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View Full Version : Video games are good for you



Citizen Bleys
05-30-2003, 11:50 AM
Playing Video Games Not So Mindless After All
Thu May 29, 2003 09:46 AM ET
LONDON (Reuters) - Hours spent playing action video games may not be as mindless as many parents think.
Whether it's Spiderman or Grand Theft Auto 3 or others, the fast-moving action of the games seems to improve a range of visual skills.

"Although video-game playing may seem to be rather mindless, it is capable of radically altering visual attentional processing," Daphne Bavelier, of the University of Rochester in New York, said in a letter to the science journal Nature.

In four experiments Bavelier and her colleague C. Shawn Green discovered that people who played video games several times a week for six months could monitor complex visual information more easily than non-game players.

But when the researchers gave novices 10 hours of training on the game Medal of Honor, they improved their visual processing skills.

"By forcing players to simultaneously juggle a number of varied tasks (detect new enemies, track existing enemies and avoid getting hurt, among others) action-video-game playing pushes the limits of three rather different aspects of visual attention," Bavelier said.

WELL CONGRATU-FREAKIN-LATIONS, REUTERS!

We've been saying this for years.

Super Christ
05-30-2003, 12:00 PM
Makes me proud to have been doing it for 21 years now. I always knew they'd pay off in the end! . . .

Well, not really, but it's cool to know that there is, in fact, benefits that come from playing video games.

0neWingedAngel
05-30-2003, 01:11 PM
I've always known i was superior to those who don't play games, it's kinda obvious, I have faster eflexes, i'm more accurate, and i can think on my feet....OMG the goverment is training us IT'S A CONSPIRACY!!!:eek:

edit: i never said i could spell

Citizen Bleys
05-30-2003, 02:22 PM
I'm just waiting for the Reuters article that says masturbating is good for you.

m4tt
05-30-2003, 02:25 PM
Originally posted by Citizen Bleys
I'm just waiting for the Reuters article that says masturbating is good for you.

Oh man, that would make me a GOD or somthing.

I play video games all the time, and I have noticed that my reflexes are a bit better after playing Quake 3 for almost 4 years.

crono_logical
05-30-2003, 02:37 PM
All the more reason to download them :p

Now I just need one saying lots of anime improves your foreign language skills :p

HOOTERS
05-30-2003, 02:57 PM
I always thought it was video game playing makes you better at masturbation. Which works out quite nicely seeing as video game playing makes you worse at girlfriend getting.

Linus
05-30-2003, 03:02 PM
Come on, you don't need a newspaper article to tell you that. There've been hundreds of recent studies on this type of thing in the last 10 years.

Old news, says I.

Shorty
05-30-2003, 03:08 PM
I'm just waiting for the Reuters article that says masturbating is good for you.Good for you or a good reason to do it? o.o

Mr. Graves
05-30-2003, 05:02 PM
I need to play games more often...

Dr Unne
05-30-2003, 05:40 PM
So video games give us "visual tracking skills". What good are visual tracking skills? I don't hunt for my own food or anything. I tend not to have to track enemy combatants in real life. Is the benefit of increased visual tracking skills worth the cost of, say, sitting on your butt 10 hours a day and becoming overweight? Or having your eyesight destroyed by staring at a monitor from 5 inches away without blinking for hours on end?

Strider
05-30-2003, 06:00 PM
Good for you or a good reason to do it? o.oProbably both.

Erdrick Holmes
05-30-2003, 06:10 PM
You know I saw thisvery same news article on UPN50 news. Of course I've known all alon that vids can increase your hand eye coordination but I think that years of playing them in he big bright TV in my living room caused me to go nearsigted so I had to get glasses but I say thats a small price to pay to increase hand eye coordinaton without doing any grueling training.

omnitarian
05-30-2003, 06:31 PM
Originally posted by Citizen Bleys
I'm just waiting for the Reuters article that says masturbating is good for you.

It is. It releases chemicals into your body that helps your immune system.

