Ever since the introduction of numerous mobile apps and video games, interactive media has certainly become a new standard in our daily lives. Ranging from learning how to cook new recipes, or to sharpen our own math skills, developers are constantly finding new ways to make common problems seem more interesting and approachable to users. Nevertheless, it is important to notice how effective these forms of entertainment have been over the years.
Recent studies suggest that people who play video games obtain several benefits, especially with their brain coordination (Image Wikimedia Commons)
Some studies have suggested that playing video games improve brain activity. According to a research made at the University of Toronto, people who play action video games increase their eye-hand coordination. As a matter of fact, this coordination improvement is reflected mostly in activities such as practicing a sport, riding a bicycle, or even typing in a computer. In addition, other commonly associated benefits include stress relief, online socialization, better approach to problems, and exercise.
For example, Tom Chatfield, a British writer who talks about digital culture, discusses how video games implement a reward system that engages and motivates players. In addition, he explains how people who are engaged in the interactive experience, work and explore in order to earn a reward.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyamsZXXF2w[/youtube]
Video uploaded to Youtube by TED
Mobile applications aid users with specific needs (Image by jhaymesisvip on Flickr)
In a similar way, numerous mobile applications have shown to be helpful . For example, people who are in the need of increasing their mathematical knowledge might choose to download an application like Math Drills. However, in the application field there is no limit at to what a user could need. In other words, if a user requires something in particular, he would likely search and download an application that satisfies his needs.
Eventually, as technology keeps improving, there will be new ways to make user interactivity even more engaging. Nevertheless, it will be an interesting challenge to find a crucial topic or issue which developers could make an application or video game about it in the future.
By Rafael Alfaro Martinez
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