Gamer's Lament

Games are good:

For starters, gaming has been shown to improve cognitive functions. Research revealed that video games can help enhance problem-solving skills, adaptability, and even creativity. For example, a study published in JAMA Network Open found that children who played video games for three hours or more per day performed better on tasks involving impulse control and working memory than those who did not. These skills translate into real-life abilities that can be valuable in personal and professional settings. Video games often require players to think strategically, make quick decisions, and adapt to new challenges. I’ve seen this throughout my gaming life. Whether I’m planning out how to eliminate my target while playing “Hitman,” or solving complex mysteries as Sherlock Holmes, my brain is fully engaged in accomplishing my objective. Gaming also carries with it numerous mental health benefits, something that is often overlooked by critics. A global survey involving over 12,000 gamers showed that 71 percent of respondents felt less stressed after playing video games and 61 percent reported that this activity helped to reduce their anxiety. These findings are no surprise for those who enjoy the immersive experience of “Red Dead Redemption 2” or any of the “Assassin’s Creed” games, which happen to be my favorites. As someone who lives politics on a daily basis, sometimes escaping to other worlds where I can kill bandits in the Wild West or explore the world as an assassin is a welcome distraction from the nastiness that American politics has become. The same can be said for people in other stressful professions as well.

Gaming gives good fun...