Oxford study of 40,000 video gamers sets the record straight on gaming and mental health.
This research, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, found no ‘causal link’ between gaming and poor mental health.
None! That means hours played, type of game, violence all had no negative effect on mental health.
But that does not mean video games were harmless – the issue that surfaced was not about WHAT you play or HOW often you play it. It is all about WHY you play.
“The research showed a distinct difference in the experience of gamers who play ‘because they want to’ and those who play ‘because they feel they have to’.â€
This is not unique to games. Any reward based behavior done compulsively, or designed to be done compulsively, is going to be a problem. And that is a great check point for gamers, regulators, and ultimately parents.
(2022, July 27). Gaming does not appear harmful to mental health, unless the gamer can’t stop. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-07-27-gaming-does-not-appear-harmful-mental-health-unless-gamer-cant-stop-oxford-study
