Brain Changer

A growing body of evidence, however, shows that video gaming can affect the brain

and, furthermore, cause changes in many regions of the brain. Scientists have

recently collected and summarized results from 116 scientific studies to determine

how video games can influence our brains and behaviors. The findings of their

review were published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

"Games have sometimes been praised or demonized, often without real data

backing up those claims. Moreover, gaming is a popular activity, so everyone seems

to have strong opinions on the topic," says Marc Palaus, first author of the review.

By looking at all research to date, Palaus and team aimed to observe whether any

trends had emerged with regard to how video games impact the structure and

activity of the brain. A total of 22 of the reviewed studies explored structural changes

in the brain and 100 studies analyzed changes in brain functionality and behavior.

Negative impact of games on brain

1. Aggression in teens:

One of the most detrimental effects of playing violent video games is increased

aggression in children. A comprehensive meta-analysis involving more than 100

research papers has shown that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk

factor for increased aggressive behavior .

Some researchers have claimed that violent video games can desensitize children to

violence, and lower the likelihood of a pro-social behavior.

2. Addiction to gaming:

The term ‘pathological gaming’ or video game addiction is being widely discussed in

the medical circles though it is not yet classified as any formal disorder in the US

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Pathological gamers are likely to develop anxiety, insomnia, social isolation, and

depression.

Moreover, these factors are co-morbid in the sense that they can influence each

other. Therefore, pathological gaming can result in depression, anxiety, or social

phobia and the latter three can make the child more inclined and attracted to gaming.

3. Poor academic performance:

This is one of the side effects of video games on teens. Playing video games for long

hours can affect your teen’s performance in school. Studies have shown that a

higher amount of time spent in playing onscreen games can be associated with

lower academic performance.

A survey has shown that 47% of heavy online players got poor grades, while 23% of

light users performed better than them .

4. Adverse effects on health:

Excessive gaming can have an adverse impact on the teen’s health as they spend

more time playing virtual games rather than having some physical exercise. This

practice increases the risk of childhood obesity. Sometimes, children also skip meals

and sleep to play games they are addicted to. The constant glare from the screen

can also harm the child’s eyesight in the long run.

You can avoid these negative effects on your children if you keep monitoring their

activities.

Positive impact of games on brain

1. Improves cognitive functions:

Contrary to popular belief, video gaming can enhance multiple cognitive skills such

as better allocation of attention, visual processing, memory, reasoning, and

perception, according to a research published by the American Psychological

Association.

Researchers have studied a meta-analysis of video games and concluded that the

positive effects of violent games included improvement in a player’s capability of

thinking in different dimensions, just the way some academic courses do.

2. Hand and eye coordination:

Research has shown that teens can learn spatial, visual and eye-hand coordination

skills from video games, especially from shooter games. Some games require a

great deal of these skills to be successful. For example, players need to keep track

of positions, speed, aim, directions and more. The brain processes all these data

and coordinates with the hands since all the actions are performed with the keyboard

or game controller.

3. Quick thinking and accuracy:

The action in video games prepares the gamers to make smart decisions in split

seconds. Also, they need acute attention to cope with unexpected changes in the

game.

4. Work on dexterity:

Online gaming improves the movement of hands with the mouse and keyboard.

They learn to use the shortcut functions on the keyboard and give quick responses.

5. Problem-solving abilities

Researchers suggest that video games can aid teens in developing problem-solving

skills because while playing strategic video games like role-plays, young adolescents

get better at solving problems.

Conclusion

 I feel that Online Gaming is not a beneficial hobby to start when your are bored.

There are many disadvantages that could befall you and others around, for instance

your family. Online Gaming can even ruin your future and education. There are many

more hobbies which could benefit you in terms of physical and mental health.

Remember, do not start Online Gaming if you know you cannot manage getting

addicted to. For those who have already started Online Gaming, do manage your

time and always know the signs of Online Gaming addiction. Select your decisions

wisely.