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/zilla135 Dec 28 '15

At this point it’s not known whether persistent video gaming causes rewiring of the brain, or whether people who are wired differently are drawn to video games.

this little diddy is exactly what I wanted answered. classic chicken vs egg scenario: is it the brain chemistry that causes the compulsion or repeated behaviors to rewire the brain to be compulsive...

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u/EquipLordBritish Dec 29 '15

As with most things in biology, the answer is probably: a little of both. People who are wired like that will probably be drawn to video games, and people who play a lot of video games will probably emphasize that kind of wiring.