Ready, Player One: How Video Games Affect Your Brain and Behavior

In 1971, the first commercially sold coin-operated video game opened the gates for the era of gaming as we know it. From those early days of “Computer Space”, video games have grown into a $74 billion dollar market worldwide. The wide appeal of video games has not been without controversy. Like rock’n’roll in the 1950s, video games have been the objects of opposition from parent and religious groups, as well as politicians. Join us for an evening that will address some of the questions raised by the growing consumer demand for more video games. What effects do violent games have on behavior? Is there such a thing as video game “addiction,” and if so, is it curable? How can playing video games actually benefit your brain? Presenters: Craig Anderson, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychology, Iowa State University; Chandramallika Basak, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas; Hilarie Cash, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer, reSTART Life.This event was part of the Neuroscience and Society series, supported by AAAS and the Dana Foundation. See also related story