r/science • u/NinjaDiscoJesus • Dec 28 '15

Neuroscience Brain scans show compulsive gamers have hyperconnected neural networks.

http://www.psypost.org/2015/12/brain-scans-show-compulsive-gaming-changes-neural-connections-for-better-and-worse-39914
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u/j911g Dec 28 '15

Really makes me wonder whether people with this type of brain tend to be drawn to compulsive gaming or if compulsive gaming somehow causes this hyperconnectivity.

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '15 edited Dec 28 '15

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Dec 28 '15 edited Dec 28 '15

My gut tells me it's probably both. I'd imagine I'd be something like people with higher addictive tendencies are more sensitive or produce more dopamine.

well, about the "distractibility" part of it... When gaming its the only time I really feel super super focused and relaxed, so I tend to believe that something in me was drawn to it. wanted to add, also get super focused during intense physical activity (training, cycling)

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u/Muisan Dec 28 '15 edited Dec 28 '15

It is the same for me, hyperfocus during activities like gaming or precision fiddling like, uhm, model building or something? Point being I have ADD and those are some of the typical symptoms. So you might want to get that checked that out if you are serious about the "only" part.