of highly talented League of Legends (the MOBA genre) players. In the second test, individuals were observed to play two first-person shooter games (Battlefield 3 and Destiny) and two MOBAs (LoL and DOTA).
They discovered a connection between IQ scores and fluid gameplay abilities, just as they had predicted. That is to say, there was no association between FPSs and MOBAs, which is probably because FPSs place less emphasis on strategy and more on hand-eye coordination and reflexes than MOBAs do. It, however, indicates a different kind of intellect than what the study was seeking, which is by no means something that is undesirable.
These sorts of socially exigent, problem-solving skills are precisely the kinds of attributes that people with high IQs display when it comes to MOBAs. Furthermore, the study implies that these games function as separate kinds of online IQ assessments.
This is basically how the public interpreted the study, even though the researchers did not mean to suggest that people who play video games are smarter than those who don’t.
The results might not be misleading, but what matters more is how much value we place on video game skill and intelligence. Therefore, the notion that you’re somehow better because you’re a MENSA member or more proficient in Dark Souls than the others has some ableism.
What are the Most Important Findings from the Study?
The notion that video games are an excellent teaching tool is the most significant lesson to be learned from these findings. A child’s development will be aided by the inclusion of games in the curriculum, which will also maintain their enthusiasm for studying. Because, let’s be honest, which would you prefer—playing a game or sitting all morning solving equations? Since both employ strategies for solving problems, there truly isn’t a contest. Or better still, do both!
Another important lesson is that games may be used to assess abilities like strategic planning and problem-solving. We may apply this not only in the psychological context but also in the exam season in schools.
Whatever you choose to make of the study, it does remove the stereotype that people who play video games are indolent or unmotivated, which is kind of wonderful.
Indeed, Playing Video Games Raises Your IQ
Over a two-year period, researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Karolinska Institutet in Solna, Sweden, examined the relationship between the screen habits of five thousand American toddlers and their cognitive development. The findings demonstrated that kids who played video games for longer than the normal length of time had an IQ gain of about 2.5 IQ points. On the other hand, using social media and viewing TV and videos had no discernible impact on their cognitive abilities.
But the study didn’t take into account how their digital habits affected other aspects of their lives, such as how well they performed in school, how active they were, how well they slept, or how well they felt emotionally. The aforementioned results on video games and IQ are corroborated by another study, and that’s precisely the study we explained earlier – by the University of York.
Now, let’s find out how playing video games affects the development of cognitive abilities. But, first, you surely ask yourselves what cognitive abilities are and what their relationship with IQ is like.
Do Cognitive Abilities and IQ Mean the Same Thing?
Not really. Though they aren’t the same thing, they are connected and entwined.
Cognitive abilities (talents, if you prefer), which have less to do with real knowledge and more to do with the processes of learning, remembering, and paying attention, are the brain-based skills and mental functions required to perform any activity.
The phrase “IQ”, which stands for “intellectual quotient”, typically refers to a test result that indicates how intelligent you are in relation to other people. IQ tests, such as the International IQ Test, are intended to gauge your overall problem-solving and conceptual understanding skills. Though there are many, many instances in which IQ and success don’t coincide, there’s a strong positive link between IQ and success in the classroom and at work.
Acquiring new knowledge doesn’t raise your IQ in and of itself because IQ tests try to gauge your capacity for understanding concepts rather than merely the amount of material you know. Although most scholars share the opinion that environmental enrichment assumes some substantial role in intellectual ability development, intellectual ability appears to depend more on genetic characteristics than on environmental influences.
Adult IQ levels generally don’t rise appreciably over time. In the same way that following an exercise routine improves physical ability, there’s evidence that keeping an intellectually stimulating environment (by acquiring novel abilities or solving puzzles, for instance) enhances cognitive ability. However, these changes don’t always have a significant impact on IQ scores.
What Precise Effects Video Games Have on Cognitive Abilities
All generations can enjoy different types of video games, which are among the most widely used sources of amusement. It’s possible that many people are unaware of the substantial cognitive effects that video games can have. In what ways do video games affect cognitive abilities in general?
Whether we’re talking about an avid adventure gamer or a professional player in the esports scene, playing enough games can have a positive impact on one’s cognitive abilities.
We barely have time to discuss a handful of the many positive effects that playing video games has on cognitive abilities. Let’s explore a few of the most important psychological effects of video game playing.
Enhanced Spatial Awareness
The chance to enhance spatial skills while playing video games has a big impact on cognitive capacities. This helps develop the abilities for enumeration, multi-object tracking, visuomotor coordination, and spatial resolution and is particularly common in action-based video games.
Uncharted, Horizon Zero Dawn and Resident Evil 2 are a few of the well-known action video games. Through them, the player will be able to enhance their general spatial capabilities, which are what enable people to recognize, comprehend, and recall particular items in a given area.
Greater Mental Adaptability
If you enjoy first-person shooter games, you might develop greater mental agility. Being more flexible can let you transition between tasks throughout the day with much more ease. Additionally, it will be much simpler for you to adjust your focus if your plans change during the day.
FPS games that are often played include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Borderlands 2, Bioshock Infinite, and Battlefield. These will enable you to respond to shifting conditions far more skillfully.
Rapid Response Time
Action video gamers at home or those who participate in eSports tournaments may find that their reaction times are quicker in all they do. You maintain all the precision that you’d have had with a somewhat slower reaction time, in addition to an improvement in reaction time. For the action-based gamer, performance and aim are enhanced.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, God of War, The Last of Us Part II, Death Stranding, and Marvel’s Spider-Man are a few of the top action games. Action games can include anything from superhero adventures to Wild West horseback riding. An action game is defined as one that requires precise attacks and rapid movement.
Exceptional Ability to Shift Attention from Visual to Auditory
Action gamers may be able to improve their visual-to-aural attentional shifting skills. This indicates that youngsters with dyslexia may find it much simpler to change their focus from visual to auditory clues when playing action video games. This suggests that reading comprehension may increase.
Among Us, Lego Jurassic World, and Super Mario 3D All-Stars are a few of the well-liked action games for kids. Some kids may gain cognitive-wise benefits from playing video games, which could help them in school and other settings.
Increased Spatial Memory and Accuracy
Playing 3D video games can help you improve your recognition and spatial memory. For the purpose of planning or recall, you can store and then retrieve essential information thanks to recognition and spatial memory. It’s also an essential tool for getting your bearings in a new area.
Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Super Mario Bros. are a few of the well-known 3D video games. These might help with mental regions related to recognition and space.
Final Remarks
Many people are unaware of the substantial influence video games can have on cognitive abilities. The video gaming experience has several facets, ranging from advantages like enhanced spatial perception to drawbacks like impulsiveness. We hope you find this content useful. Whether you or someone you care about plays video games frequently, it’s exciting to be aware of the potential advantages and disadvantages in terms of mental health.
Also read: Marvel Officially Explains Blade’s Powers Ahead of MCU Movie & Video Game
