Nudge cover image

Nudge

Did Nintendo Brain Training make me smarter?

Oct 14, 2024
37:54
Snipd AI
Join Professor Dan Simons, a cognitive science expert and author, as he debunks common beliefs about Nintendo's Brain Training games. He reveals how clever marketing strategies, such as authority bias and engaging advertisements, shape public perception of their effectiveness. Delve into experiments assessing cognitive improvements and explore the illusion of enhancing intelligence, including the misleading myths like the Mozart effect. Simons's insights challenge the widespread notions of brain training, emphasizing the gap between marketing claims and scientific reality.
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Nintendo Brain Training uses psychological marketing tactics, including authority and gamification, to boost perceived cognitive benefits among players.
  • Despite widespread belief in the effectiveness of brain training, experts highlight the lack of substantial scientific evidence supporting broad cognitive improvements.

Deep dives

The Appeal of Brain Training Games

Brain training games, such as Nintendo's Brain Age, claim to enhance cognitive abilities and memory through daily mental exercises. Many players, including those surveyed, believe that regular engagement with these games can positively impact their mental sharpness and memory retention. The game's structure, which allows players to track their 'brain age' and provides immediate feedback, creates a sense of progress and engagement. This gamified approach taps into psychological principles that encourage repeated play and investment in the game's promises.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode