Video games are often seen as a fun way to escape reality, but they sometimes get a bad reputation for being violent or a waste of time. However, there’s an ongoing debate about whether video games can actually have positive effects on our brains. So, can playing video games make you smarter?
While playing too many video games can have its downsides, research has shown that gaming can improve cognitive functions. For example, a study had participants play Super Mario 64 for 30 minutes a day over two months. The results were impressive: the players showed an increase in grey matter in brain areas linked to memory, strategic planning, and fine motor skills. This suggests that video games might even help treat mental disorders that affect these brain regions.
Action games can also enhance your attention to detail. Imagine trying to quickly identify the color of words on a screen—it’s tricky because the word and its color might conflict. People who play action games for more than 5-10 hours a week tend to solve these problems faster. Their brains become more efficient at focusing attention, which is a valuable skill.
Video games can be surprisingly educational. While you might not play your favorite games to learn, many games are great teaching tools. They can even help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills. In a study, dyslexic children who played regular video games read faster and more accurately, thanks to enhanced attention skills.
Gamers often have better eyesight, too. They can see smaller details more clearly and distinguish different shades of grey more easily. Action gamers, in particular, are better at perceiving fine differences in contrast, which is important as this ability tends to decline with age.
Even older adults can benefit from video games. Brain-teasing games designed for them have been shown to slow down brain aging by up to seven years. These games are complex and require mental energy, which helps keep the brain sharp.
As technology advances, surgeries are increasingly performed using cameras and remote-controlled tools, similar to video games. Young doctors who have played video games often make fewer errors and complete tasks more quickly than those who haven’t, thanks to their gaming experience.
Of course, these skills are only useful if you apply them in real life. That’s why it’s important to enjoy video games in moderation. Make sure to balance gaming with other activities to succeed in the game of life.
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Try playing a strategy-based video game like Super Mario 64 for 30 minutes each day over a week. Keep a journal of your experiences and note any improvements in your memory or strategic planning skills. Share your observations with the class.
Engage in a Stroop Test activity where you identify the color of words on a screen. Record your time and accuracy before and after playing an action video game for a week. Discuss how your attention to detail has changed.
Choose an educational video game and play it for a few hours. Reflect on what you learned and how the game helped improve your skills, such as reading or problem-solving. Present your findings to the class.
Conduct an experiment to test your eyesight before and after playing action video games for a week. Use vision charts to measure your ability to see fine details and different shades of grey. Share your results with your peers.
Participate in a group discussion about the importance of balancing video games with other activities. Create a balanced schedule that includes gaming, studying, and physical activities. Share your schedule and discuss how it can help you succeed in life.
Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Video games provide a fun escape from reality; however, they are often portrayed negatively as violent, lazy, and a waste of time by some. The debate has continued for years—so are there any positive effects? Can video games actually make you smarter?
While excessive gaming can have its risks, many studies have shown increases in cognitive function after playing video games. One study in particular had participants play Super Mario 64 for 30 minutes a day over two months. Afterward, the brains of these participants showed an increase in grey matter in areas associated with memory, strategic planning, and fine motor skills, compared to those who had not played. These results are particularly encouraging for mental disorders that cause these brain regions to shrink, suggesting that video games could be used as a form of therapy.
Surprisingly, action games can also enhance attention to detail. For example, if you try to quickly identify the color of words on a screen, you may find it challenging due to the conflict between the word itself and its color. Players who engage in action games for more than 5-10 hours a week tend to solve these problems more quickly, as their brains become more efficient in the regions associated with attention.
Additionally, video games can be incredibly educational. While you may not play your favorite games for educational purposes, many games serve as effective teaching tools for all ages. They may even help children with dyslexia read more effectively. In a small study, dyslexic children who played regular video games ended up reading faster and more accurately, again relating to improved attention skills.
Other studies have found improvements in eyesight among gamers. Not only can they see smaller details more clearly, but they also have an easier time distinguishing different shades of grey. Experienced action gamers were found to be significantly better at perceiving fine differences in contrast, which is important as this ability tends to diminish with age.
Even in older adults, improved memory and focus have been observed. Specially designed brain-teasing video games have been shown to slow the aging process of the brain by up to seven years, as they are cognitively complex and require mental energy.
As technology continues to transform medicine, surgeries are increasingly being performed using cameras and remote-controlled tools. These procedures have clear parallels to video games, involving screens and controlling devices. Not surprisingly, young doctors with prior exposure to video games tend to make fewer errors and complete tasks more quickly than those without such experience.
Of course, all of these skills are only beneficial if applied in real life, which is why moderation is key. Enjoy your downtime with video games, but also make sure to engage in a variety of activities. That’s how you’ll succeed in the game of life.
If you have a burning question you want answered, feel free to ask in the comments or on social media. For updates on upcoming episodes and behind-the-scenes content, check out our personal Instagram and Twitter accounts. Don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly science videos!
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This version removes any inappropriate or confusing references while maintaining the core message of the original transcript.
Video Games – Interactive electronic games that involve visual feedback on a screen, often used for entertainment and sometimes for educational purposes. – Many educational video games are designed to improve students’ problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities.
Brain – The organ in the head of humans and other animals that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, and every process that regulates our body. – Scientists study the brain to understand how different areas are responsible for various cognitive functions.
Cognitive – Related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. – Playing chess can enhance cognitive skills such as strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Attention – The ability to focus on specific stimuli or tasks while ignoring others. – Practicing mindfulness can improve a person’s attention and concentration in daily activities.
Detail – A small part of something or a particular fact or piece of information about something. – Scientists must pay close attention to detail when conducting experiments to ensure accurate results.
Educational – Related to the process of teaching and learning, especially in schools or colleges. – Educational programs on television can help students learn about science and history in an engaging way.
Skills – The ability to do something well, usually gained through training or experience. – Developing strong communication skills is essential for success in both academic and professional settings.
Eyesight – The ability to see; the sense of vision. – Prolonged exposure to screens without breaks can strain your eyesight and lead to discomfort.
Adults – Individuals who are fully grown and developed, typically over the age of 18. – Adults often have more responsibilities and experience than teenagers, which can affect their decision-making processes.
Balance – The ability to maintain a stable position or to distribute weight evenly to remain upright. – Practicing yoga can improve your physical balance and coordination.
