A recent study has found that gamers possess a higher level of grey matter and better cognitive function than everyday people. These findings coincide with numerous other studies over the years, which all point to video games actually having a very positive effect on your brain. We win, let's celebrate.
The latest study involved action video games (which the study refers to as AVGs) and researched the cognitive function of both experts and amateurs of the genre. Action games have a pretty huge scope, but boil down to any games that require quick thinking and fast reflexes. You need to know where your fingers are at all times. You need to have a feel for every button. You need to be as fluid and adaptive as a river. Only then can you be deemed a master.
What sets the study apart is that they did not simply test the cognitive ability of the respective groups, as previous studies have done, they instead performed MRI scans of the test subjects. The tests focused on a region of the brain known as the insular cortex, which is responsible for motor control, perception, and cognitive functioning.
You can see the results of the test below, which indicated greater functional connectivity in the brains of expert players as opposed to the amateurs. The image showcases the two hemispheres (left and right) of the brain and the connections found therein. The bold, white lines indicate where experts had superior connectivity.
The left side of the brain showed the most significant improvement, which makes sense as it is most commonly associated with logic, decision-making ability, and calculations. All of which are key traits required for effective performance in any given action game. Coincidence? I think not, and these researchers seem to agree with me.
Another interesting find was that expert games had more grey matter in their brains, which is used for processing information. Therefore, more grey matter means better data processing. See? My maths has already improved.
If you were on the hunt for yet another great excuse to play more video games, then here you have it, fellow adventurers. Naturally, improved neural performance can be achieved by playing just about any game that requires reasoning or quick thinking, which is not necessarily only found in action games.
On the other hand, don't go drop out of school with the false hopes that playing video games will do you just as good. There is a pretty huge difference between improving neural function and gaining knowledge. Read a book once in a while.
If you want to see what I mean, go play just about any online game. I bet you won't find too many bright sparks hanging around there.
So, what are you waiting for? Go play some games, you clever people.
Learnt from http://za.ign.com/
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