While I recognize that video games have a complicated reputation for often being too violent, immoral, and encouraging of an isolated culture, more research supports the notion that video games can actually be helpful for our mental health and socialization. They can provide us the opportunity to relax, to encourage helpful socialization, and to develop our minds (See links below). Of course, it is important to note that there are many types of games and an even larger amount of mental health differences in people as individuals. I am not attempting to say that I think all video games are so wonderful that they should be played regardless of age, mental state, game subject content, etc. Like so many things, it is a complicated issue, and many factors impact how positively games may impact an individual. I am merely speaking from personal experience.
Honestly, how many of us can say that we couldn't use a little more time to fully immerse ourselves in something outside of all our worries and negativity? For me, it is extremely rare that I am able to totally focus my attention away from life's many obligations. With my anxious and depressed thoughts, I typically find myself struggling to cancel out the background track of worries and despairs that is constantly playing in the foreground of my mind. At times it feels impossible to forget about all the fears and obligations swirling around in my thoughts. But when the story in a game is engaging, I can often find myself more focused outside of myself than I am able to be with other hobbies. For the while I am playing, I am capable of fully engaging in something else so that I can actually recharge. That break is sorely needed at times, and I am thankful that I am able to unplug for a while.
Besides improving my memory, spacial perception, and problem-solving skills (See links below), video games often provide me with the opportunity to tackle my fears of pressure. Similar to many others who battle depression or anxiety, I recognize that I put way too much pressure on myself. I tend to freeze up under time constraints or when I am not sure how to solve a problem. I am so terrified of making the wrong decision that I often become crippled by fears. Many games encourage me to let go of some of that pressure, since it is only a game after all. In that setting, I am reminded that I don't need to take everything so seriously or to be paralyzed by an unreachable desire for perfection.
Seeing progress is also very satisfying. I often fear I am stagnant in many areas of my life. Actually being able to track progress in a game is something we can not do with numerous aspects of the real world. It is often uplifting to me to see how far I have come in many games... and to remind myself of how that truth translates into my life as well.
On a related note, games help me to feel more connected with those around me. Being able to play with a friend or even to just discuss it with someone is a great way to bond. It becomes a shared experience, whether you connect with an online community or with someone in person. Games with stories often present morals and plot lines that can be discussed. Similar to movies, this type of media allows us the chance to reflect on how the world around us relates to the presented moral.
With the right games, I find myself feeling more hopeful. Splashes of history intrigue me to learn more about the past. I feel adventurous and am reminded of how there is so much to explore and experience in this world. Various game settings inspire me to travel and to learn more about the world's vast array of cultures. Knowing that there is so much left to experience allows me to feel hope when I am having a dark day.
Most significantly, my favorite video games provide me with a sense of empowerment. I can't tell you how many times I have felt utterly hopeless (and may have accidentally thrown the controller) during frustrating points. I have considered quitting certain games because I didn't know what else to do besides gives up. Consequently, there have been many times I have asked Brandon for guidance or recognized that I needed a break so that I could allow the frustration to dissipate. But I have always persevered.
One of my biggest struggles is with negative self-talk. Typically for most of my life's biggest issues, I find myself telling myself that I can't do something or that I'll never be able to overcome what lies before me. More often than I care to admit, I end up giving up before I have fully given myself a real chance of success. I often don't believe that I'm capable of something until I prove the anxious thoughts wrong. That feeling when I finally conquer what feels insurmountable is pure pride. Challenges push us to do what we don't think is possible. For me, sometimes video games remind me that when I don't give up, I can overcome more than I think I can.
Further Reading:
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/11/video-games.aspx
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201502/cognitive-benefits-playing-video-games
https://my.vanderbilt.edu/developmentalpsychologyblog/2014/04/effect-of-video-games-on-child-development/
I appreciate the references.
ReplyDeleteI think that I absolutely relate to what you said about being able to track progress in a video game (possibly to an unhealthy extent!) I've tried to look at various gamifying type things for everyday life, to try to track/show/convince myself of progress, but most of what I've found has failed to be as helpful as I'd like.
That said, all in all, I think video games can be helpful for the reasons that you listed above. I think it's important to be able to relax and not be in a constant state of stress or "productivity." What works to do this might be different for different people, but for many people (it sounds like you included), it is video games.