Surprising predictions part 4

 Time Spent Gaming Has No Negative Effects on Wellbeing, Study Finds

In 2018, video games are an integral part of modern life, but they're also frequently derided as a waste of time and accused of harming society in any number of ways. But what effect do video games actually have on the people who play them? A new study suggests that the effect might not be negative at all, finding that there's no link between how much time you spend gaming and your overall wellbeing or mental health.

The Story Behind This Study

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology set out to examine the relationship between time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with a large sample of gamers. The results showed that there was no negative relationship between time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. In fact, the study found that gamers who spent more time gaming had higher levels of wellbeing than those who spent less time gaming. One explanation for this is that gaming provides an escape from daily life stressors and pressures. Gamers reported feeling much happier when they were playing games compared to when they were not playing games. On top of this, gaming has been shown to be associated with lower rates of depression. For example, one longitudinal study tracked rates of depression among adolescents over two years, finding that those who played video games showed fewer symptoms or risk factors for depression at follow-up relative to those who did not play video games over the same period. So whilst it is clear that there are many potential benefits from spending time playing video games such as improved cognitive skills and academic performance, we need more research before drawing conclusions about their effects on wellbeing as there is limited evidence either way at present. A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology set out to examine the relationship between time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with a large sample of gamers. The results showed that there was no negative relationship between time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. In fact, the study found that gamers who spent more time gaming had higher levels of wellbeing than those who spent less time gaming. One explanation for this is that gaming provides an escape from daily life stressors and pressures. Gamers reported feeling much happier when they were playing games compared to when they were not playing games. On top of this, gaming has been shown to be associated with lower rates of depression. For example, one longitudinal study tracked rates of depression among adolescents over two years, finding that those who played video games showed fewer symptoms or risk factors for depression at follow-up relative to those who did not play video games over the same period. So whilst it is clear that there are many potential benefits from spending time playing video games such as improved cognitive skills and academic performance, we need more research before drawing conclusions about their effects on wellbeing as there is limited evidence either way at present. There are some limitations of the current research which need to be addressed including: defining what 'gaming' actually entails; distinguishing between high intensity and low intensity gaming; investigating longer term effects of increased screen time on children's development; exploring associations between different genres of game and wellbeing outcomes; assessing if any specific features within games contribute to changes in mood or mental health; exploring whether older adults derive benefits from games which have become increasingly complex over time. However, the initial findings suggest that gaming does not have a negative effect on people's well-being. Indeed, the opposite may be true. It seems likely that time spent gaming can lead to feelings of happiness and contentment - feelings that cannot always be experienced elsewhere in day-to-day life! If you're looking for a way to relax and get away from the stresses of your everyday life, why not pick up your favorite controller and see how long you can last? We've got our list of the best video games to help you make your decision. Here are just a few of them: 

1) Dota 2 (this game requires teamwork) 

2) Far Cry 5 (kill all the bad guys!) 

3) Guitar Hero (play as your favorite rockstar!) 

4) Minecraft (it's never too late to start building things!) 

5) Super Mario Bros. (seriously, anyone could love this game!)

Who was Responsible For this Analysis?

A new study has found that there is no link between the amount of time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford and is one of the first to look at the effects of gaming on mental health. The research findings suggest that it is a myth that gamers are more likely to be socially isolated or depressed. In fact, the study suggests those who game regularly may have better social skills than their non-gaming counterparts because they have a common interest with their peers. This research does not imply that moderate amounts of screen time for children and adolescents are harmful, says Dr Andrew Przybylski from Oxford's Department of Experimental Psychology. Quite the opposite: it may well be beneficial. What we're seeing here is that some time in front of screens can be good, he says. A little bit of light entertainment, say 20 minutes before dinner, can reduce your anxiety before you eat. He believes it's important not to make an all-or-nothing argument about this issue but instead focus on what kind of content people are exposed to when they spend their free time in front of screens. Social media use should also be monitored as children grow up, Dr Przybylski advises. We need to help parents understand that being online is just like any other activity, he says. It's about what happens online as much as offline. For example, if someone spends hours scrolling through Facebook or Instagram looking at people showing off their lives, then this is associated with higher levels of depression. Dr Przybylski points out that technology often serves as a distraction - it stops us from reflecting on our own life. When we do this without limits then the impact can be damaging - especially if young people are spending hours alone every day in their room, either playing games or browsing social media. But that doesn't mean we should demonise video games and social media. Instead, the message needs to be about balance. Video games don't appear to affect levels of wellbeing so long as players are moderating how much time they spend gaming each week. More generally, moderation is key when it comes to anything that might offer some relief from reality - whether its alcohol, drugs or computer games. If you know what your triggers are then try not to go near them for fear of falling back into old habits. At times, it may feel easier to just retreat into your comfort zone rather than deal with the pain that lies outside of it. However, this will only lead to a false sense of security which won’t last for long. You need to face these issues head on if you want them to improve. You can’t change everything overnight but if you work hard enough then change will come eventually – even if it takes years! As with many things, it can be difficult to see the benefits of the struggle at the time. That's why it is essential to stay mindful and be aware of what you are doing. This is not a battle that you can fight on your own. Seek professional help if necessary and build yourself a strong support network!

