Video Games and Cognition
We know that Video Games can be unhealthy in high doses (See My son is playing too much Minecraft, what can I do? ), but what effects to video games have on children in moderation?
Surely Video Games Can’t be Good for Kids?
It may seem far-fetched but many scientific studies suggest that Video Games like Minecraft can actually improve cognitive development in children. Below are some links to articles supporting this clause (If you want more research on the benefits of Video Games on Children feel free to check out our More Beneficial Games Like Minecraft Page).
How a Minecraft world has built a safe online playground for autistic kids
This article by Kathryn Ringland provides information on how Minecraft is used to create a safe space for children on the Autism spectrum.
Kathryn Ringland. (2019). How a Minecraft world has built a safe online playground for autistic kids. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/how-a-minecraft-world-has-built-a-safe-online-playground-for-autistic-kids
Video Games Play May Provide Learning, Health, Social Benefits, Review Finds
The American Psychological Association goes into-depth on the potential cognitive benefits of playing video games – includes details on how social, health, and learning facets are improved!
American Psychological Association. (2013). Video Games Play May Provide Learning, Health, Social Benefits, Review Finds. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/11/video-games
‘Minecraft’ Does Good Things for Your Brain
This article by Jeremy Sutton details the improvements that playing Minecraft can have in the development of the hippocampus (the part of the brain associated with memories).
Jeremy Sutton. (2020). ‘Minecraft’ Does Good Things for Your Brain. Retrieved from https://elemental.medium.com/minecraft-does-good-things-for-your-brain-6add8123153f
Want to boost creativity? Try playing Minecraft
Iowa State University explains that playing Minecraft can improve the creativity of players.
Iowa State University (2019). Want to boost creativity? Try playing Minecraft. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190708140051.htm
‘Redstone is like electricity’: Children’s performative representations in and around Minecraft
This academic article details the potential benefits of learning within a digital environment – Beware this one’s a doozy.
Dezuanni, M., O’Mara, J., & Beavis, C. (2015). ‘Redstone is like electricity’: Children’s performative representations in and around Minecraft. E-Learning and Digital Media, 12(2), 147–163. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753014568176