For decades, video games have been the target of criticism, often blamed for everything from distracting students to negatively impacting mental health.
But a new study out of Australia is challenging these stereotypes, presenting compelling evidence that gaming might actually help boost academic performance.
This is not just good news for gamers—it’s a potential game-changer for educators and parents alike.
A Surprising Academic Boost
Research conducted by RMIT University in Melbourne examined data from over 12,000 high school students and found a striking trend: students who played online video games almost every day scored significantly higher in maths, reading, and science tests compared to their peers who didn’t play.
On average, these gaming students scored 15 points above the mean in maths and 17 points higher in science.
“When you play online games, you’re solving puzzles to move to the next level.
That involves using some of the general knowledge and skills in maths, reading, and science that you’ve been taught during the day,” explains Alberto Posso, an economist from RMIT University and lead researcher on the study.
This finding directly challenges the long-held belief that gaming is merely a distraction from academic pursuits.
The study utilized data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tested students from over 700 schools in 2012.
It also gathered information about students’ interests and online habits.
The results suggest that gaming might be fostering skills like analytical thinking and problem-solving, which can translate into academic success.
Gaming as Cognitive Development
One of the most intriguing aspects of the study is its implications for how we view gaming.
Posso points out that some games require players to grasp scientific concepts, such as principles of chemistry, in order to succeed.
“Some psychologists have argued that massive online player games can be beneficial to cognitive development,” he told the ABC.
This insight isn’t just theoretical. Consider the skills required to excel in many popular games: strategic planning, pattern recognition, and quick decision-making.
These are all skills that overlap with academic tasks, from solving math problems to analyzing literary texts.
The Downside of Social Media
While gaming seems to provide academic benefits, the study also highlighted a stark contrast with another common online activity: social media.
Students who spent significant time on platforms like Facebook scored 20 points lower in maths compared to their peers who rarely used social media.
“You’re not really going to solve problems using Facebook,” says Posso.
From an economic perspective, he describes the “high opportunity cost of time”—time spent on social media is time not spent engaging in activities that could boost academic performance.
However, Posso acknowledges that heavy social media use might not just be a matter of poor time management.
It could indicate that students are turning to these platforms as a form of escape, especially if they’re struggling with schoolwork.
For educators, this raises an important question: could integrating social media into classroom activities help engage these students more effectively?
Correlation, Not Causation
It’s crucial to note that while the study identifies a correlation between gaming and improved grades, it doesn’t establish causation.
Posso himself is cautious about drawing definitive conclusions, suggesting that multiple factors are likely at play.
For instance, students who are naturally good at problem-solving might gravitate toward gaming, or supportive family environments might play a role.
Peter Etchells, a biological psychologist from Bath Spa University in the UK, agrees.
“It’s interesting that this study showed a positive correlation between online gaming and academic performance, but we really need better ways of understanding how and why people play video games before we’re able to tease apart what that correlation actually means, if anything,” he told The Guardian.
Broader Implications for Learning and Development
This isn’t the first time research has pointed to the potential benefits of gaming.
Other studies have shown that video games can improve memory, enhance motor skills, and even aid in recovery from brain injuries.
These findings suggest that gaming could have applications far beyond the classroom, potentially serving as a tool for lifelong cognitive development.
Looking to the Future
As scientists continue to explore the relationship between gaming and learning, one thing is clear: video games are more than just a pastime.
They’re complex, interactive systems that engage players in ways that traditional educational tools often can’t.
For parents worried about screen time and educators skeptical of gaming’s value, this study provides food for thought—and perhaps a reason to hit the “start” button on a new approach to learning.
Rethinking Gaming’s Role
The old narrative of video games as brain-rotting distractions is losing ground to a more nuanced understanding.
While more research is needed to fully unravel the link between gaming and academic success, this study offers a compelling case for rethinking how we approach gaming in education and beyond.
So the next time you see a student immersed in a game, remember: they might just be leveling up—in more ways than one.
