Contrary to several misconceptions, playing video games isn’t always harmful. While excessive video gaming can be detrimental, it can also provide benefits to your mental health. Playing online games can help build interpersonal skills, promote complex problem-solving, and may help relieve stress.
Many people struggle to find ways to cope and manage stress and anxiety. Some people turn to mindfulness exercises or supplements like CBD oil, while others find comfort playing an hour of online video games.
Gaming has been a widely popular pastime, not only for the young ones but also for adults. A 2021 survey showed that only 21% of gamers were under 18 years old. Another 2021 survey reported that 11.6% of US respondents admitted playing video games for more than 20 hours a week. The surveys indicate that video games are a normal part of most people’s lives, either for recreation or stress relief.
Gaming and Social Anxiety
Learning a person’s motivation to play video games is a key factor in understanding its relationship with anxiety and mental health. Some people play online games to relieve stress after a long day. Meanwhile, others play excessively until they no longer have control, leading to gaming disorders.
A 2021 report published in the journal JMIR Serious Games looked into the benefits of gaming in coping with mental health issues, particularly for depression and anxiety. The results showed scientific evidence to support that gaming could help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. They concluded that video games could offer an inexpensive and effective method to alleviate mental health issues.
Out of all the anxiety-related disorders, social anxiety seems to be closely linked to video games. People suffering from social anxiety have feelings of fear and anxiety in dealing with people.
A report published in the APA (American Psychological Association) highlighted the effectiveness of video games to help develop prosocial skills. According to the study, gamers feel rewarded when supporting and helping other gamers. They also feel comfortable joining and interacting in forums and online communities.
The same study also noted how role-playing games such as World of Warcraft, Pokémon, Final Fantasy helped people with social phobia express their emotions and feelings better. They were also more likely to know what to do in situations they were uncomfortable with in real life. Gaming helped players adjust and deal with their frustrations and anxiety better.
Gaming and Stress
One of the most notable gaming success stories is the case of Re-Mission, a video game designed for child cancer patients. The game allows gamers to shoot cancer cells and manage their signs of nausea and constipation. Aside from allowing patients to adhere to their cancer treatments, it was an effective way to help them handle their stress and frustrations.
A 2019 study found that video games distract gamers from stress and other psychological symptoms. Many respondents admitted they play online games as a distraction and to feel rewarded. The study concluded that video games could be an effective coping mechanism to deal with stress and everyday hassles.
The study further outlined that gamers could develop functional coping skills, find support in social situations, and have a strong sense of fulfillment. It also leads to a positive feeling of being connected with people with the same interest.
Gaming and Depression
Cognition, or the ability to react and perceive information, is often limited for people suffering from depression. People who are depressed have low esteem and have no interest in doing activities that others find enjoyable. Playing video games could help address their loss of cognition and improve their disposition in life.
A 2018 study looked into the role of action video games in reducing the rumination or overthinking of depressed patients. The respondents were on a 6-week training with a fast-paced action video game named Boson X.
The study concluded that video games helped reduce the excessive and intrusive thoughts of the respondents. Playing video games also increased the respondents’ cognitive ability as they involved complex problem solving, planning, and abstract thinking.
A study published in Psychological Medicine also supported the same results. It revealed that 11-year-old boys who played video games once a month had lower depression scores three years later than those who played video games less often.
Conclusion
Ultimately, online video games can be helpful or harmful, depending on your gaming habits. Like everything else, moderation is still the key and learning to strike a balance between recreation and excessive screen time.
