A new study has turned the tables on long-held beliefs about video games and mental health. Published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the research suggests that playing video games could actually help improve mental well-being and life satisfaction.
The study tracked nearly 100,000 people in Japan over a two-year period, focusing on those who owned gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Surprisingly, researchers found that these gamers reported reduced levels of psychological distress compared to non-gamers.
Video games have long been held accountable for anything from social disengagement to restless nights. However, according to recent studies, gaming may benefit mental health when done in moderation. Here, moderation is important. While excessive screen time can still be detrimental, video games may actually be more beneficial to the mind than detrimental when balanced with obligations in real life.
Certain consoles demonstrated greater benefits for mental health than others, with the results being particularly apparent in women and teenagers. The researchers were clear, though, that this does not imply that everyone should purchase a gaming system right away. The beneficial impacts vary depending on the players’ individual situations and how the games are used.
This is a new way of looking at how digital pastimes like gaming can fit into a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not a license to play all the time. Therefore, you can inform someone that it might be beneficial for you if they raise an eyebrow when you pick up your controller.
It appears that as the game industry expands, it may play a bigger part in mental health as well as enjoyment now.
