Did you know that around 3.2 billion people play video games worldwide? That’s over 40% of the world population that play video games. Out of the 3.2 billion people, you may know someone in your life who plays video games. For some of you, you’re the person who plays video games. However, as video games became more popular, there has been discourse surrounding whether or not video games are harmful to people’s health. But is this entirely true? While video games can be harmful because of addiction and the risk of injury, they offer benefits to mental health and cognitive function.

Benefits of Playing Video Games

Have you ever tried using video games as a de-stress tool? It has been proven that video games do, in fact, help de-stress individuals. According to a study from the University of Wolverhampton, the results showed that participants who were exposed to video games had decreased stress levels, and the participants mood increased after the gaming session. These results from the study show that video games do help with de-stressing. 

But how do video games help people de-stress? The answer could vary from person to person, but the general consensus is that video games are just fun and engaging. Video games aren’t played because they’re boring, but instead video games are played because one can enjoy them without stress or worry. Video games are very versatile in the way that there are so many different kinds of games. Every game is made differently to appeal to at least one crowd.

In addition to the mental health benefits, video games can improve cognitive function, mostly in visual memory. In one specific study, researchers found that participants who played video games for more than 5 hours (per week) had better visual memory skills than those who played for less. This study proved that video games can improve memory skills. But the study also proved that video games can improve other cognitive functions such as attention and visuospatial abilities (ability to identify and analyze visuals). In the study, they found that playing Call of Duty for 28 hours improved visual memory and attention.

With this in mind, video games CAN build onto cognitive functions which are useful outside of the virtual realm—such as these cognitive functions being used in the workplace or at school.

So with all that was said does this answer the question of whether of not video games have health benefits? The answer is yes. Video games have proven to be beneficial to mental health and cognitive function, but video games can cause health problems if not played in moderation.

Drawbacks from Playing Video Games

While gamers may not realize it, video games are designed to become addictive. Video game developers engage players by implementing reward systems that will keep players playing their game. The reward systems in video games trigger the brain to connect the video game with happiness because of the feeling of accomplishment. This connection between video games and happiness will cause players to be inclined to play more which causes video game addiction.

Moreover, video game addiction can cause more serious health problems such as obesity, insomnia, behavioral issues, and skeletal issues—mostly in the hand and back. Most gamers (even without addiction problems) are more likely to get chronic hand injuries (such as carpel tunnel). This is caused by gamers holding certain positions for long periods of time which causes inflammation of wrist nerves. 

Final Conclusion

So does this mean that you should avoid playing video games as a whole? Not necessarily. Like many other things, Video games CAN come with risks that could provide problems in your day-to-day life. However, the risks associated with playing video games can be avoided if gamers monitor their playtime. Gamers should maintain a balance in playtime and keeping up with other needs. This way, gamers can experience the benefits of video games, and reduce their risk of receiving the negative effects.

With all that has been said, at least take away one thing from this: don’t let your game-time consume you or else your health will come and doom you.