Why are video games so addictive? Effects of video gaming on the brain.

People often wonder why video games are so addictive. Some argue that they are not addictive at all and have no effect on the brain. To be sure, gaming addiction and gaming disorder are controversial topics. That's why researchers are studying gaming, the brain, and addiction. They found that people can actually become addicted to video games and that the effects of video gaming on the brain are significant. They also learn why video games are so addictive.

Thanks to functional imaging studies, scientists can see that gaming affects the brain in a similarly, way as substance addictions. When someone addicted to gaming sees images related to the video games they play, the same areas of the brain are activated as people addicted to substances and experiencing cravings.

Although video games can be addictive and can negatively affect lives, it is important to note that these games are not all bad. Like everything in life, gaming is all or nothing, only good or bad. The effects of gaming on the brain are significant and varied. Some effects are positive and some are negative. Video game effects on the brain provide clues as to why video games are addictive.

Effects of video gaming on the brain

Playing video games enhances the brain and its ability to think, reason and problem solve. Many video games are complex and become more difficult as the player progresses. Some involve interaction with others in cooperation toward a goal.

Video gaming has direct effects on the physical brain. "Gaming," asserts Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of books and articles on topics such as developmental and educational psychology, "may increase the volume of the right hippocampus and cortex involved in executive functioning, including the ability to solve problems and make rational decisions."

In addition to sharpening executive function, the positive effects of gaming on the brain include:

Strengthening the visual activity centers of the brain

Increased attention span

Improved spatial memory

Better hand-eye coordination

Improved ability to process information faster and select a response

Increased mental flexibility

Clearly, gaming has brain benefits. Unfortunately, there are also drawbacks, including the addictive and negative effects of gaming on the brain. Looking at these negative effects provides insight into why people can become addicted to gaming.

Why are video games so addictive?

Despite the positive aspects of gaming, video games can cause problems for the brain. This is because of the way addiction works in the brain (Am I addicted to video games, gaming?).

Video gaming has direct effects on the physical brain. "Gaming," says Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of books and articles on topics such as developmental and educational psychology, "may increase the size of the right hippocampus and cortex involved in executive functioning, including the ability to solve problems and make rational decisions."