As I started reading more about the effects of video games, I realized just how much of a debate there is around whether they are harmful distractions or tools that can actually improve cognitive abilities. Growing up, I always heard that video games were a waste of time and could even damage attention span (still decided to play tho). But recently I came across a study that suggested the opposite. Researchers looked at action video games like Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 and found that training with these games actually improved things like reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and even reduced stress levels (Chandra et al., 2016). This made me curious, how can something often criticized as mindless entertainment actually enhance the brain?
The answer seems to lie in how these games challenge players. Action video games require fast decision-making, multitasking, and constant shifts of attention. EEG data in the study showed measurable changes in brain activity after two months of training, which matched with psychological tests showing faster processing speed and better psychomotor skills (Chandra et al., 2016). Interestingly, memory didn’t improve much, but stress tolerance and reaction times did. This suggests that the benefits of gaming may be tied more to attention and processing speed than to long-term recall.
Of course, the study had limitations, only five participants and just one specific game, so the findings can’t be generalized too widely. Still, it points toward the idea that video games might have a role in cognitive training, education, or even rehabilitation. If certain types of games can sharpen attention or reduce stress, maybe they shouldn’t be dismissed so quickly.
The answer seems to lie in how these games challenge players. Action video games require fast decision-making, multitasking, and constant shifts of attention. EEG data in the study showed measurable changes in brain activity after two months of training, which matched with psychological tests showing faster processing speed and better psychomotor skills (Chandra et al., 2016). Interestingly, memory didn’t improve much, but stress tolerance and reaction times did. This suggests that the benefits of gaming may be tied more to attention and processing speed than to long-term recall.
Of course, the study had limitations, only five participants and just one specific game, so the findings can’t be generalized too widely. Still, it points toward the idea that video games might have a role in cognitive training, education, or even rehabilitation. If certain types of games can sharpen attention or reduce stress, maybe they shouldn’t be dismissed so quickly.
Resources
Playing action video games a key to cognitive enhancement - sciencedirect. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050916300898 (Accessed: 05 October 2025).
Playing action video games a key to cognitive enhancement - sciencedirect. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050916300898 (Accessed: 05 October 2025).
I wrote about something similar when it came to my blog, but more in a negative light with the effects that adrenaline can have on the addictive feeling of video games. This made it very interesting to read about another perspective about video games, especially where I can see the positive effects they can have.
ReplyDeleteThere was just one thing about the attention span part that is lingering in my mind because it reminds me of a problem with a lot of the children's shows coming out in the present. A lot of shows seem to just keep the attention of those watching by making it way more exciting and stimulating than anything in real life, do you think this could have any correlation with video games?
Your topic sounds so fascinating that it caught my attention immediately. Similarly to you, I often hear playing too many video games is not good, and it might cause addiction. However, I think it is okay to be entertained with video games as a form of break from heavy use of the brain. Video games can be fun, but I think it is important to choose the right type and not overplay. Let me know if there is any future article or research paper about this topic. I would love to learn more about it!!
ReplyDeleteThis topic is very interesting! I've also have also shared many beliefs when it comes to gaming, it's nice to know there could potentially be some benefit to playing! I know you mentioned this paper comes with limitations, but I do think it would be cool to further test if the brain activity is consistent within both males and females, as well as if the type of game ( sport, warfare, racing, etc.) increases brain activity more than another game.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was such an interesting topic since I also grew with my parents telling me to stop playing video games. I always thought it was interesting though on how our body reacts to these tense games often increasing our heart rate and increasing the adrenaline production. I remember sitting and playing games that often made me feel like I was on cloud nine for a split second. It's interesting to see though that these games that are so called "bad" could potentially have had an effect on some of the things I do today! Even though I still play pokemon and fortnite to this day (like when i should be studying for a test) its interesting to see that I could be increasing some of my cognitive functions because of it (i'm telling my mom about this).
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