University study suggests prolonged gaming may reduce attention (or vice-versa)

Researchers from the University of Iowa conducted a study to analyze the relation between gaming for prolonged periods of time and attention levels when performing certain tasks.

The study involved 51 males ages 18 to 33. Half of the participants declared playing more than 40 hours a week and the other half said that they only play a couple of hours a week. All of the subjects took a Stroop test where they were asked to identify the color of words being displayed while their brain activity was measured. Sometimes the words matched their color (for example, the word “yellow” printed or displayed in yellow) and sometimes they didn’t (“yellow” printed in blue).

The results indicated that the group that played games more than 40 hours a week had significantly less proactive attention – the kind used in anticipation of events – while reactive attention – the kind triggered by an event – was similar in both groups.

Although the test revealed a correlation, researchers are not if the subjects have a propensity to play for longer periods of time due to this attention deficiency or if it is caused by playing for longer periods of time.

Sadly, this study will cause some people to blame video games right away and again label them as the cause of all evil even though other studies like this have indicated otherwise, but clearly further study is needed in these matters.

I’m sure I’ve played more than 40 hours some weeks and I’ve never seen any change in my attention when performing a task, none change whatsoever in… huh? What? Megan Fox!?

Read [CNET] Also read [UPI]