Testing Gamer vs Non-Gamer Brains: How Do Video Games Affect You? | WIRED

Summary

Video games can enhance cognitive skills like reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and attention, with action games offering the most notable benefits. However, excessive gaming can lead to physical strain, including injuries like 'gamers’ thumb.' While research supports the cognitive advantages of gaming, particularly in decision-making and spatial reasoning, the physical toll cannot be ignored. In moderation, gaming may even offer therapeutic benefits, such as improving attention in patients with ADHD. The key takeaway: gaming can be beneficial for the brain but requires balance and caution to avoid negative physical effects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gaming has conflicting effects on the brain and body, with some claiming it improves cognitive skills, while others argue it harms physical health.
• 🧠 Video games can improve hand-eye coordination, cognitive processing, and reaction times, especially with action games involving fast-paced decision-making.
• 🏆 Pro gamers demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities compared to non-gamers in tests of reaction time, decision-making, and multitasking.
• 🎮 Action games like Counter-Strike, Overwatch, and Fortnite are shown to have positive effects on perception, spatial cognition, and attention control.
• 💡 Cognitive benefits from gaming are more likely to come from frequent, moderate gaming rather than excessive, long sessions, which can lead to diminishing returns.
• 👨‍⚕️ Researchers are exploring video games as potential therapeutic tools, with some games already being tested as digital medicine for conditions like ADHD.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Virtual reality (VR) is being integrated with gaming to enhance cognitive benefits, combining physical activity with cognitive challenges for better results.
• ⚖️ While gaming can enhance certain brain functions, it is important to balance play with other activities to avoid potential negative impacts on physical health.
• 💪 Gaming can cause repetitive motion injuries such as wrist, thumb, and neck pain, especially from prolonged sessions of 8–16 hours a day.
• ❄️ To mitigate the physical strain from gaming, regular stretches and recovery practices (such as cryotherapy) are recommended to reduce injury risks.

Q & A

How does video gaming impact the brain and the body?

Video gaming can have a variety of effects on both the brain and the body. Positive impacts include improved hand-eye coordination, cognitive processing, reaction time, and spatial awareness. On the downside, excessive gaming can lead to repetitive motion injuries and physical strain, particularly on the hands, wrists, and neck.

What benefits can gamers gain from playing action games?

Playing action games, such as Counter-Strike or Fortnite, has been linked to improvements in perceptual and cognitive skills, including better spatial cognition, attention control, and the ability to process rapid motion and multiple stimuli. These games help enhance decision-making, focus, and peripheral awareness.

Do video games make players smarter?

There is evidence suggesting that certain video games, particularly action games, can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making. However, the impact is specific to certain types of games, and the results may not necessarily translate to improved performance in all real-world tasks.

Can gaming improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time?

Yes, gaming, especially competitive and fast-paced games, has been shown to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times. Pro gamers, for instance, often perform significantly better than average players on tests measuring reaction speed and cognitive processing.

What is the role of physical activity in gaming-related cognitive benefits?

Physical activity, when integrated into gaming, can amplify cognitive benefits. Research suggests that combining physical challenges with cognitive tasks, such as using virtual reality or motion-based controls, could enhance the positive effects on attention, memory, and other brain functions.

Are there any risks or negative effects associated with gaming?

Yes, excessive gaming can lead to a range of physical injuries, including repetitive motion injuries like gamers' thumb, wrist pain, neck strain, and shoulder issues. It can also contribute to sedentary behavior, which can negatively affect overall health if not balanced with physical activity.

How does gaming affect different aspects of cognition?

Video games impact various aspects of cognition. Action games, for example, enhance perception (how we process sights and sounds), spatial cognition (navigating 3D environments), and attentional control (focusing on relevant tasks while ignoring distractions). However, these effects are highly game-specific.

Can video games be used therapeutically to treat conditions like ADHD?

Yes, researchers are developing video games specifically designed to improve cognitive control and treat conditions like ADHD. These 'digital medicines' aim to boost attention, decision-making, and memory by engaging patients in therapeutic gameplay, a process that could become a prescribed treatment in the future.

How can gamers prevent physical injuries from prolonged gaming?

Gamers can prevent physical injuries by taking regular breaks, doing stretches to loosen the joints and muscles, and practicing good posture. Simple exercises, such as wrist stretches and thumb movements, can help alleviate strain. Moderation in gaming duration is also key to preventing repetitive motion injuries.

Is there consensus within the medical community regarding the benefits of video games?

The medical community is divided on the overall benefits of video games. While some studies show positive effects, especially for cognitive training and therapy, others argue that the benefits are limited or transient. The field is still evolving, and more research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.