With the rise of so-called “video game-inspired” violence, entertainment in the form of computer, console and interactive mediums has come under attack. People claim that it has created a generation of lazy and good-for-nothing youths, but this may not be the case. Video gaming may actually be benefitting the physical and mental health of those who play them. Here’s a few advantages:

1. Reduce stress and depression: Recent studies have shown that those who suffer from mental issues are able to release pent up anger and emotion by playing video games. According to the 2009 Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine, video games put them “in a state of relative mindlessness” and created a more relaxing environment.

2. Prevent aging: “Playing brain-teasing game for just two hours a week may help slow the degree of mental decay,” Huffington Post writer Drew Guarini said in his article “9 Ways Video Games Can Actually Be Good For You.” One study showed evidence that 10 hours of specialized video gaming can reduce cognitive decay for up to seven years.

3. Therapy for children with chronic illnesses: A University of Utah survey showed that children with lifelong illnesses show drastic improvement when exposed to video games. The study indicated that children who played certain types of video games showed improvement in “resilience, empowerment and a ‘fighting spirit.’”