Drive-Ride

It has been said that video games affect people in the long-term and that some people may become more aggressive and moody. It has also loosely been associated with obesity and unhealthiness. However, have you ever thought about how it can affect driving and how people perceive driving?

The conscience and cognitive abilities of the brain could directly affect a person’s ability to drive competently. Some studies have shown that there is no effect. However, others say otherwise…

A study performed by Tokyo’s Nihon University showed that the more a person plays video games the less activity there is in the prefrontal cortex of the brain as well as a decrease in the amount of beta waves. What does that mean? The beta waves are directly related to the liveliness of a person. The lack of beta waves has been related with aggression and other angry feelings. Another side effect of video games is the feelings of fear. This would increase the number of times a person's rush of adrenaline is associated with fear.

When thinking about driving ability, people may be less lively and attentive if the beta wave activity was not what it should be. People may not feel the same rush of adrenaline others would feel in a dangerous situation. In a potential crash situation may lack the surge of adrenaline that would be helpful in avoiding it.

Some people may question the validity of these findings…however, have you not seen people act absurdly after losing a video game? People jump, scream, and yell when video games do not go their way. Sometimes they get violent and throw their controller. Is that the action of a rash person? Even a short term mood swing can affect your driving.

Do you believe that video games affect your driving ability or was this just a bunch of scientists crying wolf?

serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1742
image from neuronarrative.files.wordpress.com/2009


More info:
avoid 'Gamer Rage'
video games and aggressive behavior
editorial: video games