Consider an example of the human brain application functioning; while playing video games. Video games are a popular form of media which requires input to progress normally. On the surface, it seems ridiculous to think video games may have a mental benefit. It can often include repetitions of the same goal or pattern, which is one of many potential criticisms. It also requires little physical involvement akin to television. Some go as far to say one resembles a “zombie pushing buttons.” The irony is underneath the static exterior is a brain teeming with activity, demonstrated in various functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments.
This activity can be explained by what the brain is analyzing during a video game. Consider a typical first person shooter; it is almost guaranteed to include the following information (which is mathematically analogous to various functions in physics): location in an three dimensional coordinate system, velocity and arc of a weapon’s trajectory, locations of enemies and teammates, time remaining to finish objectives, resources available to achieve objectives, and many potential others. Suddenly one can notice that how one chooses to play can vary immensely and each round is unique to every other despite massive homogeneity within the game physics. The secret ingredient to this is human input. When playing against other human beings, each individual’s actions mesh with the rest of the team to create a multivariable team strategy. This strategy varies in terms of aggressiveness, density of players, and of course skill level. Thus two teams playing against each other is representative of two multivariable and continuously dynamic scaffolds overlapping each other and ending in the binary result of win or loss. This video game phenomenon, where millions of people either cooperate or compete with each other, brings to mind the Roman philosopher Plutarch’s book Parallel Lives. Plutarch describes how people of vastly different backgrounds face very similar obstacles in life and either fail or succeed. Video games represent a modern incarnation of his idea, but rather than cunning or wisdom determining the victor, it is foresight, hand-eye coordination, and reaction times.
