Game brain

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Game brain is a theory that playing video games for a long period of time affects a player's frontal lobe, inhibiting creative and emotional development (among other things). A relatively new theory, it is disregarded by many scientists.

Contents

[edit] In theory

A study monitored subjects' brain waves (specifically, alpha and beta waves) while playing video games.[1] The study reported lower beta wave activity among subjects while playing video games and near-absent levels of beta waves, even when not playing video games. The assertion of the scientist involved is that this reduction of brain activity can cause loss of concentration, tempermental issues, and variety of social interaction problems.

[edit] Criticism

The assertion above is widely disregarded by scientists. The biggest problem is that the exact methodology was not released. The researcher appears to be using beta wave activity as a proxy for frontal lobe activation. A more robust way of collecting this data would be to use an actual fMRI scan. Lack of frontal lobe activation also does not automatically mean that less attention and conscious activity are inherently associated with video games. Individuals who have practiced at a specific task for enough time generally show less activation as the task is "farmed out" to unconscious mental processes. Age is another confounding factor due to the fact that children and adults were part of the sample, and the two groups show different EEG patterns on average.

Some see it as a case of correlation does not equal causation—suggesting that video games are the cause of developmental, attention and social issues in individuals does not address the actual problems that an individual might have, such as more sedentary lifestyles.[2].

Another criticism is that the scientist who performed the study is a physiologist with expertise in muscle movement and not a neuroscientist or psychologist. This is relevant due to the unreleased methodology -- it is possible that the EEG was set up incorrectly due to his lack of expertise.

Nor does the study address that other activities, such as watching television or attending (but not participating in) live social events such as concerts or sports competitions, can also lower brain activity. The study, which was in 2001, also does not take into account the activity involved in many modern video games which involve body movements (such as Dance Dance Revolution or many video games for the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect). In short, the study demonizes the activity without taking into account all the other possible factors.

To add even more to this accumulating pile of criticism, this study also fails to address puzzle or strategy games, games that force you to stop and think. For example, playing the popular puzzle game Portal without stopping and giving the level any sort of thought whatsoever is nigh on impossible. Instead, by simulating a complicated problem you must solve to advance in the game, Portal actually emphasizes use of thought, and teaches generations of impressionable children the importance of problem solving. Similarly Mahjong teaches care and spatial skills. A wide range of video games are claimed to boost brain power. [3]

But of course, this is what the Liberal Media wants you to think.

[edit] See also

[edit] Footnotes

  1. Video Game Brain Damage Claim Criticised, New Scientist
  2. It couldn't possibly be because the gamers studied were social misfits, shut-ins, overweight, or suffer from ADHD.
  3. Games for the Brain
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