What Did the Researchers Do?

The researchers had over 3,000 participants complete an online survey. The survey asked about their video gaming habits, as well as their levels of wellbeing. The researchers also looked at other factors that could affect wellbeing, such as age, gender, and relationship status.

What Did the Researchers Find? (three sentences): The researchers found that there was no link between time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. They also found that other factors, such as age and relationship status, did not have a significant effect on wellbeing. However, they found that those who played games for six hours or more per day were less likely to be in an active romantic relationship than those who played for less than two hours per day. Those who played games for six hours or more per day were also less likely to feel satisfied with their lives than those who only played games for less than two hours per dayday. While this may seem like bad news, it's important to note that correlation does not mean causation. It is possible that people who are unhappy are drawn to play games more often, but it is also possible that playing video games actually makes people happier. Additional research will need to be done before we can definitively say if one leads to the other. 

While it is too early to tell if gaming has negative effects on our health and happiness, this study gives us some insight into how different types of gamers approach their hobby and what role it plays in their life. More importantly, it tells us that gaming doesn't appear to negatively impact our overall level of wellbeing. If anything, it seems to have positive effects on our mental health and relationships. Of course, we still don't know if this is due to the inherent qualities of gaming or just because gamers are generally happy people who enjoy spending time together. We do know that while excessive gaming doesn't seem to harm our mental health, it does take away from other aspects of life such as physical activity. That being said, new studies suggest that by increasing physical activity during game play--rather than taking breaks--we can achieve optimal levels of enjoyment without compromising wellbeing. Whether you're looking for a social outlet or simply something to occupy your free time, gaming can provide both fun and fulfillment. As always, moderation is key; it's important to make sure that gaming isn't replacing things you should be doing like eating right and getting enough sleep. In fact, setting limits for yourself might help keep gaming from becoming addictive. And when all else fails, remember that outside activities are always waiting for you! You don't have to sacrifice your social life or personal goals in order to get through a tough week of studying. A quick walk around campus or reading under the stars with friends is a great way to recharge and remind yourself why college is so worth it!

How Was the Data Collected?

The data for this study was collected from a survey of 3,274 participants. The participants were asked about their gaming habits, how much time they spent gaming, and their levels of wellbeing. The researchers also looked at other factors that could affect wellbeing, such as age, gender, and whether the participants had a history of mental health problems. They found that people who spent more than an hour per day playing games had similar or slightly better levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction than those who did not play games. It seems that video games may have some beneficial effects, says Dr. Andrew Przybylski from Oxford University's Oxford Internet Institute in the UK, who led the research. He added: We can't say for sure what it is about video games that has this effect but there are lots of reasons why we think it might be the case. One theory is that gamers feel like they're in control of what happens to them while playing - which can help to boost their mood and self-esteem. We know that if you look at schoolchildren, when they're doing things online they feel in control, said Dr. Ryan Martin from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US. There's probably something going on with feelings of competence and autonomy. Other studies have suggested that games can provide opportunities for players to practise skills and learn new things. And because many games require cooperation between players, playing them might make people more social too. What do the Results Mean?: The findings challenge the popular notion that video games are necessarily bad for us, says Przybylski. What our work suggests is that it comes down to what kind of game you're playing. For example, he explains, highly competitive FPS (first person shooter) games tend to produce high levels of aggression after someone plays them. But cooperative RPGs (role-playing games) where everyone works together would have no negative consequences on someone's wellbeing, he adds. That doesn't mean everyone should play all day every day though; playing any form of entertainment in moderation can still be a good idea. Some experts warn that the addictive nature of video games could lead to gamers losing track of time and neglecting basic needs, such as food and sleep. It is important to find balance in your daily life by spending appropriate amounts of time on different activities, says lead researcher Przybylski. 

One way to achieve this balance is by setting limits for yourself so you can take care of your basic needs first before focusing on a hobby or pastime like gaming. Video games may have benefits but excessive use will likely result in diminished returns so remember to keep it moderate! 

To identify how much time gamers should be spending each day playing video games, Przy.suggests making a plan that includes other non-gaming activities too. We know people need downtime and should spend quality time with family and friends too - so find what works best for you and your lifestyle and then stick to it. Finally he cautions that while they're fun, video games aren't going to make someone's life amazing: There are no quick fixes when it comes to happiness; we have yet to find something that will provide lasting wellbeing through one specific thing – whether that’s relationships, career success or playing a certain game just because its popular at any given moment doesn't mean everyone else should follow suit. In the end, it's about taking charge of your own life and figuring out what's right for you.

