Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Function

Study Overview

A recent study explores how the navigation strategies employed by players and the genres of video games they select influence the cognitive benefits or drawbacks of gaming. Research indicates that action video game players demonstrate enhancements in visual attention, motor skills, and short-term memory. However, there are concerns regarding potential negative effects on brain function and cognition.

Brain Regions Involved

The hippocampus, a crucial area for spatial and episodic memory, plays a significant role in cognitive health. In contrast, the striatum, particularly the caudate nucleus, functions as a “reward system” and aids in habit formation and routine tasks, such as navigating home or remembering how to ride a bicycle. Notably, gaming engages the caudate nucleus more frequently than the hippocampus, with approximately 85% of players relying on this brain region for navigation.

Research Methodology

Conducted at the University of Montreal and published in Molecular Psychiatry, the study involved nearly 100 participants aged 18 to 30 (51 men and 46 women). To differentiate between spatial learners, who utilize the hippocampus, and response learners, who rely on the caudate nucleus, participants navigated a “4-on-8” virtual maze on a computer. Spatial learners used background landmarks for orientation, while response learners focused on memorizing directional turns.

Gaming Experience and Findings

After identifying the learning strategies, participants played either first-person shooter games (e.g., Call of Duty, Killzone) or 3D-platform games (e.g., Super Mario 64) for a total of 90 hours. Neuroimaging scans compared the brains of regular action game players to non-players. Results revealed significant differences in brain effects based on game genre. Shooter games were associated with hippocampal atrophy, suggesting that increased reliance on the caudate nucleus correlated with diminished use of the hippocampus.

Implications of Findings

This atrophy is concerning, as reduced grey matter in the hippocampus is linked to a higher risk of depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, playing 3D-platform games resulted in increased grey matter, indicating a potential protective effect. The study suggests that encouraging spatial navigation strategies among response learners could help mitigate the adverse effects associated with shooter games.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the complexity of video games’ impact on cognitive function, highlighting that both the navigational approach and game genre can determine whether gaming is beneficial or harmful to the hippocampal system.

Reference

G L West, K Konishi, M Diarra, J Benady-Chorney, B L Drisdelle, L Dahmani, D J Sodums, F Lepore, P Jolicoeur, V D Bohbot. Impact of video games on plasticity of the hippocampus. Molecular Psychiatry, 2017; DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.155

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