Video games good for the brain?
Scientific American surveys new research on whether playing videogames might be good for our brains. For example, one recent study by University of Rochester cognitive scientist Daphne Bavelier that I've blogged about previously suggests that games can exercise and enhance certain core vision functions. From SciAm:
It is appealing to envision video games being utilized in the rehabilitation of patients and the prevention of cognitive decline, promotion of brain fitness, and development of fundamental skills. However, more careful studies like those of Bavelier and colleagues are needed to realize such a goal. To date, much of the claims around this rapidly growing area of technology-supported medical interventions are insufficiently supported by scientific data."Take two video games and call me in the morning"
In this context, a major advantage of video games is the fact that they can be made entertaining and engaging. Motivation is a powerful driver of brain plasticity. The highly realistic and engaging nature of these games allows the gamer to immerse themselves and “feel” like the simulation is really real (e.g. the intensity of combat). Such realistic engagement and the resulting enjoyment promotes brain changes.
Of course, a video game is not the same as the real thing. The motor plan to throw a football accurately (e.g. grip strength, depth perception, tracking the running receiver) versus the right sequences of touches on a game console are two different things. The development of systems that more realistically simulate motor actions and responses will probably be important.
It is likely that the functional impact of the brain plasticity induced by greater technology dependence will be different for different behaviors. For example, playing video games will train certain visuo-motor skill but also affect social development and interpersonal relation skills.
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Well, they make my brain feel good. Anecdote=data, after all!
TV - not good
Vidya games - good
Being outside - even better
I read something awhile ago about a study that determined that FPSes improved people's vision.
found it!
(http://www.physorg.com/news157558426.html)
Compelling argument, although much like with anything that consumes your time/money/energy there is always the risk of addiction. The tendency to fixate upon something that is at least somewhat unconditional(the game will always judge you the same way, etc.) I remember seeing a news article not long ago talking about how our encouragement of monitor based systems can be detrimental to growth(i.e. brain development) in young users. Not having tactile identification surely affects how we perceive the world.
Vindication!
Personally, I find I'm way better at blowing red lights and running down pedestrians after hours of playing GTA, so I'd have to agree with their findings.
eh, maybe in a few years when the kids have grown up a bit and the remodeling projects are all done and we finally have curbside recycling so I don't have to schlep the stuff across town every week and my car is running well and my bikes are well-tuned and I'm in good enough shape that I don't feel regret when I sit around doing nothing and I taught myself how to play the guitar and I have written that book I always wanted to and there isn't a load of laundry to start and the garden is all weeded and, well, you get my point. Maybe then I will have time to play video games. They sound fun!
Too much of anything can be detrimental to anyone. Learning to live your life with balance is best. Not everyone can do that, probably. Too bad.
Yeah, anything in moderation will do you no harm. Did you know that video games are used in military to treat those soldiers with brain injuries after they've return from a mission? But I have no idea on what specific games they play, if they use virtual currencies like wow gold or eq plat and how long the treatment sessions last.