In a study of 9,855 children from the USA, published in the journal Nature, children ages 9 to 10 were observed for two years. In the study, besides video games, the effect of watching videos (such as TV, YouTube) and social media activities (such as TikTok, Facebook) on children’s intelligence was measured.
The research team states in the article, “Digital media defines modern childhood, but its cognitive implications are unclear and controversial. “We believe that studies with genetic data can clarify causal claims and correct the typically unexplained role of genetic predispositions.” The article continues: “Our focus here was on the impact of screen time on intelligence: We measured the ability to learn effectively, think logically, understand complex ideas, and adapt to new situations.”
The study returned with results that largely agree with previous studies: Playing video games does not harm intelligence and can actually improve it. “Our most important finding was that playing games positively affected the amount of change in intelligence,” the team said. Children who played more video games aged 9-10 showed the greatest gains in intelligence after two years.”
These results seem consistent with the cognitive benefits documented in experimental studies of video games.
By following children two years later, the team adds that those who played video games longer than average increased their IQ scores by about 2.5 points above the average for their age group.
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