Association of Video Gaming With Cognitive Performance Among Children

LiveMore ScreenLess’ Summary:

While most research has linked video gaming to subsequent increases in aggressive behavior in children, findings have been divided with respect to video gaming’s association with cognitive skills. What is the association between video gaming and cognition in children?

The results of this study of 2217 children showed enhanced cognitive performance in children who played video games versus those who did not. Findings suggest that video gaming may be associated with improved cognitive abilities involving response inhibition, working memory, and with alterations in underlying brain pathways.

Participants completed a self-reported screen time survey including an item asking children to report the time specifically spent on video gaming. Additionally blood oxygen levels and MRI measuring brain activity were documented. Key regions of the cortex responsible for complex functions such as visual, attention, memory, integration of information, and reactions were found to increase in activity in gamers.  

In contrast to the negative associations with mental health, video gaming has been proposed to enhance cognitive flexibility by providing skills that can be transferred to various cognitive tasks relevant for everyday life. 

Bader Chaarani, PhD; Joseph Ortigara, MS; DeKang Yuan, MS; Hannah Loso, PhD; Alexandra Potter, PhD; Hugh P. Garavan, PhD. Association of Video Gaming With Cognitive Performance Among Children. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(10):e2235721.