IntroductionWhen you hear the words “video games” you automatically think of every negative aspect of games. While this is very true, there are also educational aspects to some games. Studies have shown that video games can benefit and harm some people in a variety of different ways. So the question is: what real effect do video games have on our brains? Positive Effects Believe it or not, there are many positive aspects to a video game. According to the "DANA Foundation" educational games help children count, add or subtract, learn colors, shapes and much more. Leapfrog Leapsters have a lot of educational value in them. Games made for this purpose help children learn all the basics before starting school. You have games like Professor Layton where they make you solve different math problems and puzzles before you can solve the mystery (The Truth about Video Games, 2012.) Another example is Spongebob, the Spongebob game helps you count money, teaches children to write, which is a very important skill to have when entering high school. In every video game there are steps that you need to follow to be successful in that particular game, so this involves following instructions which is an important aspect that children need to understand. Many video games involve memory to advance to a higher level. Memorizing is a good trait to have when you come to school to take tests or have to give a speech, whatever memorizing is important! Education is not the only positive aspect, there is also physical fitness. The Wii is a great gaming device to help you stay healthy and fit. You have games like Just Dance, a fu...... middle of paper ...... Choosing a more aggressive game will have a more negative impact on us than if we were to choose an educational game that have an effect more positive. If video games are a necessity for your family, be smart when choosing them! Choose games that will have a positive impact on your children and teach them things that will be useful for them in the future. ReferencesGentile, Douglas. PhD "Video games affect the brain, for better or worse". The DANA Foundation. July 23, 2009. http://www.dana.org/Cerebrum/2009/ “Raise Smart Kid.” (n.d.). Raise a smart child. Retrieved March 5, 2014, from http://www.raisesmartkid.com “The Truth About Video Games and the Brain: What the Research Tells Us.” (nd).The truth about video games and the brain. Retrieved March 6, 2014, from http://www.scilearn.com/blog/video-games-brain.php