video-game-therapy
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MMO Family: How soon is too soon?
You might recognize the pictures above and in the body of the article. The first is from a video of a baby using an iPad while still in a walker. The other is from a viral video that came out a while back showing a baby trying to interact with a magazine as if it were an iPad. A quick search reveals the fact that this is growing more and more common. It's an interesting vignette of how much the digital culture has woven its way into our lives, but it also makes you pause and consider whether it's OK for an infant to already be "plugged in." There are many questions about how early we should introduce children to the variety of devices out there and how soon we should let them start playing video games. And when it comes to MMOs, the issues become even more complicated. How soon is too soon? Let's explore the topic in this week's MMO Family.
Video games used for therapy
Using NASA technology and video games, the Smart BrainGames system uses neurofeedback to target the symptoms of brain injuries, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning difficulties. This heartwarming story of a nine-year-old's recovery, partly involving the system, might mean we'll see more of this sort of treatment in future. At $584 for the system plus up to $2500 for expert supervision, however, it's not to be used lightly.Video games are being used medically in a variety of situations, but doctors don't recommend jumping on the bandwagon just yet. Games like Brain Training have a better chance of making their way on to prescriptions than expensive neurofeedback systems, but as an alternative to established therapies (covered by health insurance), video game-based therapy is still an odd-looking outsider for now.[Via Clickable Culture]
