Video games affect the brain by influencing attention, learning, memory, reward processing, and behavior. Research shows that gaming can enhance certain cognitive skills, including attention and visuospatial ability. At the same time, it can activate the brain’s reward system in ways that may increase the risk of addiction.
We’re not here to vilify video games. (The author of this post has sunk far too many hours into “Elden Ring” for that stance.) Rather, we’re taking an unbiased look at this form of entertainment to answer a topical and evolving question:
To find the answer, researchers conducted a systematic review of 116 scientific studies on video games. They found that gaming affects various brain functions, including behavior and cognitive performance. Here are some of the most notable areas affected:
Surprisingly, many studies included in the review found that gaming may actually improve several types of attention, including selective attention, divided attention, and sustained attention. Plus, the regions of the brain associated with attention were more efficient in gamers.
Researchers also found that gaming can enlarge parts of the brain tied to visuospatial skills, or a person’s ability to understand visual and spatial relationships. On top of that, long-term gamers showed an increase in the size of their hippocampus, the region of the brain crucial for learning and memory.
Video games, it would seem, can have some great benefits for the brain. After all, many games require sharp reflexes and clever thinking. But don’t pick up that controller just yet. There’s still the risk of addiction to consider.
Stay with us; we’re talking neurotransmitters.
When we encounter something enjoyable, our brains release dopamine. Dopamine, along with serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, is a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness, but it doesn’t so much make us happy as it reinforces behaviors that make us happy.
This is the brain’s reward system, and it’s meant to reinforce positive behaviors. Unfortunately, our brains can’t always distinguish between something good for us, such as a delicious meal, or bad for us, such as an illicit drug.
Addiction, including internet gaming disorder, preys on this flawed reward system.
When a gamer beats a challenging boss, discovers a new weapon, or unlocks a cosmetic item, they experience a rush of dopamine that encourages them to play another round. After this initial rush, there’s a dopamine dip. Every encounter brings a lower and lower dip. If gamers chase these diminishing returns to the detriment of their lives, they run the risk of becoming addicted.
“Roughly speaking, there are no big differences between video game addiction and other addictions,” says cognitive neuroscientist Marc Palaus. In the systematic review Palaus co-authored, researchers noted that video game addiction seems to be related to other behavioral addictions, such as gambling, internet, or smartphone addiction, since people affected by video game addiction have similar abnormal reward processing patterns.
Video games could have positive effects on the brain (the good), but there’s also the risk of addiction (the bad) — or your favorite developer sneaking predatory monetization tactics into an upcoming release (the ugly).
As with many things in life, moderation is key. It’s okay to get lost in a beloved video game, but be sure to put down the controller on occasion to go outside and touch grass.
The subject of video games and their effect on the brain, like so many topics related to psychology, is far more nuanced than it might first seem. If you found this topic fascinating, we encourage you to dive deeper into the world of psychology.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a comprehensive education that delves into the intricacies of human psychology. We may be biased, but we think earning a bachelor’s degree and securing your future in an exciting field is as exciting as rescuing Princess Toadstool, defeating Ganon, or shooting Covenant.
If you’re interested in learning more about the human mind, check out our course Cognitive Psychology, which explores problem-solving, memory, and attention, among other topics related to cognitive processes. Other courses include:
By joining our program, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to find a rewarding career, whether you’re interested in research, clinical practice, or applying psychological principles in various industries.
Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online BA in psychology program today to start a virtual challenge you’re bound to win.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318345#Video-games-and-brain-changes
https://www.wired.com/story/what-gaming-does-to-your-brain-how-you-might-benefit/
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