The Cognition-Impairing Effect of Video Games in Adolescents
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Published
Mar 25, 2024
Abstract
The use of video games among adolescents has become a prevalent form of entertainment and leisure activity in today’s digital age. However, the impact of extensive video game exposure on the cognitive development of young individuals is a topic of growing concern. Understanding how video games affect various aspects of cognition, such as attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and academic performance, is crucial for educators, parents, and healthcare professionals. This review delves into the cognition-impairing effects of video games in adolescents, exploring the research findings, challenges, and potential strategies to mitigate the negative consequences on cognitive function.
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Keywords
Video Games, Adolescents, Cognition Dysfunction, Game Exposure, Performance
References
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8. Emihovich B, Roque N, Mason J. Can video gameplay improve undergraduates’ problem-solving skills? Int J Game Based Learn 2020; 10(2):21-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/ijgbl.2020040102
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14. Chan PA, Rabinowitz T. A cross-sectional analysis of video games and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in adolescents. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2006; 5:16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-5-16
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19. Alrahili N, Alreefi M, Alkhonain IM, Aldakhilallah M, Alothaim J, Alzahrani A, Alshargi A, Baabbad N. The prevalence of video game addiction and its relation to anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Cureus 2023; 15(8):e42957. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42957
20. Craik FI. Effects of distraction on memory and cognition: A commentary. Front Psychol 2014; 5:841. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00841
21. Jafari MJ, Khosrowabadi R, Khodakarim S, Mohammadian F. The effect of noise exposure on cognitive performance and brain activity patterns. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7(17):2924-2931. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.742
22. Khorsandi A, Li L. A multi-analysis of children and adolescents’ video gaming addiction with the AHP and TOPSIS methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19(15):9680. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159680
23. West GL, Zendel BR, Konishi K, Benady-Chorney J, Bohbot VD, Peretz I, Belleville S. Playing Super Mario 64 increases hippocampal grey matter in older adults. PLoS One 2017; 12(12):e0187779. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187779
24. West GL, Konishi K, Diarra M, Benady-Chorney J, Drisdelle BL, Dahmani L, Sodums DJ, Lepore F, Jolicoeur P, Bohbot VD. Impact of video games on plasticity of the hippocampus. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23(7):1566-1574. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/mp.2017.155
25. Lawrenson JG, Hull CC, Downie LE. The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: A systematic review of the literature. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2017; 37(6):644-654. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12406
26. Green CS, Bavelier D. Effect of action video games on the spatial distribution of visuospatial attention. J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 2006; 32(6):1465-1478. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.32.6.1465
27. Kühn S, Gallinat J, Mascherek A. Effects of computer gaming on cognition, brain structure, and function: A critical reflection on existing literature. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2019; 21(3):319-330. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2019.21.3/skuehn
28. Matthews BR. Memory dysfunction. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2015; 21(3 Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry):613-626. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/01.CON.0000466656.59413.29
29. West R, Swing EL, Anderson CA, Prot S. The contrasting effects of an action video game on visuo-spatial processing and proactive cognitive control. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17(14):5160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145160
30. Blacker KJ, Curby KM, Klobusicky E, Chein JM. Effects of action video game training on visual working memory. J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 2014; 40(5):1992-2004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037556
31. Toril P, Reales JM, Mayas J, Ballesteros S. Video game training enhances visuospatial working memory and episodic memory in older adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00206
32. Kuss DJ. Internet gaming addiction: Current perspectives. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2013; 6:125-137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S39476
33. Blacker KJ, Curby KM. Enhanced visual short-term memory in action video game players. Atten Percept Psychophys 2013; 75(6):1128-1136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13414-013-0487-0
34. Shanmugasundaram M, Tamilarasu A. The impact of digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on cognitive functions: A review. Front Cognit 2023; 2:1203077. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcogn.2023.1203077
35. T’ng ST, Ho KH, Pau K. Need frustration, gaming motives, and internet gaming disorder in mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games: Through the lens of self-determination theory. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2022; 2022:1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00825-x
36. Ream GL, Elliott LC, Dunlap E. A genre-specific investigation of video game engagement and problem play in the early life course. J Addict Res Ther 2013; 6:8.
