Video Games And Intelligence: Is There A Relationship?

There is no doubt that video games have revolutionized the way we spend our free time. They are a way to be with friends, to enjoy moments of relaxation in solitude and, above all, they occupy an important slice of the world economy. Just think that every year almost 100,000 million dollars are invested in the development of these electronic pastimes. Surely you too have spent several hours glued in front of the screen, at home or in a game room. They are a great way to detach yourself from reality without thinking too much. But, leaving aside the playful aspect, is there a relationship between video games and intelligence?

Indeed, playing on your PC, mobile phone or favorite console can mean not only fun, but also developing or increasing certain mental skills. In this article we will explain what lies behind the relationship between  video games and intelligence .

What is gamification?

This neologism (in Italian can be translated as “gamification”) refers to the use of videogames in contexts outside the simple game. We therefore speak of pastimes (platforms or even applications) capable of making certain activities carried out by people every day more pleasant and fun. Gamification can be used, for example, as a teaching aid. In classrooms, it can help improve students’ learning and cognitive development.

Today it is possible to gamify almost any activity. Regardless of their nature, digital or analog, games can be of great help. Furthermore, thanks to the development of the internet and fast connections, pupils can access a vast amount of resources.

The recreational and didactic activities started at school can continue even after, when you return home. However, still many parents are skeptical about it and not everyone sees these games as an opportunity, as a source of knowledge.

Video games and intelligence: why this relationship?

The connection between video games and intelligence can have a very positive value, as demonstrated by a study carried out in 2005 by Shaffer, Squire, Halverson and Gee. It is not the first time that a link has been sought between playful activities and cognitive abilities. Just take as an example the game of chess which, moreover, is even a sport. Well, this pastime can greatly improve logical reasoning.

This is what games like League of Legends or Battlefield 3 could do : both contribute positively to the stimulation of different brain areas. Ultimately, they promote cognitive development. Like chess, in order to play effectively and win, you need to be able to develop a good strategy. Without forgetting the coordination between eyes and hands which is greatly improved due to the need to respond promptly to the stimuli of the game.

In short, the positive relationship between video games and intelligence is evident in these cognitive advantages. Video games require particular skills, physical or mental, which differ from player to player. A person with good spatial intelligence will excel in strategy games. On the contrary, if he has a superior linguistic-verbal intelligence, no one will surpass him in pastimes like  Angry Words .

Do all video games make you smarter?

At this point, the question that opens this paragraph is very legitimate. Maybe someone will be disappointed, but the answer is obviously “No!”. Simply due to the fact that not all video games are the same and not all allow for the development of personal cognitive skills.

In this sense, we advise you to privilege video games that increase your ability to process information and solve problems.

Another important aspect to consider is the recommended minimum age for certain video games. Failure to comply with the age limits may affect the possible benefits. Letting children spend a lot of time in front of violent games can affect their social perception, causing them to develop disinterest in the reality around them. However, this is not always the case, as other variables must exist, such as an evident aggressive personality, a personality disorder or a conflicting upbringing.

Violent games can also stimulate intelligence and several studies support this hypothesis. The important thing is to understand that these are pastimes suitable only for the adult population. It is essential to have cognitive filters and defenses that allow us to always and perfectly discern reality from fiction.

In short, video games can offer numerous advantages in order to develop certain skills. But that doesn’t mean that analog alternatives (like sports or learning to play a musical instrument) should be discarded. However, the link between video games and intelligence can be beneficial, as long as there is parental control and is associated with other recreational and educational activities.