Video Games Can Be a Boon or a Bust for Your Mental Health
Your parents may have at some point told you that video games would rot your brain. Well, according to a new survey they might actually improve your mental health, though there may be a caveat.
Transcript
00:00Your parents may have at some point told you that video games would rot your brain.
00:07Well, according to a new survey, they might actually improve your mental health.
00:10Though there's a caveat.
00:11Researchers surveyed around 100,000 people in Japan,
00:15finding that those who play video games or owned a gaming console reported improved mental well-being.
00:20Previous surveys have revealed that gamers report a positive effect on their stress levels,
00:24as well as a boost to their creativity.
00:26However, the most recent investigation also uncovered a darker side to gaming as well.
00:30That is, too much gaming can have the reverse effect.
00:34That checks out with reports from the World Health Organization,
00:37which lists a condition called gaming disorder that's marked by a video game addiction,
00:41characterized by severely reduced control over gaming habits.
00:44This often results in reduced self-care, a negative effect on one's relationships,
00:49and is often a detriment to school and work.
00:51Experts say to get the most out of gaming and to avoid the pitfalls,
00:54set time limits for your sessions.
00:56They also recommend you monitor eating and sleeping habits when gaming,
01:00ensuring you're taking care of yourself.