Video Games Impact on Memory, IQ, and Overall Brain Function
Video games have certainly got a bad rap over the past few decades. They’ve been accused of everything from impacting our mental and physical well-being and social skills, and even inciting violent tendencies. But what is the reality behind these claims? Well, like a lot of things, moderation is key.
What does the research say?
You may have heard all manner of claims regarding the effects of video games on the brain. These could range from them rotting the brain to promoting higher IQ levels. So what do we know to date? Research has uncovered a mix of positives and negatives. So let’s start with the good stuff:
The proven benefits of video games
A variety of studies over the years have explored how exactly the brain reacts when engaging in video games, revealing changes in both brain structure and functionality.
Cognitive performance, memory, and IQ
One study undertaken by scientists at UC San Francisco involved a specially designed 3-D video game played by older adults over a month period. The results showed notable improvements in cognitive performance, working memory, and sustained attention. It well demonstrated the neuroplasticity of the brain and how video games as a form of brain training can actually meaningfully help reverse some of the effects of age-related decline.
Another analysis conducted at the University of California-Irvine by a group of neurobiologists saw improvements in participants’ memory formation, also resulting from the regular playing of 3-D game environments that engaged the hippocampus.
Children who spent an above-average amount of time playing video games were shown to have increased IQ scores compared to those engaging in social media or television in one Swedish study.
Mental health and dementia
Some strategy games have also been shown to provide some level of protection against the onset of both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In some cases, research has linked video games to improvements in mood and memory of those experiencing mental health disorders such as depression.
The dark side: video game addiction
Now onto the not-so-fun stuff. As much as video games have been proven to stimulate certain areas of the brain and provide an array of encouraging results, there is a limit to their positive influence.
Video game addiction is real, and it has similar impacts on the brain as many other forms of addiction. It often affects children between the ages of 12 to 17. Its effects can mental health issues, irritability, fatigue, sleep disorders, and potential links with ADHD, and it comes in a diversity of forms. How does this occur?
The long-term use of video games can create dopamine deficiencies (the feel-good neurotransmitter).
It can also trigger the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline, unnecessarily engaging the ‘fight or flight’ response.
The takeaway? Video gaming is fine as long as you’re in control, and can even promote good brain health. Just don’t let it take over!
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