Growing up with three brothers, I've had my fair share of exposure to violent video games; however, new studies say that those games may have improved my cognitive ability. According to New York University, violent video games actually improve your vision, other brain functions and even better, attention! Too bad the same can't be said of my brothers...
This NYU study is one of many that show violent video games can be used as an educational tool and do have the ability to teach. I think showing violent video games in a positive light for kids is a fine line to tread, though.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Educational Video Games
- The trend of using video games as an educational tool presents opportunities for developers to create more targeted and engaging content.
- Cognitive Enhancement
- The trend of identifying ways to improve cognitive function through video games presents opportunities for healthcare providers to develop innovative treatment options.
- Positive Perception of Violence
- The trend of showing violence in a positive light presents opportunities for media outlets to explore alternative perspectives that deviate from traditional narratives.
Where This Applies
- Gaming
- The gaming industry has the opportunity to create a new niche in educational games that can target specific skills development.
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can utilize cognitive training through video games as a treatment option for cognitive disorders, such as ADHD or Alzheimer's.
- Media
- The media industry can aim for more responsible reporting on the concept of violence and better engage their audience by exploring different angles of popular narratives.
