Action Video Game Modifies Visual Selective Attention
Video games have always been an important part of modern-day entertainment. With the advancement of technology, the gaming industry has also seen rapid growth in recent years. In Indonesia, video games are becoming more and more popular among people of all ages. Among various genres of video games, action games are gaining much attention due to their fast-paced gameplay and exciting storylines. However, recent studies have shown that action video games can modify visual selective attention among the players.
What is Visual Selective Attention?
Visual selective attention is the ability of our brain to focus on a particular target among many other distractors. In simple terms, it is the ability to selectively attend to a particular stimulus while ignoring other irrelevant stimuli. This cognitive function is essential for many daily activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV.
Action Video Games and Visual Selective Attention
Action video games, such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, or Fortnite, are characterized by their fast-paced gameplay, where players have to respond quickly to changing situations. To succeed in these games, players need to have exceptional visual selective attention skills. Recent studies have shown that playing action video games can improve visual selective attention among players, making them better at picking out relevant targets from distracting background stimuli.
However, it is important to note that these improvements are only observed among frequent gamers who have played action games for a considerable amount of time. Novice gamers or individuals who play other genres of video games do not show significant improvements in visual selective attention skills.
The Impact of Action Video Games on Indonesian Youth
With the increasing popularity of action video games in Indonesia, it is important to examine their impact on the youth. While playing action video games can improve visual selective attention skills, excessive gaming can lead to negative consequences, such as addiction, poor academic performance, and social isolation.
According to a study conducted by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), the number of gamers in Indonesia has reached 54 million in 2021, with 72% of them aged between 16 and 25 years. This indicates that a large number of Indonesian youth are engaging in video games, including action games.
Therefore, it is important for parents and educators to guide the youth on responsible gaming habits. They should encourage them to balance their gaming time with other activities, such as studying, socializing, and physical exercise.
Conclusion
Action video games can modify visual selective attention skills among players, making them better at picking out relevant targets from distracting background stimuli. However, excessive gaming can lead to negative consequences, especially among the youth. Therefore, it is important to promote responsible gaming habits among the youth in Indonesia.