For as long as video games have been around they've had somewhat of a disparate reputation. For many, these games often carry a negative perception of unmotivated kids sitting a dark room wasting hours of their lives. For others it's the opposite, claiming that the immersive storylines are thought-provoking and that the type of strategy used in a gaming environment can easily be replicated in a classroom or real-life setting. But can science once and for all help us understand the impact of gaming on teens?

Turns out, video games can actually be quite beneficial to TXGU'ers cognitive processes. Research has shown that playing video games, specifically action-based ones, requires a lot of quick thinking that can help teens become more adept to learning—not to mention process problems more quickly than their non-gaming peers. That's because successfully navigating an action-game world requires selective focus, quick decision-making, and pattern recognition—all valuable skills for real-world learning. However, almost all the action games on the market feature violence and those are often connected to increased aggressive thoughts and behaviors for teens. Because of this, researchers are recommending teens limit their interaction with those that include significant violence. The good news is, neuroscientists are working hard to craft games that take advantage of all the benefits of action gaming without the negative effects of violence. So stay on the lookout, soon TXGU'ers will have an entire new tool to help sharpen their minds.