The video games are often accused of being addictive and damaging the brain. There are however scientific studies which attribute virtues to this entertainment.
When one brings up the subject of the influence of video games, the first thing that comes to mind is addiction. This phenomenon is of increasing interest to psychologists and neurobiologists. The media often portray this addiction as a bad thing – even a health threat. Overall, there is no big difference between video game addiction and other addictions, thinks Marc Palaus of the Open University of Catalonia.
Once the brain has been exposed to a pleasurable sensation, you want more and then you strive for more. Video games are no exception.
Video game addiction can have harmful effects. Many Internet users have testified to this. However, the consequences are not limited to this.
Perceptible cognitive benefits
Research into the effects of video games is still in its early stages. This is due to the recent nature of this entertainment. So far, studies don’t just warn of the dangers of addiction. Some research describes it as an effective tool for improving brain and cognitive abilities, especially in the long term.
First or third person shooters, for example, would improve spatial orientation and decision making. In an article published by Men’s Health, Yo Zushi wrote: “ even the thrilling pressure you feel as your partner stalks you in Fortnite Battle Royale turns out to be good for you “.
The columnist talks about positive stress which, in the context of play, motivates while increasing the ability to concentrate in real life. He refers to a study published in April 2020 by neurobiologists from the University of California to support his remarks.
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Help with neuroplasticity
Daphné Bavalier is a specialist in the impact of new technologies on the human brain. The cognitive neuroscientist was the first scientist to study the effects of video games in the late 1990s. ” People who regularly play action games demonstrate an improved ability to focus on visual details, which is useful for reading the fine print in a legal document or on a medicine bottle. They also display increased sensitivity to visual contrast, which is important when driving in thick fog. “, She wrote in July 2016 in an issue of the American magazine Scientific American.
Video games thus develop the plasticity of the human brain. Entertainment can have beneficial effects, but it should not be overused …