To what extent does the choice of leisure activity, such as playing video games versus reading, influence cognitive development in children and adolescents?

Impact of Leisure Activities on Cognitive Development in Children and Adolescents Student’s Name Institution Course Name and Number Lecturer’s Name Due Date Impact of Leisure Activities on Cognitive Development in Children and Adolescents Children and adolescents often need time to rest and relax after a busy day. Earlier, when technology was unavailable to everyone, reading was the primary leisure activity for young people. Children and adolescents loved to read story books, comics, and light novels. With the increased availability of technological devices like computers and smartphones, many children spend time gaming, raising concerns about the impact of this leisure activity on individual cognitive development. They have technically lost their passion for reading. Historical research shows that interactive gaming can promote memory, attention, and reasoning (Taylor & Francis, 2014). Other speed-oriented games improve perception and motor skills. This research analyzes the extent to which the choice of leisure activity, such as playing video games versus reading, influences cognitive development in children and adolescents, focusing on the positive and negative impacts of both activities. Positive Effects of Video Games Several studies have shown an increasing interest in video games and their impact on the brain, cognition, and behavior in children and adolescents. Indeed, many children and adolescents play video games for extended periods, often developing real addictive behaviors. Additionally, the recent COVID-19 outbreak significantly limited outdoor activities and direct interpersonal relationships (Smirni et al., 2021). Smirni et al.(2021) argued that video games, like other physical activities, lead to significant improvements in many cognitive domains and behaviors. Educators even consider them as virtual teachers because they teach players various soft skills like decision-making and problem-solving (Blumberg, et al., 2019). However, some meta-analytic reviews claim that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive behavior, cognition, and affection in adolescents and children. The present research compares the impact of video games and reading on cognition and behavior to provide recommendations for pediatricians, parents, educators, and health providers dealing with pediatric ages. According to Granic et al. (2014), video games promote cognitive development by challenging the player’s thinking and problem-solving abilities. Many video games require players to strategize, think critically, and make decisions to succeed. A good example is ‘The Legend of Zelda’’, a puzzle-solving game that requires players to assess information, think logically, and develop creative solutions to overcome obstacles (Blumberg, et al., 2019). In this game, players must solve puzzles and locate hidden objects to progress. This process needs analytics skills and logical thinking to overcome each challenge. Similarly, games like Minecraft require players to use spatial reasoning and planning skills to erect structures and survive in the gaming world. Another example is 'Call of Duty', a shooter game that requires the player to think very fast and accurately about their moves, their target, and when to reload their weapon. Such games can help improve a child's attention and decision-making skills. Children and adolescents who engage in these mental exercises have improved ability to think critically, solve problems, and make quick decisions (Granic et al., 2014). This cognitive development can have a long-term benefit on the individuals bearing in mind that the skills are transferable to real-life situations. They can help children and adolescents to navigate challenges and make informed decisions in life. For instance, they can apply the problem-solving skills learned in gaming to academic tasks like science experiments and math problems (Taylor & Francis, 2014). Moreover, critical thinking and decision-making abilities can be useful when faced with time-sensitive decisions or when evaluating information to make the best choices. Video games also improve memory. Many video games require players to recall complex instructions or sequences of actions. For instance, in role-playing games such as Skyrim, players must remember how to traverse through complex environments, reminisce about the enemies' strengths and weaknesses, and remember how to use certain weapons and spells (Granic et al., 2014). These games can improve the memory skills of children and adolescents since players must remember a collection of information to succeed in the game. In addition to improved cognitive skills, video games enhance learning by incorporating educational concepts and content. Smirni et al. (2021) noted that educational video games are designed to teach players various subjects like science, math, history, and language skills. These games focus on solving math problems or exploring scientific concepts. They make learning interactive and enjoyable for children and adolescents by presenting educational material more engagingly. Rather than sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher, learners can actively engage with the materials through gameplay (Blumberg, et al., 2019). This learning approach improves student’s academic performance and knowledge retention. A recent study found that students who played an educational video game about fractions had improved performance on fraction tests than those who did not play the game (Smirni et al., 2021). Through video games, children can develop a comprehensive understanding of various subjects. They can learn thr...