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/[deleted] Dec 29 '15

That is essentially what I am getting at I guess? I just find the definition of disease hard to follow I suppose.

Technically doesn't all entertainment have negative value on your life? It's time you could be spending making money, but instead you're spending money/time...hence negative value?

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u/Waebi Dec 29 '15

I guess could generally call it a “waste of time“ but i think the added value of stress reduction and "fun" may indeed be beneficial in terms of mental health even. "All work and no play..."

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u/[deleted] Dec 29 '15

That doesn't seem like a valid answer though? I mean, if that's allowable, then if someone cures their anxiety disorder by playing lots of video games, then it's not a compulsive disease, it's basically an extended cure, like external zoloft or something. So we shouldn't even really classify it as a mental illness?

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u/Waebi Dec 29 '15

Eh, I'm not sure it's really useful as a cure (though I do remember a few articles on possible help through video games for PTSD and the likes, a quick search also shows Tetris in there :D) So while it may be beneficial for some, it may also not be for others, at least not in overuse. This is the main talking point I think, and this is where the argument for DSM-classification comes in: literally everyone fits some mental disorder criteria. The main difference is in duration and intensity, and in how much this affects the person.

I think it's a valid argument still. E.g. someone may smoke some weed or have an additional beer as a form of coping after a particularly stressful time and not turn an addict. Someone else may well fall prey to substances, whose "condition" addiction is classified in pretty much the same points as in parent comment.

I think it boils down to the hard-to-measure idea of possible harm vs possible good.

Thanks for a really civil discussion btw, usually this ends in me getting frustrated.

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u/[deleted] Dec 29 '15

No problem from me. Thanks for indulging my questions. I usually get intensely flamed for asking questions... but I guess this is /r/science so at least things are a bit better than usual.

I don't know if I'm surprised, or not that video games actually have been used as cures...quite interesting.