Is gaming good for concentration?

What scientific studies support the claim that gaming improves concentration?

“There are a number of experimental studies on this subject, which have demonstrated effects of varying degrees. These depend on previous gaming experience and the game being played. Of course, the duration of use also plays a role (1). Particularly interesting are studies showing that the brain changes as a result of gaming. More specifically, there are effects on the grey matter in the brain. It is not yet entirely clear what this actually means, but this aspect has been well observed in the game Super Mario, for example (2).“

How can parents ensure that children and young people benefit from the positive effects of gaming without experiencing any negative consequences?

“It’s important to pay close attention to the content, not just the amount of time spent playing, and above all to stay in touch with one another. What are they playing, why, and how does it affect my child? It’s best to approach this without a defensive attitude, but with openness and interest. After all, negative consequences often arise from arguments about games rather than from the games themselves. Screen time, age-appropriate games, and whether the child is playing alone or with friends are further important considerations.”

In addition to giving students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the games, the Gaming Lab at the Department of Applied Social Sciences also conducts practice-oriented research. What are the benefits of the lab?

“In the computer games laboratory, which is headed by Dominik Hanakam, students have the opportunity to try out or create games themselves. Students who have had no previous experience with digital games can learn about them and how to evaluate them there. Experienced gamers gain a fresh perspective on games. Students learn how to evaluate computer games from an educational perspective and how they can even be used in everyday teaching practice. We work and conduct research from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on theories from sociology, psychology and medicine to arrive at socio-educational classifications of games.”

1: See Palaus, M.; Viejo-Sobera, R.; Redolar-Ripoll, D. and Marrón, E.M. “Cognitive Enhancement via Neuromodulation and Video Games: Synergistic Effects?”. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00235

2: S. Kühl et al. “Playing Super Mario induces structural brain plasticity: grey matter changes resulting from training with a commercial video game” in Molecular Psychiatry (2014) 19, 265–271 nnn