Why video games make us happy. An amazing article that got the science right over 10 years ago!
A decade later, hundreds more studies have only further affirmed what scientists had already accurately concluded:
(1) Moderate levels of game play are far superior to no game play or excessive play for mental and physical health.
(2) Video game content has no bearing on the positive effects of play. (And action games are highly therapeutic)
(3) Games provide a source of connection and are an important tool in reducing loneliness and social isolation.
But most importantly, randomised controlled trials with clinically depressed adults had already been shown to reduce tension, anger, depression and fatigue and cause an increase in vigour.
These improvements were supported by associated changes in brain activity and heart rate variability.
We knew all this in 2013…
