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Which is more beneficial in the long run?  Being able to read or being really good at video games. There are certainly some benefits in video gaming. Besides sharpening one’s motor skills, these type of games can improve cognitive thinking and might be especially useful for individuals with certain disabilities.

It’s seldom, however, that spending hours playing video games is going to assist a young person to better prepare for the “real world,” or an older person do better in the workplace (it’s estimated that almost 40% of gamers are in the older, 18-34 year range). In addition, being an avid gamer can lead to poor academic/work performance, eye strain, social isolation, and potential game addiction.

Being a good reader might not improve your motor skills but, if a young person can be encouraged to read…from a very early age…the life-long benefits can be extraordinary.  Good readers usually become good writers.  Good readers and good writers are usually better at expressing themselves verbally. And all of these language skills can have a significant impact on an individual’s earning potential, social status, and overall quality of life. Without good language skills – the opposite is true.  

So, which is more beneficial in the long run?  Playing video games on occasion is fine, but  being able to play the “real-life games” of school, work, family, and contributing to your community far outweigh any perceived benefits of having good motor skills when playing the challenging “Game of Life.”

The Critter Project