Find out why Spider-Punk is truly the best hero of the ‘Spider-Verse’
Ever wondered if video games are all play and no gain? Dr. Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist and bona fide gaming guru, is giving us all the reasons to press the pause button on that notion.
Juggling top-secret research in London and as the Research Director of Take This, she’s making waves with her science-meets-video-games series Psychegeist on YouTube. And guess what? She’s making headway in proving that gaming isn’t just a way to kill time—it can actually be a brain booster!
Let’s take a look at all the reasons why this punk spider is the best character the universe has yet introduced.
Buckle up
When Dr. Kowert was in pursuit of her PhD, the idea of mixing psychology and video games was virtually non-existent. Fast forward to today, there’s an explosion in game studies.
From psychology to sociology, gaming is not just joystick joyrides; it’s serious academia! Her enthusiasm is contagious as she shares how gaming has grown into a rich medium, teeming with insights into our everyday lives. Game on!
Warzone, Fortnite, you name it – video games are a multibillion-dollar industry engaging people from all walks of life. But there’s a hitch: When things get grim, like that infamous weekend in 2018 with shootings in Texas and Ohio, video games often take the fall. Then-President Donald Trump was quick to point fingers at the gaming industry. But is it fair to make games the bad guy? Punks aren’t all on the wrong side of the tracks.
Dr. Kowert is the voice of reason here. She enlightens us on how we’re clutching at straws, trying to pin down video games as the root of societal evils. There’s a plethora of research, she says, linking true causes like exposure to violence and personal frustration to aggressive behavior. Instead of acknowledging the complex tapestry of issues, society often opts for the easy out: Blame the games.
But hold up. This isn’t just about defending gaming from naysayers. There’s way more to unpack!
Level up
Here’s where the magic happens. Dr. Kowert shares how games like Civilization and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are more than entertainment—they’re brain gyms!
From sharpening peripheral vision to stress relief, social connections, and even teaching city planning and history, gaming can be like a protein shake for your brain. She labels this “unintentional learning”. And we’re not talking old-school Math Blaster; this is immersive, dynamic learning. Punks unite!
And hey, parents! Dr. Kowert often meets concerned folks worried about their kids’ Fortnite hours. But guess what? There’s something to be gained there, too.
Push the needle
Even the big leagues are catching on. The University of Pennsylvania has a grad course on using games as teaching tools. Entertainment Software Association has reports on the benefits of gaming in K-12 education. So, the tides are turning, and our intrepid Dr. Kowert is at the helm. In case you didn’t know, punk rock came from Black artists first!
But wait, there’s more! Her YouTube channel Psychegeist, meant to be a resource for parents, is now a treasure trove for aspiring game researchers. Now, that’s what we call leveling up!
Dr. Kowert’s vision for the future is as expansive as an open-world RPG. From combating extremism to building resilient communities, she believes in harnessing the power of games to change the world. And not just by convincing folks that games are good for mental health, but by actively finding ways to make them even better. She’s committed to rolling up her sleeves and delving into the practical applications.
So, next time you pick up that controller, ask yourself: What am I learning today?
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Do you think that a transgender or non-binary Spiderman is in our future? Let us know in the comments!
