On the contrary, videogames aren't pasive, they demand your brain reaction, and that's why some are beneficial to elder people. Browsing and swiping left on social media, though, makes you a monkey.
Most modern video games rely on quick stimulus-response patterns.
You get a visual prompt or sound cue. You press a button.
This kind of interaction can improve certain skills such as hand-eye coordination or spatial visualization. But these benefits can come at the cost of reduced deep processing skills.
In most modern games, you don't need to reflect, analyze, or plan long term. You just react.
This means that your ability to think critically, make connections, and retain complex information can suffer over time. You will get worse at learning, reading, problem-solving, etc. Basically anything that requires sustained attention.
See:
Yang et al. 2023 "Relations between Video Game Engagement and Social Development in Children"
Buelow et al. 20214 "The influence of video games on executive functions in college students"
There was a another study I read on that topic during my university days but I can't remember its name.
The video game industry is a billion dollar business. The giant corporations involved have deep financial stakes in maintaining a positive public image of gaming. It's only natural that we see positive findings on this topic getting amplified or exaggerated with marketing money.
On the other side, there are billion dollar corporations that would benefit immensely if the AI hype train slows down. If you read news, always ask yourself who might benefit from it.
I use AI every day at my job. play videogames every day, and drink alcohol to intoxication at least once a week and I just got promoted to manager at my office.
You working for Xbox?
