12 Reasons Video Games Are Actually Good For You

Video games make everyone better. That's, like, a fact now. Go pick up a controller and get better at life with PlayStation®4.

Via plosone.org

That means gamers can understand and interact with their environment quicker than the average non-gamer.

Via huffingtonpost.com

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.

Via sciencedirect.com

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."

Via popsci.com

It is unknown how effective surgeons would be with intensive training, but without training, the gamers are way more accurate.

Via learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org

Indecisive people take note.

Via news.nationalgeographic.com

Particularly for telling the difference between shades of grey, which can help in driving and reading X-rays.

Via learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org

That's right. Gamers have sweet sport skills. Deal w/ it.

Via learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org

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).

Via kurzweilai.net

The ability to escape in an RPG allows a parallel escape from day-to-day stresses.

Via today.com

Online games are social builders across generations, but the effect in children is most apparent.

Via medicalnewstoday.com

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.

Via parentsguidebooks.com

...Duh.

Photos from Thinkstock. Animated by Jake Russell Tapleshay at BuzzFeed