Contrary to what you may have heard, video games don’t (necessarily) rot your brain. They can actually help you.
since 1970sVideo games have been a leisure activity for all types of people. Perhaps surprisingly, most gamers are older and almost half are women. This stands in stark contrast to the common stereotype of Mountain Dew wielding teenage male underground dwellers.
With the rapid development of technology and technology economicsGames have become more common. While the industry is facing its share of financial difficultiesRevenues remain strong – $58.7 billion Only in the US in 2024. During the same period, the film industry generated approximately $30 billion. worldwide.
Its accessibility and popularity have raised the following concerns: undue game cans cause Violence and addiction. There may be some truth to this. research It continued. addition The American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic Manual covers gaming disorder.
People diagnosed with gaming disorder are likely to experience symptoms such as: neurological changes It is similar to drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction. estimate change However, experts believe that up to 17% of gamers meet clinical criteria for gaming disorder. These individuals can: experience various resultThese include difficulty performing at work or school, strained interpersonal relationships, poor sleep quality, and repetitive hand stress injuries.
However, contrary to the negative consequences of excessive use, present The literature indicates: responsible Gaming may actually have an advantage.
First of all, appropriate game use is good These benefits aren’t limited to just one thing. genre of video games.
one study They found that gamers who played action games had improved processing speed and task-switching abilities compared to individuals who didn’t play action games. similarly, role-playing game good night world of warcraft promote cognitive flexibility challenging Deep-rooted patterns of thinking and giving alternative plan Options for decision making.
There are also games that specifically focus on overcoming challenges. boost Mood and confidence during and after play. Visually stimulating elements can further evoke feelings of relaxation and appreciation. (Think of all the rainbow paths there are. mario kart!)
alternately, sandbox gameAlternatively, open world games where you play with other people in a non-linear way can be effective in combating loneliness and overcoming it. socialization. Some bestsellers that have achieved success in this field include: Animal Crossing: New Horizons and minecraft.
Moderate gaming is sometimes clinically prescribed for treatment because it is commonly associated with reduced stress and improved self-esteem. unrest and melancholia.
one study Participants who played video games for 30 to 45 minutes four times a week while taking the drug unrest Symptoms are more severe than those who took only medication. other study We found that clinically guided play helped children better manage their anxiety before surgery.
The benefits of gaming aren’t limited to cognitive and mental health; there can be real physical benefits as well.
Research has shown that this may be truer for certain populations than others. For example, children who are not typically developing appear to benefit from active video games such as: Exergames. These games require players to use physical movements to interact with the game. There is growing evidence that these games not only promote physical activity but also improve it. gross motor skillsMobility and physical stability. These benefits are even greater when used in conjunction with exergames. traditional clinical interventions.
Another group that can physically benefit from video games is older adults. Their overall health and quality of life are often related to their standard of living. activity level.
For these gamers paper We have found that exergames help improve strength and stamina. The benefits were greatest when gaming sessions lasted at least an hour and when individuals played continuously for several months. The game also offers other benefits: improved balance This can be a powerful tool for those caring for older adults. long-term care facilities. More and more research is learning more about the game and its benefits, but it’s not without its pitfalls.
It’s worth noting that while much of the public interest in video games focuses on addiction, that’s not the only problem. Online gaming culture in particular can be harmful.
Seeking “pawnshop” That’s not the only danger a 10-year-old playing Fortnite may navigate while playing online games: Hate speech and abusive behavior are rampant; largely unchecked On online gaming platforms. one recent reports Three-quarters of teenage gamers in the United States have experienced harassment, including cyberbullying, while playing online games.Doxxing,” and “swatting.” The same survey found that adult gamers had similar experiences. However, there were fewer reports of online harassment compared to previous years.
To be clear, most online gamers are not disgusting idiots. But those people seem to be doing pretty well. Therefore, more needs to be done to improve safety and etiquette in online gaming.
Players have long known that modern games are anything but pointless, offering compelling storytelling and immersive experiences. Research is beginning to show how gaming can contribute to positive health outcomes, both mentally and physically. Nonetheless, video games are like any other form of media. Although they are not inherently harmful, they are not completely risk-free. It’s best enjoyed in moderation and with good people.
