The next time you are being told off for wasting time playing video games, inform your parents that you are merely trying to fire up your imagination and get your creative juices going. At least that's what a recent study performed by the University of Michigan, seems to have concluded.

Led by the University's professor of psychology, Linda Jackson, the study began with a survey of the technology use patterns of about 500, twelve-year olds. The middle-school students were then asked to take the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, a standardized evaluation that involves tasks like drawing an interesting and exciting picture from a curved shape, giving it a title and then, creating a story around it.

What they discovered was that while the use of technology like phones and computers did not really do much for the kids, those that played video games on a regular basis, seemed to be more creative, regardless of gender and the amount of time spent on playing.

The researchers are hoping that the results of the study will encourage game developers to figure out which part of the games foster creativity and help them create new games that will encourage the creative aspect and, be entertaining.

Of course, like everything else the results should be taken with a pinch of salt given that a very small sub-section of kids were involved. Also, anything in excess, even video games cannot be that good for you. Having said that it does help to know that even experts believe that this so-called frivolous activity is not a complete waste of time!

Resource: eurekaalter.org