37. Faber LG, Maurits NM, Lorist MM. Mental fatigue affects visual selective attention. PLoS One 2012; 7(10):e48073. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0048073
38. Ufholz KE, Flack KD, Roemmich JN. The influence of active video game play upon physical activity and screen-based activities in sedentary children. PLoS One 2022; 17(6):e0269057. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269057
39. Nagata JM, Singh G, Sajjad OM, Ganson KT, Testa A, Jackson DB, Assari S, Murray SB, Bibbins-Domingo K, Baker FC. Social epidemiology of early adolescent problematic screen use in the United States. Pediatr Res 2022; 92(5):1443-1449. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-022-02176-8
40. Peracchia S, Curcio G. Exposure to video games: Effects on sleep and on post-sleep cognitive abilities. A systematic review of experimental evidences. Sleep Sci 2018; 11(4):302-314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20180046
41. McLeod JD, Uemura R, Rohrman S. Adolescent mental health, behavior problems, and academic achievement. J Health Soc Behav 2012; 53(4):482-497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146512462888
42. Sun RQ, Sun GF, Ye JH. The effects of online game addiction on reduced academic achievement motivation among Chinese college students: The mediating role of learning engagement. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1185353. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185353
43. Breslau J, Miller E, Breslau N, Bohnert K, Lucia V, Schweitzer J. The impact of early behavior disturbances on academic achievement in high school. Pediatrics 2009; 123(6):1472-1476. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2008-1406
2. Kim YJ, Lee CS, Kang SW. Increased adolescent game usage and health-related risk behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Psychol 2023; 3:1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04466-8
3. Smirni D, Garufo E, Di Falco L, Lavanco G. The playing brain. The impact of video games on cognition and behavior in pediatric age at the time of lockdown: A systematic review. Pediatr Rep 2021; 13(3):401-415. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric13030047
4. Mohammad S, Jan RA, Alsaedi SL. Symptoms, mechanisms, and treatments of video game addiction. Cureus 2023; 15(3):e36957. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36957
5. Silvani MI, Werder R, Perret C. The influence of blue light on sleep, performance and wellbeing in young adults: A systematic review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:943108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.943108
6. Dye MW, Green CS, Bavelier D. Increasing speed of processing with action video games. Curr Dir Psychol Sci 2009; 18(6):321-326. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01660.x
7. Holm SK, Häikiö T, Olli K, Kaakinen JK. Eye movements during dynamic scene viewing are affected by visual attention skills and events of the scene: Evidence from first-person shooter gameplay videos. J Eye Mov Res 2021; 14(2):10.16910/jemr.14.2.3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16910/jemr.14.2.3
8. Emihovich B, Roque N, Mason J. Can video gameplay improve undergraduates’ problem-solving skills? Int J Game Based Learn 2020; 10(2):21-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/ijgbl.2020040102
9. Martinez L, Gimenes M, Lambert E. Video games and board games: Effects of playing practice on cognition. PLoS One. 2023; 18(3):e0283654. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283654
10. Bocci F, Ferrari A, Sarini M. Putting the gaming experience at the center of the therapy-The Video Game Therapy® approach. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11(12):1767. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121767
11. Latham AJ, Patston LL, Tippett LJ. The virtual brain: 30 years of video-game play and cognitive abilities. Front Psychol 2013; 4:629. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00629
12. Cardoso-Leite P, Buchard A, Tissieres I, Mussack D, Bavelier D. Media use, attention, mental health and academic performance among 8 to 12 year old children. PLoS One 2021; 16(11):e0259163. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259163
13. Alsaad F, Binkhamis L, Alsalman A, Alabdulqader N, Alamer M, Abualait T, Khalil MS, Al Ghamdi KS. Impact of action video gaming behavior on attention, anxiety, and sleep among university students. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:151-160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S347694
14. Chan PA, Rabinowitz T. A cross-sectional analysis of video games and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in adolescents. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2006; 5:16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-5-16
15. Aliyari H, Sahraei H, Daliri MR, Minaei-Bidgoli B, Kazemi M, Agaei H, Sahraei M, Hosseini SMAS, Hadipour MM, Mohammadi M, Dehghanimohammadabadi Z. The beneficial or harmful effects of computer game stress on cognitive functions of players. Basic Clin Neurosci 2018; 9(3):177-186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29252/nirp.bcn.9.3.177
16. Masi L, Abadie P, Herba C, Emond M, Gingras MP, Amor LB. Video games in ADHD and non-ADHD children: Modalities of use and association with ADHD symptoms. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:632272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.632272
17. Sújar A, Martín-Moratinos M, Rodrigo-Yanguas M, Bella-Fernández M, González-Tardón C, Delgado-Gómez D, Blasco-Fontecilla H. Developing serious video games to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Tutorial guide. JMIR Serious Games 2022; 10(3):e33884. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/33884
18. Doi S, Isumi A, Fujiwara T. Association between adverse childhood experiences and time spent playing video games in adolescents: Results from A-CHILD study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18(19):10377. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910377
