Two children jump and run across platforms in a side-scrolling video game world with coins and ladders

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Are Video Games Good for You?

August 31, 2026

For years, kids have been told that playing video games is a waste of time. But now the U.S. government is seeking gamers for an important, high-paying job: air traffic controller. Air traffic controllers are responsible for helping thousands of planes safely take off and land each day.

Sean Duffy is the head of the U.S. Department of Transportation. He says gamers have many of the same skills that air traffic controllers need to succeed.

“They problem-solve,” Duffy said in a television interview. “They do multiple things at the same time.”

A 2025 national survey showed that many workers see the value in gaming. More than half the adults in the survey said skills they developed as kid gamers have helped them in their careers. Plus, the field of game design itself offers many job opportunities. More than 250,000 people work in the video game industry in the U.S.

Still, many people say playing video games can do more harm than good. They argue that there are better ways to develop skills for the future than pushing buttons while staring at a screen.

Video Games Then and Now

Watch a video to see how video games changed over the years.

Are video games good for you?

It’s no secret why most kids like playing video games. They’re a fun way to relax and connect with family and friends, even if they live far away. Experts say playing games like Minecraft with others can help kids learn how to use teamwork to reach a goal.

78% of gamers say video games can introduce them to new friends.

^{Source: Entertainment Software Association, 2025}

Some researchers have found that video games may also boost brainpower. Bader Chaarani is a professor at the University of Vermont who studies the effects of video games on kids’ brains. His research has shown that gamers do better than non-gamers at tasks involving memory and problem-solving. That, he says, sets gaming apart from other types of screen time.

“It’s not like scrolling or reading some jokes on the internet,” Chaarani says. “This is an activity that is actively engaging the brain.”

But he notes that the benefits only come with playing games in moderation.

“One hour or less per day seems like the sweet spot,” Chaarani explains.

Many people point out that you don’t need to play video games to build important life skills. They say activities like reading or playing sports can give you similar benefits without as many downsides. For example, many games are designed to keep you playing so you can reach the next level or get the high score. That can leave less time for schoolwork and exercise.

“Anything that keeps your focus for a really long time takes away from an opportunity to be active,” says Jill Murphy. She works at Common Sense Media, an organization that helps families use technology safely.

Also, excessive gaming can lead to health problems. It can cause eye strain, headaches, and sore hands and wrists. And two out of five teens say playing video games hurts their sleep, according to a 2024 survey.

43% of teen gamers say they have been bullied while playing video games.

^{Source: Pew Research Center, 2024}

Plus, online gaming often means playing with people you don’t know. That can create unsafe situations. Gamers may face bullying, inappropriate language, and pressure to share personal information.