The surprising effects of video games with Ash Brandin | ReThinking with Adam Grant
The podcast dives into the surprising effects of video games on individuals and families, with a focus on the educational and motivational benefits of gaming.
It highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries and fostering a balanced perspective towards video games.
The discussion is led by Ash Brandin, an educator who utilizes gaming as a tool for learning.
Beyond Age Recommendations
Age recommendations for video games may not be sufficient to determine their appropriateness.
Families should also assess the messaging and values portrayed in the games and align them with their own beliefs and principles.
Defining Healthy Screen Time
Defining a healthy amount of screen time or video game time is not a clear-cut decision.
It should be an amount that benefits everyone in the family, taking into consideration individual preferences and needs.
The Role of Screens in Family Life
Screens and video games can be valuable tools for parents, enabling them to attend to the needs of other children, work, or accomplish daily tasks.
The well-being of all family members should be considered when determining an appropriate amount of screen time.
Video Games as a Connection Tool
Multi-generational video game experiences can create a sense of nostalgia and connection among family members, forging special bonds.
This serves as a reminder that video games can extend beyond individual play and become a family activity.
The Neutrality of Video Games
Video games themselves are neutral in terms of morals – they don’t inherently have value.
However, they have the potential to provide positive experiences and can be advantageous for children when balanced with other activities and responsibilities.
There’s one study in the 90s that found that like 98% of teenagers were playing video games. So even back then, the number was really, really high. – Ash Brandin
The Positive Impact of Balanced Gaming
Video games can have a positive impact on individuals and families, fostering enrichment and connection.
It is crucial to approach discussions about video games with a reasonable and balanced mindset.
The things that video games do are actually things we would love for education to do. When education does those things, we applaud it and we’re so happy about it. But when video games do those things, we say, ‘Ugh, that’s all they want to do, what a waste of time.’ But psychologically, what’s happening is the same. – Ash Brandin
Recommended Video Games for Kids
Some recommended video games for kids include Forza Horizon 4, Minecraft, and Zelda.
These games can improve cognition, memory, focus, attention, and reaction time, further highlighting the potential educational benefits of gaming.
The Non-Aggressive Nature of Gaming
Contrary to common concern, kids who play violent video games do not necessarily become more aggressive.
This challenges the common narrative and suggests a need for more nuanced discussions around video games and aggression.
