New Study Reveals Video Games May Enhance Children’s Intelligence

Research Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Video Games and Cognitive Development

Children’s use of digital media is a defining feature of modern childhood, frequently sparking debates about its impact on cognitive development and intelligence. Contrary to concerns that video games might detract from academic or intellectual growth, a significant study published in 2022 offers compelling evidence that video gaming may actually have a positive effect on children’s intelligence.

Evaluating Screen Time: Key Findings from the ABCD Study

An international research team from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden conducted an extensive analysis using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which included nearly 10,000 children in the United States, all aged 9 or 10. According to the findings, participants typically spent 2.5 hours daily watching television or online videos, an hour playing video games, and half an hour engaging in online social interactions.

Over a follow-up period of two years, the researchers re-evaluated more than 5,000 of the original participants to measure changes in intelligence. The results were notable: children who reported spending more time than average playing video games exhibited an increase of 2.5 IQ points, exceeding the typical cognitive gains observed during this developmental period.

Measuring Intelligence and Controlling Variables

The boost in IQ was assessed through standardized tasks focused on reading comprehension, visual-spatial reasoning, memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control—offering a broad measure of intelligence. Importantly, the study rigorously adjusted for key variables, such as genetic factors and socioeconomic backgrounds, helping to minimize the influence of external factors that have muddled previous research in this area.

Interestingly, the analysis found that time spent watching television or engaging with social media platforms did not have any detectable impact, positive or negative, on children’s cognitive abilities. This result adds nuance to discussions around screen time, suggesting that not all forms of digital engagement have the same effects on the developing brain.

Expert Perspectives and Implications for the Future

"Digital media shapes today’s childhood world, but its impact on cognition remains contested," noted the study’s research team in their published findings. They added, "Integrating genetic data into future research could clarify the causal relationships and help untangle the influences of inherited traits."

Neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who contributed to the study, emphasized the significance of the results: "Our findings support the idea that screen time, in general, does not harm children’s cognitive abilities, and that playing video games can in fact provide a modest boost to intelligence."

Previous research on digital media’s effects has produced inconsistent results, often due to small sample sizes or a lack of attention to genetics and socioeconomic status—issues addressed by the rigor of this study. However, the authors acknowledge the need for continued investigation to understand the broader picture, including potential impacts on physical health, emotional well-being, and academic performance.

Broader Significance and Next Steps

While the study focused on a North American cohort and did not differentiate between types of video games, it adds substantial weight to the concept that intelligence is malleable, rather than static. The researchers plan to expand their work to include analysis of other environmental influences and to further explore how these cognitive gains relate to brain development during childhood.

"We did not examine the effects of screen behavior on physical activity, sleep habits, well-being, or academic outcomes, so caution is warranted when generalizing these findings," Klingberg noted. "Ongoing studies will address these gaps and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role digital environments play in development."

Conclusion

The emerging evidence suggests playing video games could modestly enhance children's intellectual skills, challenging commonly held assumptions about the risks of digital media. With rigorous controls for genetics and socioeconomic factors, this landmark study demonstrates that not all screen time is detrimental—and that interactive gaming may offer unique benefits for cognitive development. As digital technology continues to permeate daily life, ongoing research will be vital to establishing recommendations that balance potential cognitive advantages with overall health and wellness in children. This work underscores the importance of nuanced discussions and evidence-based policies regarding screen time in the modern era.