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Interesting article. Not sure that I agree with all of the science but I might be biased.
Gamers who play for hours 'prone to hallucinations'
By Scott Campbell
8:02AM GMT 08 Jan 2014
Gamers who play for hours are prone to hallucinations and seeing distorted versions of reality, according to a new study.
Respondents reported seeing "distorted versions of real world surroundings" and "misinterpreted real life objects" after they had stopped playing. Others said that game menus appear in front of their eyes during conversations.
The study, compiled from responses by 483 forum users, explored the concept of “game transfer phenomena” – experiences where players’ perceptions, cognitions and behaviours are influenced by images seen while gaming.
Among the categories of experience recorded were "multisensorial", for example hearing video game music, and "retinal sensations" when players see "game elements intermittently or episodically in the back of the eyelids".
Some gamers told scientists at Nottingham Trent University’s International Gaming Research Unit that they see "coloured images" and "heads up displays" while driving on the motorway.
Sarah Rice, spokeswoman for the RAC, said: “Having your cognitive and response mechanisms fully functioning is a vital component of being safe when in control of a vehicle, both for your own wellbeing and that of other road users.
“Hallucinations of any kind while driving are, therefore, clearly a cause for concern. As video games are an increasingly popular past-time, we would welcome further insight into this issue to understand any potential risks for motorists.”
Researchers said that looking at visual stimuli for an extended period of time can cause "ghost images", which are sometimes uncomfortable for those experiencing them.
In extreme cases, the images may cause gamers to think irrationally and question their own mental health or perform impulsive behaviours. Other players reportedly thought the experiences were ‘fun’ and tried to induce them deliberately.
Psychologist Angelica Ortiz de Gortari, who led the research, told the Telegraph: “The majority of gamers surveyed have reported that they play intensively so not everybody will experience these perceptions. However, some players can play a game intensively and it may not have any effect. It’s about their susceptibility.
“It can be dangerous in certain circumstances. This is why it’s important to take breaks after playing and this is why we need to investigate.”
By Scott Campbell
8:02AM GMT 08 Jan 2014
Gamers who play for hours are prone to hallucinations and seeing distorted versions of reality, according to a new study.
Respondents reported seeing "distorted versions of real world surroundings" and "misinterpreted real life objects" after they had stopped playing. Others said that game menus appear in front of their eyes during conversations.
The study, compiled from responses by 483 forum users, explored the concept of “game transfer phenomena” – experiences where players’ perceptions, cognitions and behaviours are influenced by images seen while gaming.
Among the categories of experience recorded were "multisensorial", for example hearing video game music, and "retinal sensations" when players see "game elements intermittently or episodically in the back of the eyelids".
Some gamers told scientists at Nottingham Trent University’s International Gaming Research Unit that they see "coloured images" and "heads up displays" while driving on the motorway.
Sarah Rice, spokeswoman for the RAC, said: “Having your cognitive and response mechanisms fully functioning is a vital component of being safe when in control of a vehicle, both for your own wellbeing and that of other road users.
“Hallucinations of any kind while driving are, therefore, clearly a cause for concern. As video games are an increasingly popular past-time, we would welcome further insight into this issue to understand any potential risks for motorists.”
Researchers said that looking at visual stimuli for an extended period of time can cause "ghost images", which are sometimes uncomfortable for those experiencing them.
In extreme cases, the images may cause gamers to think irrationally and question their own mental health or perform impulsive behaviours. Other players reportedly thought the experiences were ‘fun’ and tried to induce them deliberately.
Psychologist Angelica Ortiz de Gortari, who led the research, told the Telegraph: “The majority of gamers surveyed have reported that they play intensively so not everybody will experience these perceptions. However, some players can play a game intensively and it may not have any effect. It’s about their susceptibility.
“It can be dangerous in certain circumstances. This is why it’s important to take breaks after playing and this is why we need to investigate.”
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