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Ep. 03
Do video games and exercise relate to different aspects of brain health?
In this episode of AI Lab, we unpack a 2025 PLOS ONE study that analyzed 923 adults’ gaming habits, physical activity, cognitive test performance, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The researchers found a striking pattern: gaming was associated with stronger performance in several cognitive domains, while physical activity was associated with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. Exercise showed no significant association with the cognitive scores measured, and gaming showed no significant association with the mental health screeners.
We explore the difference between thinking skills and emotional well-being—and why the study’s design matters. These are associations, not proof that gaming makes you smarter or that exercise has no cognitive benefits. Self-reported habits and an unrepresentative sample also limit what we can conclude.
A closer look at the evidence behind the headlines, and the questions future research still needs to answer.