A new study from Oxford University has found that playing video games can negatively impact our mental health, but not in the long run. It found that children in China are limited to an hour of gaming every weekend. Even those children are allowed to play video games as long as they are within their parents’ limits. The Oxford Internet Institute, the research group that conducted the study, also found no evidence linking gaming style to mental health.

Studies of gaming time and mental health

Studies of gaming time and short-term mental wellbeing have revealed a relationship between game play and mental well-being. According to the researchers, video games can help improve mood, reduce stress, and even increase insight and socialization. Many of these benefits can be attributed to the storylines, exciting gameplay, and opportunities for socialization that these games provide. While video games have been linked to improved mental health, overuse can lead to serious life problems and addiction. Still, many veterans believe that the benefits of gaming outweigh the dangers of excessive use.

The effects of excessive gaming can be long-lasting and affect both mental and physical well-being. Excessive gaming has been associated with depression, sleep deprivation, and increased aggression. Excessive video game play can also lead to social disconnection and emotional suppression. Moreover, excessive gaming can contribute to negative emotions such as aggression and apathy, especially if the games contain content that triggers violence.

Positive effects of gaming on mental health

Although there are many negative aspects of gaming, this does not mean that playing these games will cause you to lose your mind. Gaming can actually have positive effects on your mental health. Often, video games are used to suppress negative emotions, such as stress or frustration, because they can distract us from other aspects of life, such as physical health and hygiene. As such, the positive effects of gaming are often underestimated. In fact, some studies have shown that playing video games is associated with better mental health and improved quality of life.

ALSO READ: John Cena Is Coming to Fortnite!

Video games are known to help people unwind, reduce stress, and improve problem-solving skills. Games about mental health may also encourage players to think about their own lives and learn new coping methods. But these benefits must be balanced against the risks of overuse. Similarly, games should never replace real-life interactions, especially if the person playing them is suffering from depression or anxiety. However, if you can’t stop playing games, you should contact a mental health professional to seek help.

Negative effects of gaming on mental health

While there are many health benefits of playing video games, there are also many downsides. While some gamers might be healthy and enjoy gaming as a recreational activity, too much screen time can have negative effects on mental health. A 2017 study found a connection between screen time and depression and suicidal ideation. While gaming can provide a sense of escape, it also creates an environment of isolation and negative peer influence.

Research has also shown that excessive gaming is associated with poor emotional regulation and mood problems. There is debate about whether gaming directly causes depression and social anxiety, but one study found a link between excessive gaming and depressive symptoms in adolescents. They found that gamers who spent two hours or more per day playing video games were at higher risk of developing depression. Our case studies have also revealed a connection between excessive gaming and social anxiety.