Video games are good for mental health, this study proves it

Since they entered our homes, video games “It has often been seen as a demon responsible for many ills. Violence, isolation, cruelty… This vision has fortunately evolved over time, especially considering that the majority of recent studies have shown beneficial effects. First of all, video games do not make you violent.”He was playing GTAcan no longer explain mass murder. Better yet: The activity supports children’s brain development while improving speed and decision-making.

Of course, there are also negative aspects. phenomenonvideo game addiction exists and is also a mental illness recognized by the World Health Organization. But does it have a real impact on our mental health within the framework of reasonable use? That’s the title of the study’s authors: “Causal impact of video games on mental health in Japan between 2020 and 2022“.

Playing video games improves psychological health

The Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine in 2020 led to a very strong demand for gaming consoles. Japan is implementing an implementation as there is not enough stock in the market. to draw To determine who is eligible to purchase a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch, researchers took the opportunity to conduct their study. 98,000 peopleIncluding 8,200 lottery participants. Apparently, thanks to the latter, they got a console reduces psychological distress individuals are increase satisfaction how they feel about their lives.

Research also shows that Playing video games improves participants’ overall psychological well-being. It is interesting to note that the console type is important depending on the population. Therefore, Owning a PS5 has a greater impact on men (all ages) and “hardcore” gamers Key “slightly preferredby womenagain, regardless of their age and by people who had not played much before winning the lottery.

If this study is going to help change the general perception of video games, it still needs to be put in context. During the prison period, The general well-being of the population was lower than normalTherefore, even if running the study through 2022 would have reduced this potential bias, the effects of video games may have been exacerbated by this exceptional situation.

Source : Nature