Video games have long been a source of controversy when it comes to their impact on mental well-being. However, a recent study conducted in Japan during the height of the covid-19 pandemic suggests that playing video games may actually have a positive effect on one’s overall well-being. The study, led by Hiroyuki Egami at Nihon University, took advantage of a unique situation where gaming consoles were in short supply, leading to lotteries for popular consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
The study surveyed 8192 people who had entered these lotteries, ranging in age from 10 to 69. Participants were asked about their gaming habits and levels of psychological distress, which is often used as an indicator of mental well-being. The results showed that those who won the lotteries and received gaming consoles had slightly better mental well-being scores than those who were unsuccessful. However, this positive effect seemed to plateau after about 3 hours of total playing time per day.
One interesting finding from the study was that the impact of gaming on well-being varied depending on the console and the demographics of the owner. For example, younger people with a Nintendo Switch saw a greater benefit compared to older individuals. Additionally, those without children experienced a greater positive effect from owning a PlayStation 5 compared to parents.
Peter Etchells, a researcher at Bath Spa University, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of being specific and nuanced when studying the effects of video games on mental health. He noted that the participants self-reported their playing times, which may not always be accurate. It’s also important to consider that the data was collected during a unique time period, the covid-19 pandemic, which may have influenced people’s gaming habits and overall well-being.
While the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of playing video games, further research is needed to confirm these findings in different contexts. Understanding how video games impact individuals requires a comprehensive and detailed approach, taking into account various factors such as gaming habits, demographics, and external influences.
In conclusion, if you enjoy playing video games, there may be nothing to worry about when it comes to your mental well-being. The study from Japan suggests that gaming can have a positive impact on overall well-being, especially during challenging times like the covid-19 pandemic. So, next time you pick up your controller, remember that gaming could be contributing to your happiness and mental health.