Did you know video games can be helpful?

Former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, fought relentlessly to pass legislation that would prohibit the sale of certain video games. I think to much emphasis is placed on the possible negatives of video games rather than the possible positives. Obesity is caused by lack of activity, and legislators use this as they key argument against video games. However, they fail to mention nutrition and the larger role it plays in child obesity. Do you think if kids playing video games were consuming vegetables, sliced fruits, grilled chicken, and organic fruit smoothies that an obesity epidemic would be as prevalent? Believe it or not, but basic science points out that the body metabolizes even in a static body state. Therefore, I think the blame on video games should be decreased and people should focus on its benefits.

Gaining proficiency at using video game controllers at a young age can help a child feel more comfortable with fine motor tasks such as writing. Through the development of hand-eye coordination, cognitive thinking skills and cooperative playing skills, children sharpen their fine motor skills and real-time decision making abilities, which in turn enhances their learning ability. Keyboarding, typing and manipulation of some sort of game controller with multiple function buttons contribute to improving fine motor skills. Sometimes a problem with fine motor skills may surface while playing video games even before a child learns how to write fluently.  In this way video games actually act as an indicator for future problems that a child may have.  

Children also get a sense of independent achievement when they play games that have levels to complete. There is an actual sense of accomplishment and pride when a child completes a level of play in a video game. The desire to reach higher levels becomes a strong motivator. Because the opportunity to improve is based solely on the player's ability. The player's confidence increases along with the level.
Contrary to belief of some video game critics, studies show that video games stress cooperation action rather than autonomous.  When children, or adults, play video games together, the use of cooperation and teamwork  is essential to accomplishing many tasks.  Both of these behaviors are deemed to be prosocial.  When playing a video game with a newcomer, or novice player,  an expert player often shares advice and assists the newcomer, even when they aren't requested to.  This establishes a sense of unity between two players and helps them to better their chances of completing the task assigned to them in the game.
I can personally speak to these benefits discussed above, and have experienced implementing them in reality. Situational awareness is key to not dying in a multiplayer game, and the same can be said for when one is driving. In order to make crisp lane changes, avoid accidents, prevent speeding tickets one needs to be able to monitor multiple things. I consider myself an above average driver because, I constantly check my rear view and side mirrors to check for surrounding cars and police, also monitor my speed, observe the flow of traffic, and look 200 feet ahead to see any obstruction. Video games have helped me in various aspects of life much more than having any possible negative influence.