The idea that "games are bad for the brain" is outdated? Surprising truths revealed by research showing "brain rejuvenation"

Time to Update "Games Are Bad for the Brain"

“Game brain” and “brain rot”—these terms have been widespread for quite some time. However, on December 21, 2025, The Washington Post summarized research trends suggesting that **"video games may enhance cognitive functions"** and reported that "the key is what and how much you play." The Peninsula Newspaper

In conclusion, games are not a panacea. However, if used wisely, they can provide a different form of "cognitive load" for our brains, distinct from crosswords or brain training apps—this is the emerging blueprint.

The Weakness of Brain Training: "Getting Better Doesn't Help in Other Situations"

The article repeatedly touches on what is known as the "curse of specificity."
Practicing a specific task makes one faster and more accurate at it. However, even a slight variation in the task makes it difficult for the effects to transfer to other abilities. For example, chess experts can remember many pieces in actual game positions, but the difference with beginners narrows in random positions. The Peninsula Newspaper

"Even though I do brain training every day, I feel like my work organization isn't improving"—this frustration can surprisingly be explained by this structure.

Strategy Games Demonstrating "Efficient Brain"—StarCraft II Research

So, what makes games different? One aspect highlighted in The Washington Post article is research on players of the RTS (real-time strategy) game 'StarCraft II.' Comparing experts and non-players, it was suggested that information processing might proceed more efficiently in networks involving areas related to attention and executive functions. The Peninsula Newspaper

The key point here is that games are designed to "process complex situations with a time limit." Resource management, controlling multiple units, estimating the opponent's intentions, risk calculation... these are all handled simultaneously. For the brain, this tends to be a "load closer to reality" than brain training that repeats a single skill.

What Does "Younger Brain Age" Mean?—Understanding "Brain Appearance Age" Research

The article also touches on research showing the relationship between creative activities (dance, music, art, strategy games, etc.) and "brain appearance age." It suggests that game experts are estimated to "look younger" by a few years on average, and even non-gamers showed changes after a short-term intervention of playing **'StarCraft II' for a total of 30 hours (3-4 weeks).** The Peninsula Newspaper

However, one should not misunderstand. This is not about "rejuvenating and achieving immortality through games!" It is a story where the "model age" estimated based on brain activity and network indicators statistically appeared younger, and there is still much room to explore regarding the magnitude and sustainability of health effects and which games work for whom. The Peninsula Newspaper

Do Action Games Train "Learning How to Learn"?—The Learning to Learn Hypothesis

Another important point in the article is the argument that action games (mainly FPS/TPS) can train visual attention and response selection, which may spread to broader abilities. The Peninsula Newspaper

As a representative example supporting this, a study in the academic journal Communications Biology indicates that the action game training group showed increased learning speed in untrained new tasks (perception, working memory), suggesting a strengthening of "learning to learn." Nature

In short, action games may serve as practice for "discarding information that should be overlooked and quickly picking up necessary information," which might be effective in acquiring new tasks.

"So, What Should You Play?"—A Practical Guide from the Article

The Washington Post emphasizes that "type" and "frequency" are crucial if aiming for effects.

• Typical action examples include 'Call of Duty,' 'Halo,' 'Quake'

• Options that are "not overly gory" include 'Fortnite,' 'Overwatch,' 'Splatoon' The Peninsula Newspaper
  Additionally, "trying new games" is also recommended. Once you get used to it and it becomes easier, the load decreases, and the growth potential diminishes. While being told to "switch to a different title" during the most enjoyable period of improvement might seem harsh, the suggestion that this "troublesome and difficult" is effective for the brain is striking. The Peninsula Newspaper

However, the biggest caution is "overdoing it."

This is the most important point. The article states that "it cannot be said that playing for hours and hours is good," and mentions that many studies involve sessions of about 30 minutes to an hour. The Peninsula Newspaper

Furthermore, the WHO defines "Gaming disorder" in ICD-11, explaining that patterns such as ① difficulty controlling gaming ② prioritizing gaming over other activities ③ continuing gaming despite negative consequences can become problematic when they cause significant disruption to life. World Health Organization

The discussion about "might be good for the brain" should not be used as a justification for addiction, sleep deprivation, or lack of exercise. Rather, it should be read as material to check whether "balance is maintained."

Reactions on Social Media: Praise and Caution are Roughly Half and Half

This time, many reactions to the article itself could not be identified on major social media platforms (due to search and viewing restrictions), sothe reactions were organized around public posts close to the article's topics (cognitive benefits/addiction risks).

1) "Games Are a Lifeline" Group: Games as a Mental Refuge

On Reddit, there are posts from individuals with PTSD or depression saying "games have been a support in life," showing a reality that cannot be simply dismissed as "bad." Reddit

2) "Addiction is Real" Group: Concerns that Benefit Arguments Seem to "Downplay" the Issue

On the other hand, there are posts strongly highlighting the problem of gaming addiction as a behavioral addiction, pointing out that "both the individual and those around them can easily deny it." Reddit

3) "Opposition to WHO's Disease Recognition" Group: Caution Against Stigmatization

There is also a strong community reaction perceiving WHO's actions as "fostering prejudice against gaming culture" and strongly opposing it. Reddit

4) "Ordinary Games Over Brain Training Apps" Group: Intuition and Experience

There are threads expressing skepticism towards brain training services (which tend to be heavily advertised) and sharing the experiential rule that "ordinary games are cognitively more multifaceted." Reddit

5) Summary: Extremes Tend to Thrive on Social Media. Therefore, the Article's "How You Play Matters Most" Resonates

On social media, "games are the best!" and "games are poison!" tend to clash. However, the compromise presented by The Washington Post article lies in between these extremes.

• Games that impose a cognitive loadin

• short to medium sessions

• without disrupting the foundation of life (sleep, exercise, social interactions)
  Under these conditions, games can become "active brain exercises" rather than "passive consumption." The Peninsula Newspaper
  
  

"Cognitive Boost" Gaming Habits You Can Start Today (Safe Practices)

• Sessions should be 30-60 minutes: If it seems like it will become prolonged, set an alarm "outside the game" (to break the chain of inertia). The Peninsula Newspaper

• Don't Overplay the Same Game: Once accustomed, switch to new rules or new operations (update the load). The Peninsula Newspaper

• Mix Genres: Reduce bias with strategy (planning) × action (attention) × cooperation (sociality). The Peninsula Newspaper

• Judge by Whether "Life is Intact": If sleep, school/work, or social interactions are disrupted, it's a warning signal before any benefits. World Health Organization