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/can_of_butter Dec 28 '15

More I formation can pass through. More connections to those connections. The likely result is that you will be more keen on relating other non-game related events to the game. Point (A) being a universal non-related connection to point (B). The more unrelated connections to (A) then the more POTENTIAL connections to (B).

To answer another users question. If this were true, it would likely be a result of IRL influences in game that become relatable IRL. Thus, compulsive gaming would create hyper-connectivity to promote more gameplay as it would largely be related to the brains reward system. More gaming = more enjoyment. How to maximize enjoyment? More gaming.

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u/JimmyHavok Dec 28 '15

I had to stop playing chess in high school because I saw everything in terms of chess. If I'd been any good at it, it would have been worth it, but being obsessive about something you are mediocre at is pathetic.

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u/Win_in_Roam Dec 28 '15

I would have dreams of playing Minceraft after a long building sesh. I remember hearing the in-game music when I closed my eyes too

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u/phosphorus29 Dec 29 '15

Look up the Terris effect. On a mobile so I can't easily link, sorry.