Apple Orchard

Increase our optimism

When we play games, especially if we are good at them, the we tend to transfer that positive feeling into our own lives.  We tend to feel better about ourselves when we do well and that can makes us want to do better in other areas.  For example when I do really well on Call of Duty I feel better in real life and that positivity can be infectious to others around me.  Also it makes us realize that we can do things that are challenging and make us realize that even in real life we can do the harder things.

Social relationships

My favorite games tend to be multiplayer.  In games you have to communicate in order to reach your goals.  You must play on strengths and weaknesses in order to go further.  The same goes for life and these skills in game translate well.  When I talk to my team mates and get past that initial awkwardness then I do better and the more interactions I have online the better I become away from the screen in real life.

awe and wonder

I love fantasy and video games completely immerse me into that realm.  At times life can see too bland, and you want to see something else or experience the impossible.  Video games allows just that to happen.  Most will have you think that there aren't many benefits but one of the greatest comes from the inspiration aspect of gaming.  I have been inspired to write many things, including lessons based on what I have see or done in games.

Productivity

I feel productive when I complete a mission and that feeling inspires me to do more.  When I accomplish things on a game I get that sense of what it really feels like to do something worth while.  Then I take that into the real world and motivate myself to get done.  One of the biggest examples is after I have played a game for and hour I feel like I need to do work around the house and it works as well as gets things done.

Experiences

This is a point that I have found in games that she didn't mention but I believe she would agree with.  I may never go to China, or Africa but I can experience the area and culture through games.  It also allows me to explore worlds that don't even exist.  Games bridge gaps in culture that other forms of entertainment may not, or at least not in this interactive way.