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The positive and negative effects of gaming
Many young people like to play video or online games in their spare time.
Although they may spend hours on a console, most are able to maintain other hobbies and interests, socialise, and get on with everyday life. For others though, this love of gaming escalates into an unhelpful obsession that interferes with life. This article considers the positive and negative effects of gaming, providing tips for recognising gaming addiction and where to find support.
Positives
Video games are still relatively new and research into their impact is limited. While excessive gaming can be harmful, recent research by the University of Oxford has revealed that playing video games can actually improve mental health.
- Video games encourage healthy brain stimulation. When engrossed in a game, a young person activates multiple brain regions to complete tasks.
- Gaming can relieve stress. Whether providing a distraction or helping young people cope, gaming can be great for escaping everyday worries and concerns.
- Video games are great for socialising. Working with fellow gamers to problem-solve and complete “levels” can help combat loneliness and create a sense of community. Especially during the pandemic, online gaming or streaming was a vital means of communication for young people. For people who are socially anxious, gaming/streaming may be the only source of socialisation.
- Video games can develop problem-solving skills that can be applied to everyday obstacles and real-life problems.
- Video games enhance a sense of belonging as young people interact with like-minded individuals, creating a space for streamers and gamers to share their “true selves” in a supportive environment.
Negatives
Gaming companies know exactly how to keep young people hooked. They know when to reward players and use clever algorithms to tailor the gaming experience. They are quite literally designed to be addictive, and although most young people can regulate their gameplay, excessive gaming can lead to:
- Gaming addiction. Video games harness the reward circuitry of the brain. An in-game reward (e.g., 50 Armory Slots in Fortnite: Save the World) leads to increased release of a hormone called dopamine that activates the pleasure region of the brain, making the young person feel good. As the brain becomes used to this high level of stimulation, young people find it hard to obtain the same pleasure from other activities. So, they keep playing, for hours and hours and hours.
- Reduced motivation. Games often replicate real-life goals of excitement, adventure, friendship, success, and status. Sometimes referred to as a “triumph circuit”, games have found a way to satisfy these desires. As a result, young people show decreased motivation to achieve these goals in the real-world.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs). Playing video games is not unhealthy in itself. However, if done for extended periods of time, it can impact a young person’s physical health. Gamer’s thumb (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis), trigger finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis), tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are all RSIs that are relatively common in gamers due to the strenuous, repetitive movements of the hands and wrists.
- Unhelpful coping strategies, negative emotions, low self-esteem, and social isolation. A recent study suggested there could be a link between excessive gaming and reduced psychological functioning. When a young person spends a large chunk of their day playing games, they miss out on opportunities to practice real-life behaviours. As a result, they are less well equipped to deal with life’s challenges.
- Relationship issues. Excessive gaming can cause a young person to disconnect from family life, putting relationships with parents, siblings, and close others under strain.
- Social disconnection. Although multi-player games replicate a sense of community, online connection cannot replace face-to-face interaction. Playing video games is often appealing to young people who otherwise struggle to socialise or engage in everyday activities. However, excessive gaming can lead to reduced opportunities to socialise in the real-world, making it harder for young people to develop social bonds. As a result, a young person may feel socially disconnected, which can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Gaming addiction
There is no evidence that video games lead to mental health problems. However, if a young person is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, there may be an increased risk of gaming becoming an addiction. Some of the signs to look out for are as follows:
- Constantly thinking about or wanting to play video games
- Irritability and restlessness (fidgeting) when not playing
- Anger or frustration when asked to stop playing
- Inability to reduce playing time or control urge to play
- Underreporting how much time has been spent playing a game or trying to hide it
- Tiredness, headaches, or hand pain from excessive game time
- Poor personal hygiene (e.g., washing)
- Loss of appetite or desire to eat (i.e., delaying eating to continue playing)
- Not seeing friends as much
- Not wanting to do other hobbies and activities that were previously enjoyed
- Not wanting to go to school to stay at home and game.
Many young people are able to maintain a healthy relationship with gaming and do not require additional support. If you are worried, visit the links below for further resources and information.
Further information and signposting to support
Websites:
YouTube videos:
Signposting to specialist services:
Article date 6th June 2022
Article written by Imogen Clifford, Assistant Psychologist, Bristol CBT Clinic