The impact of video games on the brain is a topic of continuous discussion. While some studies have concluded that playing video games might increase players’ aggression or violence, others have found that they can aid in learning and skill development. It is obvious that there is no definitive answer about the effects of video games on the brain; there might be both positive and negative outcomes.
This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of gaming and explores how playing video games can alter your brain. We also offer advice on what to do if you start having issues with video games.
The psychology of video games
The purpose of video games is to create an addicting experience. User experience (UX) designers in the game business include reward and cognitive psychologists as well as computer scientists and human behavioural scientists. They use their understanding of psychological weaknesses, reward and learning principles, emotion, memory, attention, and perception to game creation. Every element of a video game—color, light, sound, goal, task, instruction, and experience—is meticulously designed to entice players to play for extended periods of time and spend money on in-game purchases.
According to University of Calgary professor David Hodgins, a specialist in clinical psychology and addictive behaviours, “we know that young people are overly involved in gaming and gambling.” Intermittent reinforcement, or having many rewards that are unpredictable, is a popular element in game design that encourages players to constantly pursue the benefits. We have been aware of this idea since the 1950s.
The brain’s reward system, dopamine, is triggered by gaming.
Dopamine is a happy-making neurotransmitter that is involved in the reward system of the brain. Whenever the brain is expecting a reward from a certain activity, it starts producing dopamine which makes us feel good. This encourages us to carry out the action again in order to get the same rush of pleasure. So, do video games release dopamine?
If gaming is balanced with other hobbies and interests, the brain will receive small doses of dopamine and players will feel happy and motivated. This is just one basic way that video games affect the brain. However, prolonged and frequent gaming sessions can release massive amounts of dopamine repeatedly, to the point where the brain will attempt to maintain equilibrium by blocking dopaminergic transmission. As a result, players frequently begin to play more to try to receive the same rush, but in order to make up for this, the brain will further reduce dopamine production. Eventually, this cycle will mean the brain doesn’t produce enough dopamine and it will become dopamine deficient.
What are the symptoms of dopamine deficiency? Those who game excessively may start to wonder: “Do video games cause brain fog?” or “Do video games cause brain damage?” Fatigue, irritability, and anxiety are common symptoms, and many find it difficult to focus. Things that were once fascinating now seem meaningless, but gaming is altering their brains in such a way that nothing is enjoyable or thrilling. They begin to play more games, sometimes to ease the discomfort of low dopamine levels rather than because they want to play. And the vicious circle continues.
It’s related to a biological process called tolerance and sugar is a good example of how this works. Periodically consuming a small amount of sugar is acceptable, but your need increases with its quantity. You end up developing a tolerance to sugar, needing increasing amounts to experience the same effects. This is the same for gaming. People’s brains become less susceptible to the effects of dopamine the more they play, and it requires more and more dopamine to experience the same level of thrill and pleasure.
Gaming and the Fight-or-Flight Response
Playing video games can trigger a fight-or-flight response in the brain, a natural mechanism designed to protect us from danger. This response increases heart and breathing rates and prepares muscles for action. While beneficial in certain situations, prolonged exposure to violent video games can cause the brain to interpret threats as real, leading to aggressive behavior.
Prefrontal Cortex Activity and Gaming
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and self-control, undergoes significant development until the age of 25. Young gamers may struggle to balance immediate gratification with long-term goals, potentially neglecting basic needs like food and sleep to continue gaming. Studies indicate that violent games can further decrease activity in developing brains, impacting impulse control and decision-making abilities.
Gaming’s Influence on Hormonal Response
Intense gaming experiences trigger the release of adrenaline, preparing the body for perceived threats. However, prolonged exposure to gaming-induced stress may lead to elevated cortisol levels, affecting mood, blood sugar levels, and sleep quality. This hormonal imbalance raises concerns about the potential impact of excessive gaming on mental and physical health.
Debating the Effects of Gaming on Stress
The relationship between gaming and stress remains a topic of debate. While gaming can provide an outlet for stress relief, excessive gaming may exacerbate stress levels, contributing to various health issues. Understanding the complex interplay between gaming and stress hormones is crucial for promoting healthy gaming habits and overall well-being.
FAQs
How does gaming affect the fight-or-flight response in the brain?
- Answer: Gaming can trigger the fight-or-flight response, causing the release of hormones that increase heart rate and muscle tension. Prolonged exposure, especially to violent games, may lead to aggressive behavior.
What role does the prefrontal cortex play in gaming and decision-making?
- Answer: The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and self-control, is still developing in young gamers. Excessive gaming, particularly of violent games, can further hinder this development, impacting impulse control and long-term goal-setting.
How do intense gaming experiences affect hormonal response?
- Answer: Intense gaming experiences trigger the release of adrenaline, preparing the body for perceived threats. However, prolonged exposure to gaming-induced stress may elevate cortisol levels, affecting mood, blood sugar levels, and sleep quality.
Can gaming serve as a stress-relief mechanism?
- Answer: Gaming can provide a temporary escape from stress for some individuals. However, excessive gaming may exacerbate stress levels, leading to various health issues. Finding a balance between gaming and other stress-relief activities is essential for overall well-being.
What are the potential long-term effects of excessive gaming on mental and physical health?
- Answer: Excessive gaming may lead to detrimental effects on mental and physical health, including increased stress, depression, poor sleep quality, and neglect of basic needs. Understanding these potential risks can help individuals make informed decisions about their gaming habits.
