Murphy: Video Games Kept ‘Americans… Socially Connected’

For the majority of 202 and the beginning of 2021, Americans were subjected to staying at home. Some were away from families for extended period of times because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and everyone maintained communication through the digital sphere. While technology like Zoom became popular for communication, Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D) is highlighting the benefits that video games provided during a time of global crisis. This week, Murphy praised video games for helping “keep Americans mentally healthy and socially connected during the pandemic.”

Whenever games are mentioned on national headlines, it can appear that the discussion will shift to whether or not they contribute to violence in America. However, Florida Democrat Murphy, who is also the co-Chair of the congressional Video Game Esports caucus, has commented on the benefits that games have provided during a time of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a video posted on Twitter, Murphy commented that “as many were physically isolated from their friends and family last year, video games & the online gaming community gave millions of Americans the ability to stay socially connected.”

The Florida lawmaker took part in an interview with the Entertainment Software Association, and in between sharing a story of playing Rocket League with members of Congress, Murphy expressed that “a great way to connect with young people is through video games.”

In terms of how video games can positively affect individuals, Murphy shared the benefits that video games have provided for her children.

In reference to her son, Murphy commented that “he’s playing games where he has to work in teams with his friends, and I think it’s a great way for him to learn teamwork skills as well as hand-eye coordination in some ways.”

She added that “video games have a number – and esports – have a number of benefits that can positively affect players of all ages, really, and with my kids I can see them learning how to spell, they are getting introduced to a technology like a virtual reality simulation, and those have multiple applications in other industries as well.”