<p>Anyone else hear this? Apparently several new studies are showing kids that play videogames are more likely to do well in school, be more social, and make more money. </p>
<p>"The Federation of American Scientists also has come out in favor of video games as a way to teach advanced mental skills, such as strategic thinking, problem solving, adapting to rapid change, forming and executing plans, and analyzing information. According to Discover.com, The Federation cites games that require teamwork, such as World of Warcraft, as useful for teaching people how to cooperate and communicate in the workplace, and it offers Madden NFLs owner mode, which lets players manage the business side of a football team, as an example of a video game that teaches people how to succeed in business. "</p>
<p>What yall think?</p>
<p>I'm of the opinion that social interaction and related skills (the face-to-face kind) are extremely important in success. I don't see that the quoted part of your post leads to the summary that shows that they "cause" kids to do well in school, be more social, or make more money in the future. I'm not buying it.</p>
<p>Of course social interaction is important. I don't think anyone is suggesting we lock our kids in a room with just videogames.</p>
<p>I don't think he's referring to addiction. People with addictive personalities can get addicted to anything, cigarettes, tv, sex, internet etc. Part of parenting is teaching balance, and moderation. Those are basics.</p>
<p>Here's the article I quoted:
Perfect</a> Labor Storm 2.0: Want Employable Skills? Hire Gamers!</p>
<p>He makes a pretty good case, check it out.</p>
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I'm of the opinion that social interaction and related skills (the face-to-face kind) are extremely important in success.
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<p>If you're a gamer that doesn't just lock yourself in your room playing WoW alone every day, then you can have plenty of social experiences while gaming. My friends and I would usually spend Saturday doing homework, then get together to hang out and play video games together in the common room of our dorm. We'd have plenty of face-to-face interaction, and I felt that was a lot more useful in developing interpersonal skills than my later years in college when I'd go out with some of my other friends to bars and some parties to drink. Now that I'm out here at grad school, I really miss having a bunch of friends to play games with since it was a good means to socialize and meet new people.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input RacinReaver.</p>
<p>I've seen it in my 2 teens. They have a great time playing. And I know when I try and play, I don't have the coordination. I think a lot of those skills can come into play in computer and technology professions.</p>
<p>Not all video games are shootem ups. I did block all M rated games from our rental list , but they already know I wouldn't approve of those in my house. I've also rented some games from gamefly, like Big Brain academy, that are very clever and really make them use their noggin. It's great to see the kids get enjoy it so much. And watching them, I really do think this guys has a valid point about video games and our children's future.</p>
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Spent 10,000 hours playing video games....... Spent 20,000 hours watching TV ....... Spent under 5,000 hours reading
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Huh. All these things have a way of averaging out. ;) My D hasn't spent 10 hours playing video games in her life. I cannot even calculate how many books she's read. It's a bundle. As for TV, prior to college she watched Alias when it was on and Grey's but in college she has lost all interest in those, too. Or should I say, there are so many more things she'd rather do/needs to do than watch TV. </p>
<p>Between a heavy science oriented class load at a difficult school, research, volunteering, Utimate, intramurals, sorority, dating, guitar lessons, MCAT review and oh yeah, papers and studying she doesn't have the time. (Edit: This gives some credence to my theory of alien abduction. )</p>
<p>When she's home she will watch the tube but back at campus , she lights the wick and off she goes again. </p>
<p>Now I think I'd like to play with that wii thing but no one in my family has ever owned any gaming device. Edit: I lied. Sort of. My W is somewhat addicted to computer solitaire.</p>