Pure Strife
05-30-2003, 06:48 PM
Originally posted by omnitarian
It is. It releases chemicals into your body that helps your immune system.

So I take it we'll never see Bleys again.

Flamethrower
05-30-2003, 06:53 PM
Pfft. Unne is right. Sure, video games may increase your "visual skills", but they also make you lazier, weaker, strain your eyes, and countless other things. There are better ways to improve your visual skills without the nasty side effects of video games.

I'm not anti-video games or anything (obviously, since this is a message board about video games), I'm just saying don't fool yourself into believing that you are actually doing yourself good by playing video games all day long.

DMKA
05-30-2003, 06:58 PM
hoo boy this is a great topic. All I have to say is this: Its old news yes but I am glad to see it confirmed by someone on my fav forum :)

As for the people saying "oh, distroys your eyesight, makes you overweight, etc." well my friend, that all depends on the person, and thus is not 100% true. And even if it was (or is) your going to die eventually so enjoy life sepnding it in the way you want not doing things you don't want to do for the lost cause of trying to live forever. Besides my great grandfather tells me that all the time and hes 99!

Del Murder
05-30-2003, 07:09 PM
What's that article about? I can barely see it.

Seifer
05-30-2003, 07:22 PM
I say take it up a level and play a shooting simulator and/or DDR. Can't get fat if you're doing those, and they really boost coordination.

I'm really lazy, I play video games...too much, and I still manage to do better than everyone else, whether it's being in shape or academics. I think video games help more than just your hand and eye coordination. People say they rot the brain, yet they're more of a stimulant than anything else.

Citizen Bleys
05-30-2003, 07:51 PM
Originally posted by omnitarian
It is. It releases chemicals into your body that helps your immune system.

Good enough for me. *closes door*

Spatvark
05-30-2003, 08:09 PM
Originally posted on <a href="http://www.pvponline.com" targe"_blank">PVP</a> by Scott Kurtz
Everything in moderation
December 31, 2002

I'm getting a lot of email concerning a group called mavav: Mothers Against Videogame Addiction and Violence. You can visit the mavav website at <a href="http://www.mavav.org" target="_blank">mavav.org</a>. The site claims to be the product of a concerned parental group who want to protect children against video game addiction and violence.

The validity of this site is currently up for debate. I know that Jerry over at <a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com" target="_blank">penny-arcade</a> has posted that the whole thing smells of a hoax and I tend to agree. I did some research and called the number of the person who mavav.org is registered to. The voice on the answering machine sounded more like Jeff Spicoli than a concerned parent.

I don't care either way because, frankly, mavav is right about videogames. I got news for you people: videogames are horrible for kids.

Now, don't act so shocked. Deep down, you already knew that. You've always known it. Especially if you're my age and you were around to see the birth of video games. You see kids, back in the day we didn't have video games. Not on the computer, on console systems or in arcades. Not that many of you remember arcades (we used to have to drive our bikes to the mall and drop quarters into machines to play the really cool games). There was a time, not that long ago, when there were no electronic games. At all. We went without.

And when they came along, we were hooked. Addicted. From the start and our parents saw it right away. They saw it and they knew it was bad and they wanted to keep us from playing too much. And we knew it was bad too but it was so fun and nothing was going to keep us from it. So we kicked and we screamed and we raised holy hell until it was easier for them to just leave us to our new blinking and beeping god.

Video games are obsessive. They are violent. They cause children to become violent. They are time sinks. They suck every waking moment away from your kids. When you're kids aren't playing video games they are thinking about how great it's going to be when they get to play video games again. Video games will retard your child's social growth. Video games will stunt their social skills. If you don't make them do other things, video games will turn your children into mindless, unimaginative, illiterate boobs who have no real thing to call their own save the dominance they can reign over other children who are also playing video games.

These are the facts and they are undisputed. It's not just specific to videogames, it's anything. If a person spends 95% of their daily life doing any one single thing, the rest of their life is going to suffer. Sports, drugs, even academics. Keep in mind the issue isn't video games, the issue is human nature.

