Those crazy, action-packed games actually help you make fast decisions better. Get gaming!

Video game violence is a hot-button subject in the media any time there is a tragic shooting or other random act of violence. Games like “Grand Theft Auto” get thrown under the bus for being “murder simulators”, when it turns out, playing those action games actually benefits you. Video games lead to faster, and more correct decision making!

Cognitive scientists at the University of Rochester are claiming that gaming, specifically action games, make people make the best decisions much faster than normal. It provides a heightened awareness of their surroundings that benefits them in ever-day activities including driving, multitasking, and not losing your friends in a massive crowds (essential when at a stranger's party!).

A study was conducted on a group of 18-to 25-year-olds that don't identify as gamers. They were split into two groups: One played 50 hours of action games (Call of Duty 2 and Unreal Tournament) and the other played slower, strategy games (The Sims 2). The subjects were asked to make fast-paced decisions in several tasks after playing via a visual and audio test to determine reaction time.

The action game players did the tests 25% faster and answered just as many questions correctly as the strategy gamers. Next time you get in trouble for playing too many video games, go ahead and drop this knowledge bomb!

(Source)