The brain gain: why video games can make people happy (2024)
Video games, whether violent or not, are a lightning rod for speculation and fear regarding their impact on children and adults alike. Yet, we do not have to go far back in time when almost identical expressions of concern were made regarding comic books, novels and various genres of music - from rock to punk. While it would be foolish to suggest that every instance of a particular type of media is appropriate to all age groups (clearly Grand Theft Auto and A Clockwork Orange were not made to be consumed by children), it is essential that we take a balanced and considered approach.
Our research has shown a range of benefits associated with playing video games, whatever their content. We have shown improvements in mood, reductions in stress, and feelings of competence and autonomy resulting from playing video games. Our studies of play with others have revealed benefits for young people in terms of social wellbeing and feelings of relatedness. But importantly, we have also found co-operative video game play to be associated with increased brain activity for younger people. More broadly, using a well validated measure of mental health and wellbeing, we have found evidence that for adult players, a positive impact on wellbeing resulted from playing video games with other people.
In a randomised controlled trial with a clinically depressed sample of adults, the positive influences of video games have been shown to include a reduction in tension, anger, depression and fatigue and increase in vigour. Importantly, these improvements were supported by associated changes in brain activity and heart rate variability. Research focusing on video game play among children has suggested that the best outcomes are associated with moderate video game play as opposed to no play or excessive play. These benefits have extended to greater positive emotions, having less risky friendship networks, better self-esteem and higher levels of family closeness.
While dysfunctional patterns of play can occur, we need to be cautious about assumptions regarding children and video game playing. Researchers at the University of Rochester, New York, have shown that whether people engage with video games in a healthy way is a consequence of whether certain basic needs (feelings of competence, autonomy and relatedness) are being met in their lives. If your needs are not being met and you are less satisfied in your everyday life, you are more likely to engage unhealthily with video games and for play to result in less enjoyment and more tension. In contrast, if you are broadly happy and satisfied, you are more likely to engage with video games in a balanced, healthy way and your video game playing is likely to lead to feelings of enjoyment and increased energy.
There is a range of evidence that suggests video games can positively impact a young player's wellbeing. Translating this research into practical guidelines about gaming and wellbeing that can be used by parents and professionals is critical. Importantly, there are also clear opportunities to use video games as a way to empower young people to manage their mental health and wellbeing, and potentially circumvent psychological distress.
An important thing is that players (and their parents) engage thoughtfully with what they are playing. Games like Minecraft and Portal 2 are appropriate for a wide age range and encourage creativity and co-operation. Even more adult-themed and violent video games can have a positive influence - but who the player is and the nature of their engagement will influence the impact of such games.
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Daniel Johnson is director of the QUT games research lab and leads the gaming research group at the Young and Well Co-operative Research Centre.
In other words, due to reward systems and an increase in dopamine, people who play video games at “just the right amount” are happier than those who do not play video games at all and those who spend too much time playing video games.
Surprisingly, many studies included in the review found that gaming may actually improve several types of attention, including selective attention, divided attention, and sustained attention. Plus, the regions of the brain associated with attention were more efficient in gamers.
Video games can strengthen neural connections and even create new ones, which can help maintain cognitive health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Video games have been used as a form of therapy for various conditions, such as ADHD, autism, and PTSD.
Video games can be a refuge for them to find people to connect with in positive way. In our busy lives, games offer virtual playdates with real-life friends. Video games also give kids something to talk about at school. These days, games are a mainstream topic of conversation for kids, just like sports and music.
Studies have shown that some video games can boost mood and make for better heart rhythms—a sign that they may also help relieve stress. The correlation (not causality) between video games and stress has been reflected in numerous unrelated studies, which is why video games have been used in therapy for over a decade.
New worlds to explore, new people to meet (both real and in game only), and then we come to the idea of achievements. Being congratulated for managing feats in the games you love; it's a real driving force for a lot of players, and this power is being leveraged well.
It's true that some studies have shown certain video games can improve hand–eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind's ability to process information. But too much video game playing may cause problems. It's hard to get enough active play and exercise if you're always inside playing video games.
However, the benefits of videogames include improved powers of concentration, creativity, memory, languages and teamwork. Videogames can make it easier to learn educational contents and develop cognitive skills.
So no, video games aren't rotting your kid's brain, and have many benefits! They can help improve problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, social skills, and learning.
Engaging in problem-solving games and activities is a great way to keep the wheels spinning. Challenging your brain with mental exercises is believed to stimulate brain cells and engage communication among them. Try crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other brain games to engage your mind.
Gaming is highly stimulating and heightened sensory experience. Gamers actively participate and drive the action, unlike more passive activities like watching TV. Video games are designed to be as engrossing as possible. This is what keeps people wanting to play.
Gaming can be a great way to look after your mental health. Just like reading or going for a walk, it can help you unwind and take a break from everyday pressures. It has it's positives, like helping you learn new skills or staying connected with friends and family.
Despite what people may think, playing video games boosts your mood and has lasting effects. Whether you're using gaming to spend time with your friends or to release some stress, it's a great option.
Studies have shown that playing video games as a child can lead to better working memory as an adult. Even if you no longer play. The positive effects of video games on memory can last for years.
Researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of video game addiction and the addictive qualities of internet and video games. So far, researchers think the process of playing and winning video games may trigger a release of dopamine.
Gamers actively participate and drive the action, unlike more passive activities like watching TV. Video games are designed to be as engrossing as possible. This is what keeps people wanting to play. Through gaming, people can sometimes experience 'flow', that is, a state of optimal focus and engagement.
While playing, a chemical called dopamine is released in the brain. Dopamine makes the player feel good and stay interested and focused on playing. However, the brain then starts producing less of this positive-feeling chemical at times when the player is not playing video games.
Gaming can be a great way to look after your mental health. Just like reading or going for a walk, it can help you unwind and take a break from everyday pressures. It has it's positives, like helping you learn new skills or staying connected with friends and family.
Other studies have indicated that players' in-game behaviors were consistent with real-world behaviors [17,22]. In turn, players repeatedly exposed to video games suffer changes in cognition and particular personality traits in real life [23].
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