There are a lot of myths regarding video games and how they affect mental health. If anyone says that video games do not have impact on mental health, it’s a big lie. Video games as a matter of fact had a significant effect on mental health. Some of these impacts can be good or bad depending on the level and frequency of gaming as well as the individual involved.
There are many effects of playing video games for your mental health. Some of which include:
MENTAL STIMULATION
Many times, video games provoke thought. The majority of your brain is engaged while you play video games in order to support higher-level thinking. Depending on how difficult the game is, you might need to think, plan, and evaluate rapidly. Playing video games engages the deeper brain regions that support cognitive development and critical thinking.
RECOVERY
Regardless of the kind, playing games can aid in the healing process after trauma. Playing video games can serve as a diversion from discomfort and psychological suffering. Additionally, playing video games can be therapeutic for those suffering from mental illnesses like depression, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
VIDEO GAMES ENCOURAGE TEAM WORK AND SOCIAL RESILIENCE
The social resilience of players can be improved by working together to achieve a common objective. Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, and other massively multiplayer online (MMO) games can foster meaningful connections between players and provide a sense of purpose. These games are some of the most widely played because they are collaborative by nature.
Social isolation can be fought off using video games. It may come as no surprise that the video game business is flourishing. In addition, playing games is a low-risk way for people to vent when they’re angry about something at work or school.
As they say, whatever has an advantage, also has a disadvantage. Yes, video games can be really beneficial to the mental health of individuals provided that they play moderately within acceptable limits. That is to say that the benefits of video games is only tied to the appropriate way of playing.
Young and well-liked, professional gamer, content creator, and athlete Byron “Reckful” Bernstein committed suicide, which shocked many gamers and caused them to pay attention.
According to a 2019 survey, almost 80% of gamers claim that video games give them mental stimulation, relaxation, and stress relief. However, some gamers, like devoted athletes who live and breathe their sport, frequently struggle with intense stress, depression, and anxiety. They may experience what psychologists refer to as “Imposter Syndrome” – a severe dread of being perceived as inadequate or a failure — as a result of feeling pressure to perform well and win a game.
Gamers frequently have a tremendous self-doubt and ongoing stress. They usually ask themselves “Am I a failure? Will I be dropped?” because many people believe their success is based solely on their most recent successful streaming event. In the notion that the more video game competitions they participate in, the more they will be invited to play, they may experience a constant urge to do so. Even after a victory, this stress might worsen because of the worry that they might encounter hurtful, poisonous comments online because some players frequently strike out at and bully their opponents. When combined with the demands of the sport, this stress can cause mental health challenges.
Also, an internet gaming disorder may develop if players engage in frequent or excessive gaming (more on that later). Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a diagnosis included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). IGD frequently coexists with depressive disorders, anger, and social phobia.
if gaming is not done in the appropriate way, could encourage gambling and create gambling debts for the player if care is not taken.
In addition, Virtual reality games encourage escapism. This involves the use of video games to escape real life. Too much escapism could cause psychological problems and can become problematic where a gamer cannot differentiate between reality and fiction. A little absurd, but yes it happens.
Apart from these effects on mental health, it could also have an impact on the physical well-being of an individual. Overuse injuries, also known as repetitive stress injuries, occur when muscles and tendons are used repeatedly during an activity to the point where discomfort and inflammation are produced. If these wounds are left untreated, irreversible damage such as numbness and paralysis may follow. Gamers frequently sustain overuse injuries to their hands and arms.
So, are video games really beneficial to mental health?
The answer is yes but only if it is played responsibly, the appropriate way.
Gamers are encouraged to play strategic games that would positively impact their mental health. Consequently, every game that promotes judgment and critical thinking is good for your mental health.
Also, it isn’t so bad to set limits. Playing video games for too long can make you feel lonely. Furthermore, you can feel uncomfortable with individuals in the actual world.
Play Responsibly. 🎮
My Game Hive 🎮