My grandfather had a saying which was passed down to my father and then to my brother and I. "Everything in moderation." It is the cornerstone of a good and healthy life. It is the foundation of a balanced existance. Learn it, love it, live it. Teach it to your children and force them to live by it. "Everything in moderation."

Taking another look at the mavav.org website, we see some important advice from the unconfirmed parental group that reads as follows:


<blockquote>We highly recommend your child's bedroom be absent of all forms of electronic entertainment devices. This includes a home computer, and/or videogame console systems. It is best for all electronic entertainment devices be placed in a common area where a clock is present and adult supervision is available. If this is not at all possible, we recommend having your child's door remain open and be checked in on every hour. Parents should be extra cautious around the time of bedtime until morning.

Encourage your child to be more active. Arrange for your child to go over to a friends house for the afternoon, setup a gathering party at your home, or even sign up your child for an after school sport or activity.</blockquote>


I can't think of a single better piece of advice for a parent, regarding video games, than that paragraph. If mavav isn't real, it should be. That kind of advice I can get behind.

I love playing games. I love Warcraft 3, and Unreal Tournament and running around as Mario. I was there when they came into existance and I plan to be just like my father and keep playing them when I'm in my 50's. And it's probably stupid for me to post this and risk pissing off all the people who make games and read this site. Maybe I'm risking upsetting future advertisers and clients. Maybe not. I think that most game companies would agree that their entertainment is something that should be consumed in moderation. I think that most of them would feel better about parents enforcing moderation rather than pointing fingers.

Just because you love video games, doesn't mean that you should be ignorant to the realities of what they represent and the condition underwhich most households find themselves because they don't enforce moderation.

Kids are playing these things WAY too much, too often and not doing enough otherwise. I know because most of my problems today are a result of it. I'm sedintary, I'm overweight, I'm very quick to find a distraction that will keep me from my work, and I still place to high an importance on entertainment.

These problems existed before video games and they will exist after they fall out of fashion. It's always about moderation, that's the key. This isn't a new concept, it's been around forever. Too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing. Look at the most popular movie in the nation right now, The Two Towers, and you'll find the theme in a story that was written years ago. Look at Gollum and then look at your kids when you tell them to stop playing the X-box. "You can't take away my preeeccciiouuuusss..."

So the next time a group like mavav comes around, real or not, don't be so quick to rally the townspeople and pass out pitchforks.

They might be right.

Strider
05-30-2003, 08:30 PM
It is. It releases chemicals into your body that helps your immune system. Oh my God! Bleys is going to become invincible!

MecaKane
05-30-2003, 08:52 PM
So that's why I almost never have sick days. :o
I thought everyone else just skipped a lot. :whoa:

Shorty
05-30-2003, 09:04 PM
Originally posted by Citizen Bleys
Good enough for me. *closes door* Bye, Bleysie. Come back to us if you ever get tired.

Lindy
05-30-2003, 09:18 PM
...What about pornographic video games?

Killy
05-30-2003, 10:49 PM
Originally posted by RyuKishi
...What about pornographic video games?

OUR NEW GOD!

*Bows*

Denmark
05-31-2003, 12:20 AM
We've known for years that video games are good for us. Why do you think we keep playing them?

As for masturbation, that's good for you. Feels good, too.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 12:40 AM
Video games make me absorb knowledge(make me learn things easier). I am not lazy(well sometimes, but thats naturel for everyone). I am not over weight...so Ha!


masturbation

How do you do that...(I know wat it is....brings out seemen yada yada)but I dont know how to do it:grr: :eek: :cry:

Killy
05-31-2003, 12:48 AM
Originally posted by Faris_the_guy
How do you do that...(I know wat it is....brings out seemen yada yada)but I dont know how to do it:grr: :eek: :cry:


Thats is something youll have to figure out on your own.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 12:52 AM
Thanx...I guess

James Latimer Cockney Rebel
05-31-2003, 01:52 AM
Faris_the_guy, you're officially the funniest guy on the planet.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 01:54 AM
*wins Ciddies* Thank you!!! Now how do you do it........nvm, i'll figure it out myself:( I'm the only one who doesn't masturbate, here...*sniff*

Yamaneko
05-31-2003, 01:56 AM
I only play retarded Japanese dating simulators. I suck apparently.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 01:59 AM
Originally posted by Yamaneko
I only play retarded Japanese dating simulators. I suck apparently.