19. Alrahili N, Alreefi M, Alkhonain IM, Aldakhilallah M, Alothaim J, Alzahrani A, Alshargi A, Baabbad N. The prevalence of video game addiction and its relation to anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Cureus 2023; 15(8):e42957. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42957
20. Craik FI. Effects of distraction on memory and cognition: A commentary. Front Psychol 2014; 5:841. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00841
21. Jafari MJ, Khosrowabadi R, Khodakarim S, Mohammadian F. The effect of noise exposure on cognitive performance and brain activity patterns. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7(17):2924-2931. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.742
22. Khorsandi A, Li L. A multi-analysis of children and adolescents’ video gaming addiction with the AHP and TOPSIS methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19(15):9680. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159680
23. West GL, Zendel BR, Konishi K, Benady-Chorney J, Bohbot VD, Peretz I, Belleville S. Playing Super Mario 64 increases hippocampal grey matter in older adults. PLoS One 2017; 12(12):e0187779. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187779
24. West GL, Konishi K, Diarra M, Benady-Chorney J, Drisdelle BL, Dahmani L, Sodums DJ, Lepore F, Jolicoeur P, Bohbot VD. Impact of video games on plasticity of the hippocampus. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23(7):1566-1574. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/mp.2017.155
25. Lawrenson JG, Hull CC, Downie LE. The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: A systematic review of the literature. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2017; 37(6):644-654. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12406
26. Green CS, Bavelier D. Effect of action video games on the spatial distribution of visuospatial attention. J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 2006; 32(6):1465-1478. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.32.6.1465
27. Kühn S, Gallinat J, Mascherek A. Effects of computer gaming on cognition, brain structure, and function: A critical reflection on existing literature. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2019; 21(3):319-330. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2019.21.3/skuehn
28. Matthews BR. Memory dysfunction. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2015; 21(3 Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry):613-626. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/01.CON.0000466656.59413.29
29. West R, Swing EL, Anderson CA, Prot S. The contrasting effects of an action video game on visuo-spatial processing and proactive cognitive control. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17(14):5160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145160
30. Blacker KJ, Curby KM, Klobusicky E, Chein JM. Effects of action video game training on visual working memory. J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 2014; 40(5):1992-2004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037556
31. Toril P, Reales JM, Mayas J, Ballesteros S. Video game training enhances visuospatial working memory and episodic memory in older adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00206
32. Kuss DJ. Internet gaming addiction: Current perspectives. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2013; 6:125-137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S39476
33. Blacker KJ, Curby KM. Enhanced visual short-term memory in action video game players. Atten Percept Psychophys 2013; 75(6):1128-1136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13414-013-0487-0
34. Shanmugasundaram M, Tamilarasu A. The impact of digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on cognitive functions: A review. Front Cognit 2023; 2:1203077. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcogn.2023.1203077
35. T’ng ST, Ho KH, Pau K. Need frustration, gaming motives, and internet gaming disorder in mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games: Through the lens of self-determination theory. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2022; 2022:1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00825-x
36. Ream GL, Elliott LC, Dunlap E. A genre-specific investigation of video game engagement and problem play in the early life course. J Addict Res Ther 2013; 6:8.
37. Faber LG, Maurits NM, Lorist MM. Mental fatigue affects visual selective attention. PLoS One 2012; 7(10):e48073. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0048073
38. Ufholz KE, Flack KD, Roemmich JN. The influence of active video game play upon physical activity and screen-based activities in sedentary children. PLoS One 2022; 17(6):e0269057. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269057
39. Nagata JM, Singh G, Sajjad OM, Ganson KT, Testa A, Jackson DB, Assari S, Murray SB, Bibbins-Domingo K, Baker FC. Social epidemiology of early adolescent problematic screen use in the United States. Pediatr Res 2022; 92(5):1443-1449. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-022-02176-8
40. Peracchia S, Curcio G. Exposure to video games: Effects on sleep and on post-sleep cognitive abilities. A systematic review of experimental evidences. Sleep Sci 2018; 11(4):302-314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20180046
41. McLeod JD, Uemura R, Rohrman S. Adolescent mental health, behavior problems, and academic achievement. J Health Soc Behav 2012; 53(4):482-497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146512462888
42. Sun RQ, Sun GF, Ye JH. The effects of online game addiction on reduced academic achievement motivation among Chinese college students: The mediating role of learning engagement. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1185353. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185353
43. Breslau J, Miller E, Breslau N, Bohnert K, Lucia V, Schweitzer J. The impact of early behavior disturbances on academic achievement in high school. Pediatrics 2009; 123(6):1472-1476. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2008-1406
How to Cite
Virgilio, R. de L. Ángeles. (2024). The Cognition-Impairing Effect of Video Games in Adolescents. Science Insights, 44(3), 1283–1289. https://doi.org/10.15354/si.24.re935
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