Contrary to popular belief, video gaming isn’t the harmful activity it’s often portrayed to be. In fact, this assumption doesn’t hold up when examined closely — gaming has become a daily pastime for millions of people across the globe. It’s a part of life, intertwined with how many of us relax, connect, and even grow mentally.
Take the widespread popularity of games like Wordle, Connections, or Sudoku, for instance. These games have become staples in countless households, offering players a quick mental challenge that’s both stimulating and fun. Chances are, you know someone who plays them daily. Yet, no one argues that these games are harmful. Instead, they’ve been embraced as harmless entertainment — a productive way to exercise the mind.
So, why are video games often viewed differently? At their core, video games are still games. They’re designed to entertain and engage, just like puzzles or board games.
While gaming doesn’t always have the best reputation, especially with concerns over excessive screen time or violence in certain genres, growing evidence suggests that video games might actually benefit mental health. Perhaps it’s time to rethink the narrative and examine gaming from a more balanced perspective.
Video gaming and mental well-being
A recent study conducted in Japan between 2020 and 2022 challenges the long-held belief that video gaming has a negative impact on mental health. The research surveyed nearly 100,000 Japanese residents aged 10 to 69, offering a comprehensive look at how gaming influences well-being across various demographics.
The findings revealed that owning a gaming console and playing games regularly were associated with generally improved mental well-being. This is a significant step toward understanding how gaming, when done in moderation, can enhance one’s quality of life.
Interestingly, the relationship between time spent gaming and life satisfaction was not straightforward. Both those who played up to three hours a day and those who played for more than three hours reported similar benefits to their mental well-being.
This suggests that even extended gaming sessions don’t necessarily diminish the positive effects, as long as they don’t interfere with other areas of life. It counters previous concerns that excessive gaming might lead to poor mental health, adding nuance to the discussion around screen time and its impact.
The study took advantage of a unique natural experiment during Japan’s pandemic lockdowns, when demand for gaming consoles and video games surged. To manage this demand, manufacturers organized lotteries to fairly distribute consoles. Researchers used this unusual situation to study the effects of gaming on individuals with a strong interest in video games.
Their findings illuminate the potential mental health benefits of gaming, particularly during stressful and uncertain times, such as those experienced during COVID-19. It highlights gaming’s ability to provide comfort, distraction, and even social connection in moments of adversity.
How different consoles affect well-being
One of the study’s most intriguing findings was how different gaming consoles impacted well-being in unique ways, influenced by factors such as household type, gender, and age. It turns out that not all gaming experiences are created equal, and the type of console you use can shape how much you benefit from gaming.
For example, the PlayStation 5 had a greater positive impact on men, particularly those living in households without children and among more dedicated or “hardcore” gamers. The immersive and intense gaming experiences typically associated with the PlayStation 5 might explain why it resonated strongly with this demographic.
In contrast, the Nintendo Switch showed a more balanced effect across genders and was particularly beneficial for casual or non-gamers. Its versatile design and family-friendly game library made it especially popular with children, offering a significant boost to their mental well-being.
Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 provided more modest psychological benefits for younger players in comparison, suggesting that a console’s design and game selection can influence its impact on different age groups.
These differences in well-being outcomes raise thought-provoking questions about how specific consoles align with individual preferences and lifestyles. They also highlight the importance of understanding the psychological connections we form with the products we use.
It’s well known that the things we buy often reflect our sense of identity or aspirations. Similarly, gaming consoles that resonate with who you are — or who you want to be — may enhance their psychological benefits, providing a sense of satisfaction and belonging.
Video games and mental health
Video games are often seen as a way to escape life’s challenges or manage stress, offering players moments of relief, entertainment, and even creativity. However, their impact on mental health is complex and can be influenced by external circumstances. For instance, how do the benefits of gaming change if players reduce their screen time or switch to other leisure activities?
These unanswered questions underline the need for further research to better understand the role gaming plays in our lives.
Research like the Japanese study expands our understanding of how video games influence mental well-being, particularly in contexts where gaming serves as a source of comfort and connection. Alongside other studies showing positive outcomes, such findings could help guide policymakers and organizations in shaping more informed approaches to regulating digital media.
It also encourages a broader conversation about gaming’s potential as a tool for social and emotional growth, rather than dismissing it as merely a distraction or harmful habit.
By continuing to study how and why gaming affects people differently, we can move toward a more balanced perspective — one that acknowledges its challenges while recognizing its many benefits. From stress relief to mental stimulation and even fostering social bonds, video games have much to offer in improving mental health when approached mindfully.
Perhaps it’s time for society to embrace gaming not as a problem, but as an opportunity to enhance well-being in a complex, fast-changing world.