It would apear so...j/k

mystic ice cube
05-31-2003, 02:02 AM
Originally posted by Joaquin
Faris_the_guy, you're officially the funniest guy on the planet.

xDDDDDDDD *dies many, many, many times*

Denmark
05-31-2003, 02:05 AM
Originally posted by mystic ice cube
xDDDDDDDD *dies many, many, many times*

*also dies lots* xDDDDdpP!!!!!111!!11

Casey
05-31-2003, 02:09 AM
Originally posted by Faris_the_guy
Video games make me absorb knowledge(make me learn things easier). I am not lazy(well sometimes, but thats naturel for everyone). I am not over weight...so Ha!


masterbation


How do you do that...(I know wat it is....brings out seemen yada yada)but I dont know how to do it:grr: :eek: :cry:

lol!

Anyways yea, thats good news.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 02:13 AM
Roostos and mystic ice cube, I am not Joaquin, so die in front of him...

:p

Linus
05-31-2003, 02:42 AM
Faris, just pull on your nose for a few minutes.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 02:53 AM
Originally posted by Linus
Faris, just pull on your nose for a few minutes.

................oohhhh hhmmm oooooooookkkkkkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy.....(I get it...thanks for the first and only time, Linus)

James Latimer Cockney Rebel
05-31-2003, 02:59 AM
Nah, Linus is only joking about with you. You have to pull on each ear, first the left one, then the right one, and keep doing it quicker and quicker until you're doing it so quick that you climax. Keep trying, you'll get there.

stuffing
05-31-2003, 03:18 AM
This is so out of line

Zell's Fists of Fury
05-31-2003, 03:19 AM
Faris, I love you so much.

Flamethrower
05-31-2003, 03:35 AM
Give Faris a break, he's only 12 (according to his profile).

Don't worry about it buddy, you'll learn in time.

Denmark
05-31-2003, 03:57 AM
Yeah, I learned when I was 13. Good times, those...

Zell's Fists of Fury
05-31-2003, 04:00 AM
People. THis topic is about video games improving the senses. Not our 'first time'. :aimmad:

James Latimer Cockney Rebel
05-31-2003, 04:04 AM
Bah to you late-starters, I began when I was 4... playing video games that is.

stuffing
05-31-2003, 04:11 AM
this thread should be archived

stuffing
05-31-2003, 04:16 AM
Originally posted by erik ramza
I was 7 years old when I jerked off the first time...


Ok maybe this shouldn't be archived

Funkmonkey Deluxe
05-31-2003, 04:22 AM
BACK TO THE NON-MASTURBATION RELATED TOPIC:

My friends and I have been saying this same thing for years. 3 glasses of milk, lots of exercise, and a shot of PS2 a day does a body good.

erikramza
05-31-2003, 04:26 AM
Tch. I so didn't say that... *hides...*

Damn you and your quick quoteing responses!!

Anyways... yeah. Videogames seem to make you more aware. :skull::skull::skull::skull:ed up my eyes though...

edczxcvbnm
05-31-2003, 06:11 AM
No wonder I am so visual. All I do is play games...and watch tv, movies, do stuff on the computer...and I do it ALL at the same time. I am the master of visual multi-tasking.

Shorty
05-31-2003, 07:01 AM
I stand all amazed at how a topic can be started with a discussion about video games and quickly turn to a discussion about masturbation.


...Actually, no, I'm not really that surprised.

