🎮 Video games and children’s intelligence: What do recent studies reveal?
For many years, video games have been viewed by numerous parents and educators as having a negative impact on children’s development. However, new international research partly contradicts this belief, highlighting a potential correlation between the time spent playing video games and the increase in intelligence among children.
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports indicates that video games may contribute to the cognitive skill development of younger generations – a finding that challenges the notion that all forms of screen time are harmful.
📊 The Study: Data, methodology, and conclusions
The research team from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden analyzed the data of nearly 10,000 American children aged 9 to 10 years, as part of the longitudinal ABCD (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development) project. The children were monitored over a period of two years, tracking their daily digital activities – including time spent watching television, using social media, or playing video games.
On average, children reported:
– 2.5 hours/day for television or online videos;
– 1 hour/day dedicated to video games;
– 30 minutes/day spent on social media.
At the end of the two years, the researchers examined the cognitive progress of a sample of over 5,000 children from the study and found that those who played video games more than the average experienced an average IQ increase of 2.5 points compared to their counterparts.
📈 What does this IQ increase imply?
The tests assessed several cognitive functions, including:
– reading comprehension;
– visual-spatial processing;
– working memory;
– self-control;
– cognitive flexibility.
This small yet significant difference suggests that active brain engagement during video gaming – especially those that involve strategy, decision-making, or quick responses – may beneficially train certain cognitive areas.
📱 What about other forms of “screen time”?
In contrast to video games, passive screen usage – such as watching television and social media – showed no significant correlation with the development or regression of children’s cognitive abilities.
The researchers’ conclusion? Not all screen time is created equal. Interactive digital activities – like video games – can provide a real cognitive boost, compared to passive activities like consuming video content or social media.
🧬 What sets this study apart from previous research?
The study published in Scientific Reports is valuable because it controlled for significant influences such as:
– genetic predispositions (using genetic data from the children);
– socio-economic environment;
– familial and educational influences.
This rigorous approach reduces the risk of confusing cause and effect, a common issue in studies regarding child development and technology usage.
🧠 Why is this type of research important?
“Digital media defines modern childhood, but its cognitive effects are unclear and heavily debated,” say the study’s authors. Research of this nature can help shift perspectives on digital technology – from being seen as a presumed enemy of cognitive development to a potential ally when used appropriately.
Additionally, the study supports the notion that intelligence is not a fixed and stable trait but one that can be developed through dynamic, stimulating practices – such as video games.
🌐 What’s next?
Although the results are promising, the author
