What are the pros and cons of playing video games on mental wellness?
Video games are traditionally viewed as a detriment to attention span, influencing aggressive behaviors in children. However, as more studies have been done on the effects of video games on mental health over the years, some studies have surfaced to state benefits of them. Brain development, healthy coping skills are among some of the benefits that have been found.
According to webmd, video games can develop and improve critical thinking skills as players often have to strategize, analyze and plan quickly. In addition to this, games can bring a sense of accomplishment as goals can be reached with rewards such as points, trophies and badges. Video games can help cope with failure. Socialization is also a benefit of video games; there are online and multiplayer options, and cooperation with teammates creates a sense of camaraderie. Games can also be a distraction for those who are suffering from depression, anxiety or PTSD (webmd). Previous associations believed to be true between video gaming, and violent or aggressive behaviour were not found in recent studies (nih.gov).
Setting time limits, choosing strategic games, and playing with friends are important for video games to be beneficial. Video games can be addictive if played for an excessive amount of time. Social interaction away from the screen can be limited and exercising and sleep quality can also be compromised. Children who reported playing more than three hours of video games per day scored higher on ADHD, depression; however, it did not meet he threshold for problem behaviour or clinical diagnoses (nih). Different genres or types of video games can have varying effects. Games such as multiplayer games can promote socialization, games that involve word building can foster creativity, focus and problem solving and sport or dance games can promote exercise or physical activities.
References
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-benefits-of-video-games
Paper B Chaarani, et al. Association of video gaming with cognitive performance among children. JAMA Open Network. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.35721 (2022).
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