Learning, Attentional Control, and Action Video Games

This review explores how playing action video games (AVGs) impacts cognitive functions, particularly attentional control and learning to learn. AVGs improve selective attention in space, time, and objects, enhancing players' abilities to focus on relevant stimuli and ignore distractions. Unlike many cognitive-training methods that provide benefits limited to specific tasks, AVGs foster broader skill transfer by improving the capacity to adapt and learn new tasks. Benefits include enhanced multitasking, task-switching, and probabilistic reasoning. These findings suggest that AVGs may serve as tools for cognitive enhancement and rehabilitation, though effects depend on task relevance and game features like challenge and feedback.

Incorporate action video games into your routine to enhance attentional control, multitasking, and adaptability. AVGs promote "learning to learn," making it easier to acquire new skills. Focus on games with complex tasks requiring rapid decision-making. However, moderation is key, as long-term and generalized cognitive benefits require further validation. Balance gaming with diverse activities like exercise, social interaction, and reading for comprehensive brain health.