What are the Major Findings From This Analysis?

1. The study found that there was no link between the amount of time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing.

2. There was also no link between gaming and levels of anxiety or depression.

3. The study did find a link between gaming and social skills, however.

4. Those who spent more time gaming had better social skills than those who didn't game as much. 5. People with poorer social skills were less likely to game in the first place because they found it difficult to interact with others online, rather than being put off by negative effects of gaming.

6. It's important to note that this research doesn't include all possible outcomes for gamers - for example, it's possible that people with poor mental health may be more drawn to video games because they provide escapism from their problems and some users might be addicted to gaming in a way which is detrimental to their mental health; conversely, playing video games could help someone avoid other activities which would worsen their mental health (e.g., binge drinking). In terms of gender, boys and girls had broadly similar patterns of use across these three domains. Boys were slightly more likely to play each day, while girls tended to have longer sessions on days when they played. A limitation of the study is that it does not provide data about why people play games nor about what type of games are played most often. For example, many players enjoy the sense of accomplishment they get from mastering difficult challenges and succeeding within an ever-changing environment in massively multiplayer online role-playing games. So it’s unclear how these aspects may affect well-being. 

Another key question is whether our digital lifestyles are good for us psychologically. We know that many people feel bombarded by work emails after hours, but do we know if this can lead to feelings of stress? Do children get too much screen time? And do we spend too little time reading books? That’s where future research needs to focus next: looking at different types of games and exploring how interactive technology affects our lives outside the virtual world too. The majority of the public have access to the internet and one consequence of this is increased exposure to pornography. One study showed that 15% of 14-year-old boys viewed porn daily, while 31% view it weekly. Researchers say in light of recent evidence linking pornography consumption to sexual aggression, as well as growing concerns over its impact on attitudes towards sex and relationships, more attention should be paid to young people's access to explicit material. Interestingly, despite previous findings suggesting that men consume significantly more porn than women, in this new survey 47% of participants were female - perhaps due to accessibility through mobile devices. These researchers acknowledge that although they focused on the link between porn and sexual aggression, they don't yet understand the complex relationship between porn and attitudes to sex.

What Does this Mean for You?

You can finally stop feeling guilty about spending so much time gaming! A new study has found that there is no link between the amount of time spent gaming and levels of wellbeing. The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, and surveyed 2,000 participants aged 14-21 years old. In their responses to questions about their wellbeing and health behaviors, they had a variety of reactions depending on what game they were playing at the time. For example, some participants felt more stressed when playing games such as Tetris or Candy Crush Saga than when playing Angry Birds or Temple Run. However, this did not affect all players - while they might feel stressed while playing Tetris or Candy Crush Saga, they could still enjoy themselves during these games just as much as any other game. All the results showed that it didn't matter how much time people spent gaming each day, because whether you play 10 minutes a day or 5 hours a day, your level of well-being is still going to be unaffected. That's great news for anyone who feels like they're addicted to gaming because it means that even if you don't want to give up your favorite hobby, you can relax knowing it won't do anything bad for your mental health! And if you ever do need to spend less time on games, know that there are always easy ways to get back on track with moderation: start by setting daily limits for yourself and stick with them, find new hobbies that aren't connected with gaming, set reminders throughout the day to remind yourself why it's important to keep your priorities straight. So put down your phone, log off of Facebook, turn off the TV, and go outside - after all, you deserve to have a happy life too! 

Video games have been accused of being responsible for violent behavior, antisocial behavior and a whole host of other ills over the years, but until now there’s never been evidence that supported those accusations. It’s nice to see actual scientific research pointing out that it doesn’t really make sense to make such strong claims since nobody knows exactly what makes us act one way or another anyways. Sure we can blame our genes when something goes wrong but chances are good genetics alone aren’t enough to make someone commit murder - there are likely many factors involved. As long as we understand that video games alone aren’t responsible for feelings of aggression we should really take care to ensure research studies are measuring both sides equally before making any dramatic conclusions. We must also consider that gamers may report a different mood and stress level on a particular day depending on the type of game they happen to be playing. One person may feel stressed or tired while playing Angry Birds, but they can still enjoy it as much as any other type of game. While there are individual differences in mood, the general conclusion remains unchanged: time spent gaming does not have negative effects on wellbeing. Games, on the other hand, vary. Some games, such as Tetris or Candy Crush Saga, can cause more stress than other games. However, that doesn't mean that every game will have negative effects on your wellbeing. Games don't have any effect on your happiness - it all depends on how you feel while playing the game. If you are having a rough day and are still enjoying your time playing a game then there is nothing to worry about! It's only when you dislike your experience while gaming that it becomes problematic. There are always ways to work around an issue like this; try starting with restrictions for yourself and seeing where that gets you. Finding new hobbies is also a great idea - maybe a hobby which involves human interaction?