While I believe video games can be healthy, so can practicing
any new skill for that time: Consider:
"They learned to play a popular karting game, clocking up about
15 hours each over five weeks. Their working memory and
attention spans were tested before and after.
On average, both these scores increased by about 30%. "
That's 15 HOURS EACH over 5 weeks.
15 hours on a SINGLE THING? Your brain is going to grow. Why?
LEARNING. It's not the video games that did it. FOCUSED LEARNING
that's interesting improves your attention span and working
memory.
And what is "interesting learning"? It's learning that's
gamified, whatever the game is, video or other.
What do I mean by gamified? Challenging and interesting.
Something where you can notice your own progress as you go
along.
When I reply on Facebook, it's a gamified experience. I try to
type as quickly and accurately and as convincingly as I can. I
topped out at 110wpm long ago - can't get faster. But I can
improve the convincingly part as well as the "emotional
expressiveness" part while I'm typing.
My working memory is top notch during that time. Test me - I'd
be on my game right after I do it. When I first wake up in the
morning? My brain is lethargic as ever.
I also gamify chores; least amount of muscle movement, most
efficient pathways through the kitchen; it's like a dance for
me. I have a time limit; sometimes there will be a thing in the
microwave and I'll try to MATCH the "beep" time.
[I used to try to beat the microwave - that was easy. But
finishing a task full of steps and reaching it at EXACTLY 0?
That's more fun.
So, it's not that the study is wrong; it's not wrong. But it's
like Golden Retrievers help you calm down when you pet them.
