Across the world, video gaming has emerged as a major source of entertainment and recreation for millions of people, both old and young. Many are concerned about the potential adverse health effects of online gaming. They are worried that video gaming can hurt both mental and physical health. They point out that it may have a serious worldwide impact. Thus, policymakers need to understand whether online gaming can indeed affect health negatively so that they can bring in regulation.
However, there is still no consensus despite almost three decades of research to find a link between video gaming and negative outcomes, including addiction, cognitive functioning, and aggression. New research seems to show that playing video games offers many mental health benefits. It seems that online gaming actually promotes well-being.
Are Video Games Harmful?
Millions and even more are playing video games online and reviewing games at websites like fortunaua.com and others. However, there are still many misconceptions about video games and their impact on mental health. The truth is that there can be many benefits. For example, video games can help in developing complicated problem-solving skills. Online gaming platforms can also promote social interaction skills. They can stimulate the mind and improve mental health.
According to the results of a recently published Oxford University study, gamers who play video games often show greater well-being. The findings have surprised many. Business Insider carried this story with this headline – “Video games might be good for you.” Mail Online said – “Playing video games BENEFITS mental health.”
In this study, the academics at Oxford University worked with gameplay data. The study focused on those who played Nintendo’s Animal Crossing and also EAs shooter game Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. The researchers discovered that gamers who spent more time playing showed signs of greater well-being.
This is one of the first studies to use actual play-time data. The team at Oxford could link psychological questionnaires with time spent records of the game time as the games are connected on the internet. Previous studies, on the other hand, have focused on self-reported data on playing, which according to the researchers, is not highly related to reality.
Not Just Entertainment
There are other reports too that show the benefits of playing video games. The global “Power of Play” report was published on the World Mental Health Day. It was commissioned by Video Games Europe together with the video game trade associations of Canada, Australia, the USA, and South Korea. This report too has provided new insights, challenging the traditional assumptions that playing video games harms mental health.
The study surveyed 13,000 players from 12 countries, including Canada, Australia, the USA, the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, and South Korea. All the players agreed that “having fun” was the main reason for playing video games. However, most people agreed that there were many other benefits as well.
- 71% of the participants felt that video games were a stress reliever
- 55% said it helped them combat isolation
- 64% of the players felt it helped them face everyday challenges
- 73% of the gamers said it improved their creativity
These results show that video games can contribute to mental well-being, which is a global problem.
Benefits of Video Games
Here are some of the major benefits of playing video games as shown by the results of many studies –
- Mental stimulation – Online gaming urges us to think. Almost every part of the brain works when we play video games, which makes our thinking go a level higher. The players have to think, strategize, and analyze, depending on how complex the game is. Repeated playing may help the parts of the brain that are responsible for critical thinking and planning.
- Social interaction – Multiplayer games can improve our virtual social interaction skills. In a fast-paced game setting, the players must decide whom to trust and whom to team up with quickly. Multiplayer games encourage cooperation. This environment is also low-risk for talking to new people and fostering relationships.
- Feeling accomplished – There are different objectives and goals in the game. The gamers feel happy and satisfied when they achieve these targets, which improves confidence and self-respect. The sense of achievement is even higher when the players win badges for completing tasks or win trophies.
- Emotional resilience – Many gamers get passionately involved with their games. It can be frustrating when they fail. By playing video games, they can learn how to cope with failures. It also teaches them that there is always a next time, so they should keep trying.
- Mental health recovery – Those recovering from trauma may gain by playing video games. It can work as a distraction from both psychological trauma and physical pain. Video games may also help those who are facing mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Reduction of depression symptoms – Many Generation Z people struggle with depression. Playing video games moderately can work as a mood booster for young adults and depressed teens. Video games are a lot of fun and it is important for them to have fun. Many depressed people have problems in feeling joy and happiness. Video games can bring back these feelings, temporarily at least. Also, those who are depressed, often feel isolated. Online multiplayer games can make them come out of their shells, making them interact with others, which can provide relief.
Many people sought refuge in online video games during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown. It worked as an escape from the scary reality. It was also a social interaction platform where they connected with friends. The COVID-19 period has changed what many people think of video games and their impact.
Recognizing their beneficial role, even the World Health Organization (WHO) engaged with the gaming industry during the pandemic. 18 large game developers collaborated with WHOs #PlayApartTogether initiative. The campaign included WHO guidelines and offered exclusive activities and content to promote safety and health measures, such as hand hygiene and physical distancing.