Gaming can be fun, but it can also be harmful. It can have a negative effect on physical and psychological well-being, and even lead to addiction. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to avoid gaming’s dark side.
First, it’s best to know what you’re getting into before you start. Many people have a misconceived idea of what gaming is all about. They think of it as something to do after work, when they’re too tired to engage in other activities. But games come in many shapes and sizes, and they’re available on mobile devices, on the desktop, and on the console. You can play them alone, or with other players in your local area.
To make sure you’re on the right track, learn a few key principles that will help you achieve your goals and remain happy in the process. Some things to look for include balance, diversity, and control. For example, some games require you to make multiple decisions at once, while others are more random. Learning to prioritize your time and energy will help you enjoy gaming more.
Games can be used to solve problems, explore alternative identities, and even teach you how to navigate a 3D world. As a result, they have a number of benefits, including promoting cognitive development, providing a sense of control, and reducing stress. And, if you’re a gamer, you might even get to develop skills for a future career.
Gaming can also provide the most obvious effect, which is to make you happy. However, it can also leave you feeling lonely and detached from other people. In fact, some gamers find it difficult to interact with other people in person. This is why it’s important to learn to set boundaries. Whether you’re playing on your own, with friends, or online, it’s important to maintain healthy social connections.
Those with a gaming addiction might feel smug and self-righteous, but the truth is that they’re not. Gamers often ignore their own needs for sleep, rest, and even healthy eating. When this happens, they can become uninterested in other forms of interaction, and even lose confidence.
The most effective ways to overcome this are to make a list of your priorities, prioritize them, and schedule your time. You may need to make cutbacks, but it doesn’t have to be as painful as it sounds.
In fact, some of the participants had to do just that. For instance, one participant intentionally blocked out time for his gaming during exam time. Others took the aforementioned hints into their own hands by setting up alarms to remind them to stop playing.
On a personal note, I played video games for a few years, but have since stopped. Although I enjoyed the experience at the time, it didn’t lead to the same level of satisfaction that it once did. Eventually, I had to accept that I had to stop.
As far as the research goes, there’s no perfect answer. A lot depends on the individual, however.
