An attendee pauses to receive a message next to a sign for Epic Games’ Fortnite game at E3, the annual video game show that showcases the latest gaming software and hardware, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on June 12, 2019. Photo credit: Reuters
A study of nearly 100,000 people in Japan between the ages of 10 and 69 found that playing video games, or even owning a console, can be good for mental health. But playing too much every day can be detrimental to well-being.
Video games and other forms of online media consumption are part of everyday life.
Studies have shown that playing video games can positively affect stress levels and creativity. However, there are still concerns about possible negative effects on, for example, general well-being, aggressive behavior and social development, especially in young people.
World Health Organization lists gaming disorder as a mental health condition and a severe social withdrawal condition called hikikomori has been described in Japan.
A new study showed links between gaming and well-being, and researchers found a way to show cause and effect – even owning a game console improved well-being.
What the study found
The study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 – during the COVID pandemic. The researchers used measures of psychological distress and life satisfaction and asked 97,602 people in Japan about their game use.
The study coincided with a supply chain shortfall. They led retailers to use a lottery system to purchase two consoles: the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 5. Out of the general study group, 8,192 people participated in the lottery.
The researchers compared 2,323 lottery winners with those who did not win the chance to buy one of the new consoles (over five rounds of surveys). They found that people who won the lottery had improved stress scores and improved life satisfaction.
The results were not all positive. Over time, the results showed a decline in the well-being of people who played more than three hours a day. Scores continued to drop with each additional time extension measured.
The study had some limitations.
First, the survey was conducted when the COVID pandemic was a particularly challenging time for mental health. It also led to changes in social, occupational and lifestyle behaviour.
The study focused mainly on general gaming habits, without distinguishing between different types of gaming, which may have different effects on mental health.
In addition, participants chose whether to participate in the lottery, so this was not a random sample. And the study couldn’t specifically link the results to the effects of playing video games and winning the lottery.
Finally, we know that self-reported studies are not always reliable.
Pros and cons of the game
We know from other surveys that video games can be useful stress relievers and help with social bonding (albeit online). We also know that some games can improve certain cognitive skills, such as visual-spatial navigation and problem solving.
Games and technologies can also specifically target mental health issues such as social anxiety or phobias, address ADHD symptoms, and increase motivation and performance.
However, there are still concerns about potential long-term consequences, particularly regarding “real-life” socialization, participation in physical activity, school performance, and other health-related outcomes, including sleep and eating behaviors.
3 tips for positive play
While video games can offer some benefits, it is important to maintain a balanced approach to gaming. Here are some tips to manage your gaming habits and promote overall well-being:
1. Set time limits
Encourage moderate gaming by setting clear time limits so that it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other important daily activities. The Australian Institute of Family Studies recommends creating a media plan that includes screen time limits and balances gaming with other activities.
2. Choose your games wisely
Choose age-appropriate games and consider their content. Some games can promote problem-solving skills and creativity, but it’s important to be aware of those that can encourage aggression or excessive competition.
3. Monitor your eating and sleeping habits
Pay attention to eating habits and make sure that meals are not skipped in favor of playing. To avoid sleep disturbances, encourage a regular sleep pattern and avoid gaming before bedtime.
Although the new study provides promising insights into the potential positive effects of video games on mental well-being, these conclusions should be viewed with caution due to the study’s limitations.
While the potential benefits are encouraging, it is important to adopt a balanced approach to gaming and continue further research to fully understand its long-term effects on mental health.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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