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My Assumptions versus my nephew and the research
preface
1. My assumptions were not based on any evidence or investigation, simply my prior thoughts as a non-gamer. Most likely influenced by media reactions/comments and lack of any research on my part.
2. my nephew is no longer gravitating towards combat or race car/play entertainment games. He is doing social interaction and online community gaming that involves sophisticated interplay and interactions with other gamers their characters and various scenarios encountered. These games encompass many days and even weeks depending on the success of his characters and attention to the game.
3. The research that I sought out was not including violent games and their influence on adolescents. Because my nephew indicates he is no longer playing those games it seemed more accurate to seek out information and resources that addressed the type of games he is currently playing.

Conclusions:
My Nephew shared that he feels more coordinated, has quicker reaction time, feels more socially connected through scenarios that require interactions and social situations and has a more adventurous spirit- all attributed to the games he plays.
Even though my research was brief and not exhaustive by any means, the information I retrieved seemed to be in agreement with what I learned about my nephew. I was surprised to read the list from the mental floss blog concerning the positive finding regarding game play- some in-kind with what I've observed of my nephew. In addition the scientific findings and research by the Dr's in the Netherlands had much to say of the benefits and outcomes of game play-especially the social scenarios encountered and the positive influences found to be an outcome for young people.

Naturally there is much more to be investigated and I only have one scenario and person from which to gain information- but the profile for my nephew and how gaming has influenced his life seems to be helpful and influencing him in positive ways

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From Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/media-spotlight/201402/are-there-benefits-in-playing-video-games
Benefits to adolescents playing interactive games:

Newer video games provide young people with compelling social, cognitive, and emotional experiences, they also can potentially boost mental health and well-being. from- Isabela Granic and researchers at Radboud University in the Netherlands

Social games allow children to test scenarios, learn how to handle the conflicts they might face in the real world- valuable as they mature. Themes such as power and dominance, aggression, pain, and separation can be rehearsed under non-threatening conditions. This allows children to learn to cooperate and accept their peers.

From Blog- mental floss:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/65008/15-surprising-benefits-playing-video-games
1. They’re Producing Better Surgeons.

Study of laparoscopic (small incision) specialists found that those who played for more than three hours per week made 32 percent fewer errors during practice procedures compared to their non-gaming counterparts.

2. They May Help People Overcome Dyslexia.

The reason, researchers believe, is that the games have constantly changing environments that require intense focus.

3. They Could Improve Your Vision.

Players showed significant, sometimes normalized improvement in the affected eye.

4. You Might Get a Career Boost.

Researchers have noted that players can display a correlating motivation in their real-world career goals.

5. Players Can Become Fascinated with History.

Many games use actual historical events to drive their stories.

6. They Make Kids Physical.

While some games promote a whole-body level of interaction, even those requiring a simple handheld controller can lead to physical activity.

7. They May Slow the Aging Process.

So-called “brain games” involving problem-solving, memory, and puzzle components have been shown to have a positive benefit on older players.

8. They Help Ease Pain.

Playing can actually produce an analgesic (pain-killing) response in our higher cortical systems.

9. You’ll Make New Social Connections.

Gamers are sometimes stigmatized as being too insulated, but the opposite is actually true.

10. They May Improve Balance in MS Sufferers.

One study showed that MS patients who played games requiring physical interaction while standing on a balance board displayed improvement afterward.

11. You’ll Make Faster Decisions.
Because new information is constantly being displayed during play, players are forced to adapt quickly.

12. They Might Curb Cravings.

Players preoccupied with indulging in overeating, smoking, or drinking might be best served by reaching for a controller instead.

13. They’ll Reduce Stress.

A major study that tracked players over six months and measured heart rate found that certain titles reduced the adrenaline response by over 50 percent.

14. Gamers Might Be Less Likely to Bully.

One study that had players assume the role of both the hero and villain showed that those controlling the bad guy’s behaviors displayed a greater sense of remorse over their actions.

15. They Can Help Address Autism.

Gamers using systems that incorporate the entire body to control onscreen movement have been shown to be more engaged in celebrating victories with their peers, which runs counter to the lack of communication people with autism sometimes present.

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1. How often or how many hours a day do you spend playing games?

Mostly after school and weekends- parents limit and monitor the time- total probably 3-4 hrs day (but not 7 days a week)

2.  Since you’ve been gaming do you notice improvements in other skills/abilities in your life?
Hand/eye coordination, finger dexterity and problem solving abilities.  Reaction time and decision making too. more below... #4

3. What are your favorite games?  The more intricate and involved the better. Anything that challenges. When younger it was car vehicle races and battle combat (Star Wars was a favorite)  but later it has become more social and interactive gaming with others online.

4. What do you feel you learn or gain from playing games?
Reaction and making decisions quickly- 2 summers ago a neighbor had a fire in their backyard (he came to the rescue and received commendation)- My nephew really thinks that his ability to respond, react, and decide what to do came from the concentration and attentiveness that is involved with gaming.
Visual processing skills- organization and space optimization- my nephew has improved spacial relationship skills (his parents want him to pack the car for trips regularly) and organize and sort items around the household.

While a Boy Scout- he felt that an adventurous spirit came about from gaming- more so than he would have thought. He feels he took on and attempted more challenges in his Scouting days because of scenarios he was faced with while gaming.

Actually more social interaction comfort- playing the interactive social games allows my nephew to "try out" different social interactions, situations and responses in a safe non threatening environment.

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Car/speed and chase

Combat and fighting

Role play and Character interaction

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Profile of a Video Gamer                            by Greg Beckwith- KSP 684

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Profile of a Video Gamer                            by Greg Beckwith- KSP 684

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A case study of my nephew -he is 16 yrs old

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My Assumptions about video gamers- prior to research

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My Assumptions about video gamers- prior to research

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Avid gamers are loners, stick to themselves and hide away in basements

Gamers cannot interact with others outside of their gaming community

Gamers only think about the next opportunity they have to play/interact