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Think video games are just mindless entertainment? Think again. Beyond the flashy graphics and exciting adventures, gaming is a powerhouse for mental fitness, offering surprising benefits for your brain.
Whether you’re battling aliens, solving puzzles, or building virtual worlds, your favourite pastime could be giving your brain a serious workout. Unlock the science behind gaming and mental health with these fascinating facts.
Research on the brain’s effects from video games varies depending on the type of game played, claims the Cleveland Clinic. It is further explained that video gamers require strategy and critical thinking while playing. “When it comes to games like Wordle, our brains face a different set of challenges related to language and memory.”
The above source further states that video gaming can increase grey matter in the brain, which is responsible for controlling movement, retaining memories, and regulating emotions. They are also believed to heighten attention to visual and auditory cues, such as quick-time events (QTEs) in action-adventure games. “Being able to visually contrast — being able to tell the difference between one thing and another — is also a skill that can be developed by playing video games.”
According to Brain&Life, the repetitive practice of gaming physically changes the brain, stimulating connections between brain cells and creating neural pathways. It is stated that the structural basis of learning is the “use it or lose it” principle.
Video games differ from other brain training tools as they activate reward centres, making the brain more receptive to change, the above source adds. Studies show that playing action video games enhances visual capabilities, mental rotation, and memory storage. These games are also said to require players to think of an overall strategy, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and make decisions with immediate and long-term impact.
Be that as it may, like any other good thing that is abused, it gives off negative effects. The above sources wars that gaming can be addictive and that gamers need to be cautious of their engagements.
