Video Games
Social skills are communication skills. Although they include verbal communication, they also include nonverbal communication, such as hand gestures and facial expressions. Experts sometimes scrutinize body language and look for other cues to determine how strong a couple’s relationship is, while police use nonverbal communication to evaluate suspects.
Social skills enable you to build relationships with others. Your communication skills can impact your career, enabling you to thrive in the workplace. Whether you’re concerned about how well you or your child communicate, you may be looking for ways to strengthen social skills. Playing video games can help build social skills. Let’s look at how your gaming setup can promote social skills and other options for improving communication skills.
How can you create a gaming setup that promotes strong social skills?
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Many think of gaming as a solitary activity, but gaming systems have progressed since the first consoles appeared in the 1970s. Today, gamers connect online and play team games. Millions of gamers stream their gameplay on streaming sites such as Twitch, enabling viewers to interact with them during gameplay. Consequently, gamers can improve their social skills by interacting with people sharing similar interests.
Gamers benefit by ensuring they have an optimal setup for gaming, such as a dedicated gaming space. You’ll improve your gaming experience with a soundproofed room where distractions don’t undermine your gameplay. Gamers also benefit from installing blackout curtains that prevent sunlight from creating glare on monitors.
Investing in a gaming desk ensures you have space for your gaming equipment and an optimal setup that enhances your gaming performance. The best gaming desks include corner desks, ergonomic desks, and desks designed for small spaces. Some gaming desks come with built-in cup holders, cable management systems, USB ports, and other outlets, making it easier to connect your equipment. Gaming desks also include hooks for headphones, ensuring you can keep track of your gaming equipment.
The best desks for gamers include the E-WIN 2.0 Edition RGB, Arozzi Arena, Eureka Ergonomic I1, and GreenForest Corner Computer gaming desks. Prioritize finding a desk with enough space for your gaming PC and accessories, such as your webcam. Focusing on your webcam gives you a focal point when interacting with viewers during a streaming session, which is a great way to remind yourself to make eye contact with people when you’re interacting. Talking to people with shared interests can make it easier to carry conversations because you won’t have to worry about what to say. Having people view your streams also encourages you to be mindful of your body language. Developing social skills while pursuing a favorite hobby, such as gaming, is a great option.
Forming connections in the gaming community can translate into in-person events. You may make friends you meet up with at Comic-Con or esports tournaments.
What are other strategies you can use to improve your social skills?
Mastering your social skills involves communication, and you may want to improve your skills before launching a streaming channel or attending events. Investing in talk therapy is a great option because you’ll spend time communicating during your sessions. You’ll be prompted to interact with an expert who can point out ways to strengthen your verbal and nonverbal communication.
There are multiple types of talk therapy to consider, including dialectical behavior therapy, humanistic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a great place to start if you want to adjust your behaviors because CBT focuses on improving behavior patterns. It’s also a great option for those struggling with self-esteem.
Interpersonal therapy involves evaluating social interactions and developing strong social skills to improve daily interactions. Group therapy, which involves meeting and interacting with several people, can also strengthen your social skills.
Video games promote positive social interactions via interactive gameplay and streaming activities. Pursuing talk therapy alternatives, such as CBT or interpersonal therapy, can also improve your social skills.