Introduction
Gaming has now developed into an entertainment activity whereby over two thirds of the US population participates in. Gaming has been founded to provide entertainment and even social interactions for people with friends and relatives thus forming virtual communities but its over use has negative impacts on health. This blog will look at the pros and the cons of gaming and where and when is appropriate to indulge in it.
The Benefits of Gaming
But now, it is essential to note down some of the positive aspects which gaming provides before moving to the health issues. Apart from fun, video games can be used in socialising other people where they can relate with each other in a virtual way. This can be especially helpful where loneliness is becoming more rampant, something we have seen in the current world. Fun and games can also help in increasing focus and spatial awareness and also has its application in medicine. For instance, video games are applied nowadays to train surgeons, to treat ADHD patients, and to enhance balance in patients with degenerative diseases.
The Risks of Excessive Gaming
Excessive gaming leads to multiple health issues. A very frequent problem is coming up with repetitive strain injuries, e. g. carpal tunnel syndrome or “gamer’s thumb”, caused by constant exercising of specific muscles. Often, one can experience a computer-related problem that causes headaches and inability to focus among other symptoms often referred to as eye strain.
Playing games has also been associated with increase in weights more so in teens. This is so because, while playing, one is most of the time seated and may even consume food during the time of the game. It is argued that excessive gaming brings about poor appetite control and as such the players will succumb to eating more than they should.
Impact of Gaming on the Mental Health of Children
At a cognitive level, gaming can cause disruptions of sleep, depression of mood, anxiety, and aggression. There is also a rise in cases of people becoming addicted to video games which is sometimes referred to as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). IGD’s full impact is not yet clear; however, it is defined by at least five criteria: gaming negatively impacts interest in other activities, using games to avoid unpleasant feelings, the patient goes on to play despite adverse effects in the sphere of social or academic performance. This has grown to 1% of all gamers in the US and to date the treatments are still undergoing research.
The Bottom Line
All in all, gaming could in some ways be positive and negative depending on the gaming aspect that one chooses to indulge into. Hence, balance should be put into practice to ensure that people play as a way of relaxing, not as a way of breaking themselves emotionally or psychologically. Players should reduce the time that they spend on the gaming platforms and also should find time to be as active in the real world, for instance, through exercises and interpersonal communication. Besides, it is pertinent to take rest, extend the limbs and adopt right posture on the wheel so that the fatigues shall not catch up with them and eventually lead to some injuries.
If you have thoughts on this subject, consider sharing them in the Write For Us Gaming section to contribute to the conversation around responsible gaming.
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