Billions of people around the world play video games using a range of devices. Players use computers, consoles, tablets, and mobile phones to play these constantly accessible games. There are many types of video games, some played individually and others played online with large groups of people.
We have adventure games, sports games, shooting games, racing games, construction games, and horror games, to name but a few. Video games have been created for enjoyment, but how can they affect our mental health? Read on as we explore video games’ positive and negative effects, beginning with some of the benefits.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Research has shown that playing video games is great for improving hand-eye coordination. Having good hand-eye coordination can be important for many things in life, such as driving a vehicle or performing DIY tasks at home.
Playing video games involves moving characters or vehicles around the screen in a way that helps them succeed. So, while the hands are moving on the controller, the eyes look at the screen, improving hand-eye coordination. The brain processes what is happening on the screen and coordinates it with the hands to produce the desired response. Having good hand-eye coordination can lead to improvements in daily life and better mental health.
Cognitive Functions
Playing video games requires attention, and focusing on a video game can lead to stronger attention in other situations, such as school and the workplace.
Some video games are complex and require a lot of strategy to succeed. This promotes problem-solving skills, perception, and reasoning, all of which are excellent attributes to have in daily life.
Simulations are often used when training people in new professions, and pilots are good examples. A pilot does not learn to fly by stepping onto a passenger aircraft and practicing with other people onboard. They use simulators, which are much like video games. Practicing and playing games online is nothing new.
Most online games have free plays, play to earn, or freemium models. They are getting increasingly popular; many new operators are always launching. They have many games available, such as poker, which involve a lot of strategy and deep thinking.
Physical Activity
A common misconception of video games is that they are all played sitting down, meaning a lack of exercise but that is not true.
Some video game consoles have been designed to be played standing up as if you are participating in the activity for real. The Nintendo Switch is a good example, and many sports and action games require physical effort to play.
There are also dancing video games, which are played by following the steps on a dance track. Exercise and keeping fit are proven to improve mental health, and playing video games can be a great source of exercise for those who do not want to do it outside of the home.
These are just three of the positive effects of playing video games, but there are also some negative aspects that we must address.
Addiction
Some people can become addicted to video games and it consumes their lives. There is a difference between enjoying a couple of hours video gaming each day and spending the whole day locked in a dark room playing video games with no break. It is possible to make a lot of money as a professional video game player but not at the detriment of mental health.
Anti-Social Behavior
Some video games are violent, and while they are age-restricted, individuals have become anti-social as a result of playing certain games. Some video games are designed to be difficult, and progressing in the game can be a chore. When playing competitively online, some players have received abuse from others and even faced violent threats because they have won a game. Some of the most popular video games have additional paid aspects, and if a person has paid a lot of money trying to be the best at the game and starts losing, it can lead to raging behavior.
Sleep Deprivation
Playing a video game for a long time can lead to sleep deprivation. The brain cannot switch off from the game easily and continues to think about it when it should be time to rest. This can lead to mental health problems in everyday life, such as concentration levels at school or work. Playing video games has both positive and negative mental effects, but the positive can outweigh the negative if games are played sensibly.