Peegee
05-31-2003, 07:27 AM
I'm not surprised I was thinking it the entire time. Specifically I was thinking this though:

there are studies to support or attack any action on the face of the earth. Nothing is conclusive and you have to decide on your own.

Psychology am not science fact, even if it's a scientific method-derived-pseudo-truth.

Leeza
05-31-2003, 07:33 AM
<i>I stand all amazed at how a topic can be started with a discussion about video games and quickly turn to a discussion about masturbation.</i> - Shorty

I am too. Keep it on topic because the <b>Closed</b> button isn't very far away from where I'm sitting.

edczxcvbnm
05-31-2003, 07:40 AM
Originally posted by Leeza
<i>I stand all amazed at how a topic can be started with a discussion about video games and quickly turn to a discussion about masturbation.</i> - Shorty

I am too. Keep it on topic because the <b>Closed</b> button isn't very far away from where I'm sitting.

Its not really a button so much as it is a pull down menu of sorts :D

Leeza
05-31-2003, 07:41 AM
Well, if you really <i>must</i> get technical... :)

Strider
05-31-2003, 08:01 AM
I stand all amazed at how a topic can be started with a discussion about video games and quickly turn to a discussion about masturbation.Well, with these people, I don't know how you can be surprised about anything.

Del Murder
05-31-2003, 08:19 AM
In other news, video games are good for you...

razor248725
05-31-2003, 08:52 AM
How do you do that...(I know wat it is....brings out seemen yada yada)but I dont know how to do it:grr: :eek: :cry:

it comes naturally to everyone eventually, its like an instinct, i guess. maybe you are still too young??? i dunno...i was 12 though......

anyways the article was quite interesting, i'll have to show that to my parents. :cool:

Pure Strife
05-31-2003, 10:07 AM
Originally posted by ShortyI stand all amazed at how a topic can be started with a discussion about video games and quickly turn to a discussion about masturbation.


Like this:


Originally posted by Citizen Bleys
I'm just waiting for the Reuters article that says masturbating is good for you.

God I love this place. Resident Evil Fan has a 23 page disscussion on an RE character's butt, but it just doesn't compare to this level of madness.

Anyway, yes, videogames do help hand-eye co-ordination. I'd think games like Final Fantasy would also be mentally beneficial, being as you have to manage so many stats/weapons/whatever. Like someone said, a shot of PS2/GC/anything-with-sonic-the-hedgehog every now and then may go a long way to keeping your hand-eye co-ordination at a good level.

Zell's Fists of Fury
05-31-2003, 10:17 AM
Speaking of butts, Shakira has a great one. Man, I'd like to take THAT rump home and put it in the oven. Or... something.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 01:24 PM
Originally posted by Spaceman Spiff
Faris, I love you so much.

Thanx........

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 01:26 PM
Originally posted by Spaceman Spiff
Speaking of butts, Shakira has a great one. Man, I'd like to take THAT rump home and put it in the oven. Or... something.

Off topic again (this will be closed for spaming)

James Latimer Cockney Rebel
05-31-2003, 02:06 PM
It's all about Britney Spear's Dance Beat for hand-to-eye co-ordination.

Zell's Fists of Fury
05-31-2003, 02:45 PM
Originally posted by Faris_the_guy
Off topic again (this will be closed for spaming)
Thanks Faris the super newbie double-posting modwhore!

I'm a modwhore too! Yaya!
Where's my sandwhich?

MecaKane
05-31-2003, 03:06 PM
*brings sandwhich*
Please don't ask someone to ban me, now. :cry:

Del Murder
05-31-2003, 05:32 PM
I wonder how far Bleys puts this thread from his greatest ideas ever.

Faris_the_guy
05-31-2003, 06:07 PM
Where is Bleys???
(Still masturbating)???

Citizen Bleys
05-31-2003, 06:36 PM
Ok, that was meant to be a one-liner about masturbation, not a three-page discussion.

(Truthfully, Del's not far from the mark, but duty calls)