Dr. Mathews on “disturbing” effects of videogames

Since we’re feeling quite generous today, we’re giving you a new name to despise: Dr. Vincent Mathews. This guy, you see, recently authored a study about videogames and their “disturbing” effects on the brain. The conclusion of his study can actually be summed up into one provoking sentence:

Teens who play violent video games show increased activity in areas of the brain linked to emotional arousal and decreased responses in regions that govern self-control.

The sample population used for the study included children 13 to 17 years old. One half of them played FPS Medal of Honor: Frontline, while the other half tried racing title Need for Speed: Underground. Afterwards, the children were asked to complete a task requiring concentration and processing of emotional stimuli. 

Their brain activity was scanned then and as Matthews pointed out, “What we showed is there is an increase in emotional arousal. The fight or flight response is activated after playing a violent video game.” Using more scientific terms, the arousal was actually detected in the amygdala region, which control emotional behaviors. Prefrontal portions which deal with control, focus, and concentration appeared passive during gameplay.

Dr. Vincent Mathews is actually a professor of Radiology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He mentions that he hopes to conduct future studies regarding violent vieogames’ long-term effects on brain functions.

Via Reuters

Since we’re feeling quite generous today, we’re giving you a new name to despise: Dr. Vincent Mathews. This guy, you see, recently authored a study about videogames and their “disturbing” effects on the brain. The conclusion of his study can actually be summed up into one provoking sentence:

Teens who play violent video games show increased activity in areas of the brain linked to emotional arousal and decreased responses in regions that govern self-control.

The sample population used for the study included children 13 to 17 years old. One half of them played FPS Medal of Honor: Frontline, while the other half tried racing title Need for Speed: Underground. Afterwards, the children were asked to complete a task requiring concentration and processing of emotional stimuli. 

Their brain activity was scanned then and as Matthews pointed out, “What we showed is there is an increase in emotional arousal. The fight or flight response is activated after playing a violent video game.” Using more scientific terms, the arousal was actually detected in the amygdala region, which control emotional behaviors. Prefrontal portions which deal with control, focus, and concentration appeared passive during gameplay.

Dr. Vincent Mathews is actually a professor of Radiology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He mentions that he hopes to conduct future studies regarding violent vieogames’ long-term effects on brain functions.

Via Reuters