Three Major Benefits of Playing Trivia and Where To Play

Although our learning capabilities deteriorates over time, it is possible to keep our brain trained and in shape, so that we are able to better retain information. Answering trivia questions helps us to improve and expand our knowledge without us noticing. Here are 3 reasons you should be playing trivia games:

1. Trivia—Your Brain on Questions

According to psychologist John Kounios, answering a trivia question correctly triggers a release of dopamine in the brain that gives the person answering a sense of pleasure. Beyond that short-term benefit, collecting and deploying information can exercise the brain as we age, supporting healthy neurological function. Trivia is like taking your brain to the gym, and the best part is you won’t even need a shower afterwards.

2. Take a Screen Break

Computer scientist Cal Newport says that the most important trait to develop in our increasingly distracted world is the ability to focus deeply on one task at a time. Smart devices and social media, while fun, can have the unintended effect of rewiring our brains to crave constant stimulation. This state of hyper-stimulation has the unintended effect of making it difficult to focus for long periods of time. Trivia, however, provides a built-in break from screen time.

3. Getting Together

Team trivia is an inherently social activity. At the same time you’re answering the questions, you’re reconnecting with people, or maybe making new friends. Plus, the quiz questions provide all sorts of interesting fodder. You might even find out that one of your friends is an expert in some obscure subject that you’d never heard about before. As far as social experiences go, trivia is hard to beat.