Separating the healing power of play from the addictive properties of video games.
Video games can be a powerful tool for cognitive and emotional growth. They can improve focus, enhance mood, foster social skills, and are being shown to treat some diseases and disorders at rates that far exceed other currently available medical options. However, like any tool, they can be misused.
The play element within games presents no potential for harm, even when scary and violent themes are central to the game. This is the single biggest misconception about games.
The dark side of gaming is driven purely by monitization schemes and the exploitation of those mechanisms for spreading hate and promoting radicalization.
The best way to combat these issues and maximize the immense potential of video games is to understand what is helpful and harmful. This important work cannot be done through political rhetoric, false equivalency or dogmatic belief.
We need facts and science to sort it all out and help us become savvy media users. When we do that, the power of play will be harnessed and the unmatched positive effects on mental and physical health will be on full display.
Source
https://bnngpt.com/searches/balanced-perspective-impact-video-games-brain-terms-NtHzfUD
