Video games are a big deal. Once pixelated novelties, they’ve evolved into a global phenomenon with 2 billion gamers and an expected $250 billion in revenue by 2025. This growth isn’t random—video games have become integral to our lives. They’re part of how we build communities, relax after a long day, and even the media we consume, like movies and TV shows. Gaming isn’t just for teenagers avoiding homework; it’s a mainstream activity for all age groups. Understanding its impact on our lives, especially on our mental health, is crucial.
So, how do video games impact our mental health? The answer is, it varies. Let’s study the state of mental health in gaming and what remains with us in the real world.
Positive Effects of Gaming
1 Socialization and Cognitive Improvements
Research shows that gaming offers numerous benefits, including enhanced socialization, improved focus, multitasking abilities, working memory, and cognitive function. Video games have even been linked to mental health benefits. A 2021 study in the journal JMIR Serious Games revealed that video games could alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, serving as a complementary resource to traditional therapy.
2 Depression and Anxiety Relief
Moderate gaming of titles like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, and Limbo can elevate mood by reducing negative emotions and encouraging enjoyment, a flow state, and motivation. For anxiety relief, games like Mindlight, Max and the Magic Maker, and Rayman have shown significant benefits. Virtual reality games are also showing early promise in reducing mental health symptoms.
3 The Oxford Study Findings
A 2022 University of Oxford study found that gaming has a negligible impact on mental wellbeing. The data suggested that only when participants played more than 10 hours a day were there noticeable negative effects on mental health.
By moderating your gaming time and reducing annoying aspects, you can get more benefits. For example, you can unblock games that are not available in your region with a VPN for gaming. VeePN has a step-by-step guide on how to access unblocked games and how a VPN can protect a gamer. This is a working strategy for protection, reducing cyber risks and it will definitely have a positive effect on the mental state of the gamer.
4 ADHD and Gaming
There is no empirical evidence linking video games to causing ADHD. However, children with ADHD are often captivated by video games. An Iowa State University study indicated that more gaming led to increased impulsivity and attention problems but suggested these issues pre-existed and were exacerbated by gaming.
Are Video Games Bad for Mental Health?
1 The Negative Impact of Excessive Gaming
A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that excessive video gaming coincided with mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, and hostility. The study also noted that problematic gaming is linked to maladaptive coping strategies, negative affectivity, low self-esteem, a preference for solitude, and poor school performance. These findings align with other research showing a connection between video game addiction and poor psychological health.
2 The Role of Moderation
The key difference in studies demonstrating the negative impact of video games on mental health is that they focused on excessive gamers. In contrast, studies finding mental health benefits of gaming looked at moderate gamers. Essentially, the phrase “everything in moderation” seems relevant when assessing the impact of video games on mental health. Moderate gamers may enjoy mental health benefits or negligible impacts, whereas excessive gamers might experience negative effects on their mental wellbeing.
3 Finding Balance
Problems arise when video games are not used in moderation and are not balanced with self-care, work, school, relationships, or other important life areas. To maintain a healthy mental state, it is crucial to balance gaming with other aspects of life.
How to Benefit from Games?
Keep the Pressure Low
Competitive gaming can be intense, but it’s important to view gaming primarily as a fun and relaxing activity. It is also advisable to use a free VPN to prevent stalking and hacker attacks. Avoid treating it as a high-stakes situation to reduce stress and negative feelings.
Moderate Your Gaming
Casual gaming offers the most benefits. If gaming starts interfering with work, studies, family time, or other life skills, consider cutting back.
Choose Positive Games
Not all games have the same effect on your emotions. If some games make you anxious, try switching to genres that promote positive feelings and better mental health.
Make it Social (If You Want)
Gaming can be a great way to connect with others. If social interaction energizes you, consider gaming with friends either in person or online. However, solo gaming can also be beneficial if you already get enough social time elsewhere.
Conclusion
People experience gaming and its impact on their mental health in unique ways. In a 2019 survey, roughly 80% of gamers found that video games helped with mental stimulation, relaxation, and stress relief. However, some gamers felt that video games worsened their stress, depression, and anxiety. Factors like your mindset, mood, gaming habits, life outside of gaming, and reasons for playing all influence how video games affect you.
