That means gamers can understand and interact with their environment quicker than the average non-gamer.
When elderly people play certain brain teaser-centric video games, it has been shown to increase their short-term memory. It is conjectured that this effect is true for all ages, but most apparent in people 60+ years of age.
In one study, dyslexic children's reading speeds increased more after only playing action video games than after an entire year of "spontaneous reading development."
It is unknown how effective surgeons would be with intensive training, but without training, the gamers are way more accurate.
Indecisive people take note.
Particularly for telling the difference between shades of grey, which can help in driving and reading X-rays.
That's right. Gamers have sweet sport skills. Deal w/ it.
A study from the University of Rochester shows that gamers can focus on up to six tasks at one time (as opposed to the average four).
The ability to escape in an RPG allows a parallel escape from day-to-day stresses.
Online games are social builders across generations, but the effect in children is most apparent.
Similar to patients with mental disorders, the ability to leave the physical world behind a bit allows for a surprising amount of relief from pain.
...Duh.
Photos from Thinkstock. Animated by Jake Russell Tapleshay at BuzzFeed
