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Nudge
Did Nintendo Brain Training make me smarter?
Oct 14, 2024
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.
37:54
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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.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode