Psychology: Video games can build social skills

Computer games can be good for you, an academic has claimed. Many video games provide a basis for learning all kinds of skills, improving players' social skills and even raise self-esteem, said psychologist Dr Mark Griffiths, of Nottingham Trent University.

In a paper titled Video Games: the Good News, published in the latest issue of Education and Health, Dr Griffiths argues that although games can cause addiction and medical problems, like some kinds of epilepsy, "they can also be very beneficial".

Armed forces use video games for training precisely because they combine certain elements such as enabling people to safely let off steam, prepare for real world events, and boost confidence, he points out.