They may be more than just a means of entertainment
Think video games are just entertainment?
It might be time to take a second look at this popular hobby.
Video games might hold a key to providing affordable, stigma-free mental health treatment around the globe.
10'000 Hours / Getty Images.
That could give the worlds 2.7 billion gamers opportunities for major emotional wellness benefits.
So, arevideo gamesthe future of mental health treatment?
Evidence shows that video games could help alleviate symptoms of depression, such as the loss of pleasure.
The video games Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons also fostered social connectedness and reduced loneliness.
Isolation plays a significant role in anxiety and depressive disorders.
The support of a community within a game ecosystem mitigates this.
Certain video games providemood regulationbenefits, as well.
Studies have also shown that video games can help address and treat symptoms of anxiety.
Video games can be used to help effectively treat anxiety, depression, and social anxiety.
Commercial Video Games vs.
The problem with bespoke video games (like brain games) is that they generally arent really games.
He continues: A critical quality of a gamewhat makes it a gameis that it is played voluntarily.
We need to stop inaccurately stereotyping gamers and acknowledge that we are all gamers now, says Platt.
We should be wary of suggesting that gaming could be an alternative to therapy.
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