If you game a lot, chances are your brain rewards you more than most people, especially when playing the games.
Apparently the parts of the brain that deal with rewards systems have different structures and activity levels. Does that mean they’re evolving??
Nope, it means that they’re more easily addicted to stimuli, especially games:
“These findings demonstrate that the ventral striatum plays a significant role in excessive video-game playing and contributes to our understanding of behavioral addiction.”
So what causes what? Does the frequent gameplay cause this, or does that special area of the brain cause frequent game play?
“The burning question…is whether the structural difference is a change caused by the frequent game play, or whether individual differences in this system naturally dispose some people to more excessive play. For teenagers, parents, and clinicians to make sense of this finding, we need research monitoring brain structure over time.”
Hmm, looks like we’ll have to wait to find out!
Though, we’re also sure that you could make the argument that they play them a lot because, “they’re totally freaking rad.”
Right?? Right!
[Image via AP Images.]
