For many decades, adults have convinced teenagers that sitting in front of a game console screen for hours on end means depriving themselves of happiness and traumatizing their psyche. However, modern science offers an entirely different vision. Can video games be considered evil if they become a means to build close relationships and support intellectual development? Recent research prompts a fresh look at the popular hobby enjoyed by millions of people.
Large-scale research findings
The early 2020s have seen an explosion in the number of studies on gamification and its impact on lifestyle. Particular attention should be paid to the results of the work published by the Royal Society Open Science under the leadership of specialists from Queen Mary University of London. The study involved 703 American gamers who collectively spent over 140,000 hours playing 150 different games on the Nintendo Switch. Surprisingly, the findings suggest that the duration of gameplay, considered as a single indicator, does not significantly affect participants’ mood, mental health, or life satisfaction.
The researchers emphasize: “There is no significant evidence that playtime is socially or psychologically harmful when games are organically incorporated into daily routines” (Royal Society Open Science, 2023). It is essential to note that the sample consisted of American gamers, and the findings require further expansion to other cultures and age categories.
How do gamers perceive their hobby?
The motivation of most gamers in the study primarily stems from seeking enjoyment in the process and wanting to relax or socialize after work or school. In the case of iGaming, one of the motivations was also the desire to earn money. However, experts advise treating these games as entertainment. After all, according to 1win IN, the number of gambling games in online casinos has long been counted in the thousands. And many of them are enjoyable. At the same time, wins in such games depend only on luck, and it is impossible to predict them. Much less likely to influence their probability.
Many participants emphasize that games have become a familiar part of everyday life and do not displace other essential activities, such as socializing with family or sports. In interviews, respondents note, “I play whenever I have free time and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.” This lifestyle is characterized by the integration of gamification into everyday activities without sacrificing other areas of life.
Technological progress has transformed gaming from a solitary form of entertainment into a tool for establishing and maintaining social connections. Modern online services and multiplayer modes have made it possible to regularly communicate with friends and meet like-minded people around the world. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this form of communication has become even more critical. The American Psychological Association estimates that online gaming has helped millions of people maintain mental health and maintain a sense of unity during times of distancing.
The Apparent Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Abilities
The term “cognitive functions” refers to the mental processes involved in thinking, memory, attention, and problem-solving. According to research, regular exercise in many types of video games has a positive effect on these measures. For example, strategy and logic puzzles such as X-Com 2 and League of Legends improve memory and planning. Sports simulators train reaction and coordination, while narrative role-playing games develop empathy by allowing the player to try on different characters.
The authors of scientific publications note that such “brain exercises” are becoming an increasingly important part of modern lifestyles, supporting mental flexibility and learning to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
Video games can help strengthen intergenerational relationships
Gamers of the past are becoming parents themselves, and many are seeking to utilize their hobby to strengthen family bonds. Participating together in team missions or family sports simulation tournaments replaces traditional leisure activities and creates occasions to win together. According to a survey by the IGN platform, more than 40% of gamer parents consider games as a way to establish trust with their children, discuss complex life issues, or give advice in a safe gaming environment.
Children’s psychological centers note that gaming sessions can teach valuable skills such as communication, emotion management, and team decision-making.
Moderation is essential in everything
The question of the impact of hobbies on life balance invariably arises when it comes to not only video games, but also many other passions. Excessive enthusiasm for sports, collecting, or reading can also lead to isolation if a person avoids responsibilities or social interactions. Experts say it is essential to assess how the chosen hobby integrates into the routine and contributes to personal growth and development.
The study had some minor limitations and nuances
It is essential to keep in mind that the study is based on data from the American segment of the Nintendo Switch audience. Experts emphasize that for an objective picture, additional data on gamers from other countries is needed. As well as representatives of different age and professional groups. The results of such analyses cannot yet be considered unambiguous for the entire human society.