Single Video Game Sessions Boost Cognitive Function in College Students
Nov 18, 2025
1 min read
New research shows that even one session of cognitively engaging video games can sharpen the mind.
A study of 43 college students found that those who played a single round of a video game showed: Faster reaction times Higher accuracy Better decision-making performance
Brain imaging (fNIRS) also revealed increased activation in key areas of the prefrontal cortex—including the orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—regions tied to reflection, processing speed, and higher-level decision-making. Meanwhile, students who didn’t play saw declines in these same areas.
The takeaway: A short, engaging gaming session may give the brain a measurable cognitive boost—enhancing speed, accuracy, and mental efficiency.
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