Gaming addiction hyped or hazard
When the topic of online games affecting the human brain comes up, the first aspect that crops up is online game addiction. Many psychologists and neuroscientists have focused their interest on this aspect, and it is more hyped than a mental health hazard. There is a trivial difference between online games and other substance addictions. Any addiction is associated with the reward system of the brain. The reward system determines how enjoyable the stimuli (food, drink, social/ sexual contact, video game) are and positively reinforces the behavior. Once the brain determines the stimuli are pleasant, it wants more and online games are no exception.
Stimulates dopamine
The high-octane games are different genera from slow-paced titles; different players have their own preferences. These titles are not only becoming a cultural phenomenon, but it also impacts more adolescent gamers whose brains are still budding. The thrill of surviving in the virtual life-and-death ecosystem stimulates the secretion of dopamine. The more the neurotransmitter level, the more pleasure the gamer experience. The desire is more to play another round. The gamers become more attached to the titles rather than addicted. The third-person shooter game stimulates spatial reasoning and decision-making rather than attention. Even when a player is chased by other gamers, the stress activates the player`s survival instinct.
Beneficial for cognitive skill
The research and documentation by neuroscientists and psychologists are at the preliminary stage till the recent outcome shows the effect of online games on the brain is not that unpleasant and troubling. The impact, in the long run, is beneficial for cognitive skills and brain development. New developments in research on the unexplored aspect of online games on human psychology, especially on neuroplasticity, biological interaction, and evolution when the brain is exposed to new experiences. A new study cites highly packed action games requiring quick reflex, response time, and hand-eye coordination enhance substantial cognitive skill that is beneficial in regular life. Regular players have more concentration power to read the fine print of official documents or the composition of pharmaceutical products.
Prefrontal cortex
During brain development in adolescence, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment, decision-making, and impulses, undergoes major restructuring. This executive center of the brain essentially assesses risk against reward and inhibits the chase for instant reward in favor of the adoptive long-term goal. This region of the brain fully develops at the age of twenty-five or thirty. Adolescents with immature prefrontal cortex are more inclined to play online games spending long hours than adults. This is the reason why young players are more passionate about games ignoring other aspects like personal hygiene, food, and sleep. Combat-style video games have a more profound impact on the brain. Thirty minutes of gaming lower activity in the prefrontal cortex. This phenomenon is closely associated with emotional regulation and executive power. The flooding of dopamine has a powerful impact on the prefrontal region of the brain. Young gamers who master any game socially recluse develops a false sense of confidence and mastery mislaid from real life.
Repetitive practice
Repetitive practice of anything changes the brain anatomy; regarding online games, your shooting becomes more precise your combat skill improves. This recurring practice fortifies the connection between brain cells, creating neural trails between different areas of the brain. Intense practice makes neural pathways stronger. Muscle and brain memory increase significantly, and neural trails never used get rejuvenated. Cognitive and perceptual training is important for completing the task given. Video games, unlike other brain training tools such as crossword puzzle, stimulates the reward center of the brain, making it more receptive to change.
Hippocampus functions
Another recent study reveals that 3D video games improve hippocampus functions. This region of the brain is responsible for learning and memory. Research conducted by Queen Mary University of London online games stimulates strategic thinking and mental agility. Many experienced gamers assert long playing sessions have improved their critical thinking and strategy-making ability. Their ability to predict things in other games like cards has enhanced, and they adapt more easily to an unpredictable environment. The permissible gameplay has a different impact on players depending on their age. In a nutshell, there is no thumb rule for healthy gameplay that applies universally to players. A gamer must be aware of how gaming is affecting other aspects of life in the short and long term. Games are designed to be immersive, but it is critical to ensure it does not restrict the players in the gaming arena.
