Many people believe that playing video games socially cripples the players. They are unable to relate with other human beings on a social level because of their addiction to gadgets. Is this entirely true? Do video games do more harm than good? Strange enough some arguments have been fronted to say that indeed video games have social benefits to the players.
Importance of playing games to the social wellbeing of the players
Playing for socialization
Some children and adults actually play video games as a way of socializing with their friends. They play these games online and are able to interact with one another irrespective of distance. These games actually cement some of these relationships since they have certain things they do in common.
Discussions on the games and strategies
When players take time to discuss games, especially those that have been hard and the necessary strategies employed to win encourages team work. Those who have been able to pass certain levels which are proving difficult for others are able to help them over come. This small community of gamers are forming teams and learning how to co-exist as members of a team.
Multiplayer games encourage socialization
Some online games require people from different parts of the world to come together for a game. During this game players usually interact and they are able to build relationships and even learn to communicate with strangers. Such games are pro-social and open opportunities for the players to meet different players and learn what to do when they come in contact with strangers. Simple things such as introducing yourself become second nature to players because they meet new people every other day as they play the games online.
Encourages children to be helpful
Some pro-social games demand the players to be helpful to fellow players. Children who take part in these games learn the importance of helping and many actually change a lot and become more helpful if a parent is more observant of the child.
Help autistic children to comfortably stay in a social environment
Children in the autistic spectrum are introduced into social environments with the use of video games. Playing video games in a group setting helps autistic children to be comfortable and even have mild interaction with people playing in the same group. Playing co-op games also help autistic children to learn how to interact with other children. These video games prepare autistic for an environment where they will need to interact with other children.
The use of video games is not an anti-social behavior. It actually encourages social connections, especially in introverts who may otherwise find it hard to communicate with people on a social setting.