New Oxford Study: Video games can benefit mental health!

EA and Nintendo have given researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute data on how much time people spend playing two video games: Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. A total of 3,274 players, who spent an average of 4-5 hours a week playing, were asked to answer a questionnaire about their experiences and feelings of well-being over two weeks, combined with data on how much time they played.  

The study found that people who played games for several hours each week had a positive sense of well-being. There was also a much greater connection between people who reported prosperity and those who felt socially connected to people who played online. Research has shown that gaming "is definitely not bad for you," Przibilski said. It is worth noting that this is the first study done using data on playing time and not based on the time that players report in this occupation, as in previous surveys.  

The study looked at just two games for all ages, and other ways of playing could be less beneficial. Similarly, one's gaming attitude can have an impact on one's spirituality. The study contrasts endogenous enjoyment - playing a game because it is fun - with the most externally disturbing behaviors, such as feeling bullied while playing, either by another player or by the game itself.  

The researchers hope that their study will set a higher standard for evidence in video game addiction discussions. "You have respected, important organizations, like the World Health Organization and the NHS (British National Health Service), that pay attention and resources to something about which there is no data. And it's shocking for me. "It makes no sense to say, 'This thing that 95% of teens do is addictive, and we have no evidence,'" Przybylski said. 

Chronic diseases and video games

Video games have been shown to have positive effects on people suffering from chronic diseases. The University of Utah in the USA published a study according to which people with chronic diseases such as autism, depression, and Parkinson's disease, showed a significant improvement in their condition. Particularly children who played certain games improved characteristics such as their physical and psychological endurance and patience, and determination.

Development of physical skills 

Improvements in physical characteristics and skills are also seen in healthy individuals, according to another study from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. According to the researchers, preschool children who played interactive video games developed greater object management control than those who did not play video games. Besides, many top hackers have also revealed to themselves that they started playing computers and video games at a very young age, which in turn helped them develop their mindset and perception of a multitude of things in their daily lives.

Quick and correct decisions 

Video games also improve players' skills in making quick and correct decisions. This view is confirmed by research from Rochester University in New York that examined the findings of Grand Theft Auto players, both in-game and in real life. Another typical example is Randy Lew and other teammates. Lew first became known worldwide in the video game industry as "Marvel vs. Capcom 2" and later developed his poker skills. He managed to join the elite team of poker stars consisting of top poker players worldwide while earning several million euros to date from his participation and distinction in poker tournaments.

Happy in old age too 

Video games keep older people happy. This fact dispels two myths that video games are only for children and that video games socially isolate people and cause depression. However, the opposite is true, as older people who play video games are less likely to develop negative emotions and psychological disorders such as depression.

Physical activity 

Video games encourage physical activity on several occasions. Countless hours in front of a computer screen or TV do not help with weight loss if one is sitting. However, many virtual world games encourage physical exercise. Researchers have found that Nintendo Wii gamestrain users and forces them to get up and exercise for at least 20 minutes at a time. There are sports games, dance games such as Dance Dance Revolution, and other activities similar to traditional aerobics but much more enjoyable. In fact, according to another study by the American Psychological Association, children who play sports games in video games are much more likely to try the real sport and engage in it.

Best celebrities 

Finally, video games can also make us better people. As Scot Osterweil of Creative Director of MIT's Education Arcade explains, games represent a delightful way to develop ideas through interactive discussions with other players. Simultaneously, strategy games change the way we think and make us make better and more ethical decisions in real life. Playing at casino online can offer similar results, too.