Hyperarousal also can be triggered by a release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical that’s released in the brain when we experience success or achievement. Compounded with the sedentary nature of the activity of video games, healthy diet and weight are negatively affected. One consequence is many young children develop a craving for sweets and will snack on them while playing video games. For some, the release of the stress hormone cortisol, associated with the fight-flight response, can lead to chronic stress, which has its own symptoms, such as decreased immune function, irritability, depression and unstable blood sugar levels. Deficits in expression of compassion, creativity and interest in learning also can be impacted. This state of hyperarousal looks different for each individual and can include difficulties with paying attention, managing emotions, controlling impulses, following directions and tolerating frustration. Victoria Dunckley, M.D., in her article “This is Your Child's Brain on Video Games,” reports excessive video game use can lead to children’s brains being revved up in a constant state of hyperarousal, where the fight-flight response that perceives danger is too often triggered by exposure to intense stimulation and violence in a video game. How many of us have cried, laughed or been startled in response to the visual, auditory and emotional circumstances of a movie, whether the situation is a gripping drama, entertaining comedy or a horror? The same can be said for the feeling and experience of a car accident or being the victim of a criminal act - our brains perceive the sensory input and, consequently, our bodies react.
It’s important to understand that our brains react to sensory input whether it’s real or perceived. The action and interaction in video games mimics sensory input that our brains associate with danger. We’re learning through research that our brains, body and relationships can be damaged while on video games and screens. In addition, recent studies have found that excessive video game and screen time interferes with sleep, mood and social learning in children and adolescents. Lower volumes of gray and white matter in some areas of the brain translates to increased difficulties with decision-making, impulse control and emotion regulation.
A 2014 study conducted by Zhejiang Normal University in China found that young adults who were addicted to online gaming showed lower volumes of gray and white brain matter than young adults in the control group who were not addicted to online gaming. Yet, a reason for concern and thoughtful monitoring of screen use remains. The AAP sought to strike a balance between the increasing dependence on technology and what is healthy for young, developing minds. This year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) rolled back some of the strict guidelines for screen time, citing that not all time children spend in front of digital devices is negative. There is much controversy over the effects of screen use and exposure to violence in video games.
In our increasingly digitalized world, where most of us, and even our children, own electronic devices with screens, many parents and adults worry about the impact of screen use for themselves and their children.
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