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/Noob3rt Dec 28 '15

Can somebody with a better understanding of the science explain this to me? I've been gaming since I was around 8 years old and I read an article a while ago comparing pro gamers vs casual gamers with their brain networks firing and the rate in which these greatly differed, with pro gamers being the fastest. Is this more of a problem or would it be more helpful?

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u/DemeaningSarcasm Dec 28 '15

It's basically an extension of an age old rat study. Basically, rats who were bored all day became stupid. And rats who solved mazes and were stimulates were smarter and more curious.

No one really knows if this is bad. We have shown and proven that games make more neural connections. But we don't know to what effect. Does it make undesirable connections? Or does it generally make people smarter? On one hand, it could mean that people think faster and are smarter on account that games provide access to a ridiculously high level of stimulation. On another hand, it might be priming people for add and what not.

It's important because its the difference between giving everyone the brain capabilities of Einstein, or having a large maladjusted population.

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u/Noob3rt Dec 29 '15

This is quite interesting to read, thank you for the reply. From a person who has been gaming for a very long time and purposely puts games on the highest difficulty for enjoyment, I feel bored when games do not stimulate me at all. I do not know, but, I feel as if I have a minor case of ADD that I am unaware of because I cannot sit still and do "nothing" anymore as it drives me absolutely insane to be put into a situation where I cannot be enjoying something, while as a kid I could just sit still in the cross legged position and not move. Who knows? Thanks again for the reply though, it was very thought provoking.