Overview

My topic for my research paper is video games and the negative effects on the brain. Many people today play video games, but are unaware of its negative effects. Or, even if they are, they still play anyway. This could be because, that although videogames do have negative effects on the brain, it also has positive effects, accordingly.

A prominent negative effect that video games has on the brain would be how it would re-wire someone's brain. When playing video games, the brain is constantly being forced to react to situations. It is not given enough time to think, and to plan. Some people say that video games are good strategy builders. Well, in reality, they are not. Since, in video games, the person playing needs to constantly be reacting, they do not have time to form strategy. They only are able to see what works and does not so they can progress in the game.

Another problem with video games, is that they decrease a person's ability to concentrate. Some people would say this is unfounded, however, studies do show, that when someone plays video games for extended periods of time, it actually re-wires the brain, as stated above. This re-wiring causes the brain to be in a mode where it can only function well in react-type situations. Look at police officers, for example. They are trained to just react to situations, not think. Video games, do the same think. Thus, a person who plays video games excessively, will have difficultly concentrating for extended periods of time, and (I believe) is the root of where ADD/ADHD comes from. Video gamers would say, "Well, everyone has ADD." This statement is true, but it is because virtually everyone in America plays video games. As I continue my research process, I will look more into this and come to a conclusion.