Originally seen as a negative influence to young individuals in society, the views of video games have drastically changed. According to a new study by researchers of Oxford University, their recent research data shows that playing video games can be good for an individual’s mental health.
For many years sociological and psychological analysts have had mixed arguments on how the video game industry could be a negative influence on young individuals. An example could include the rise of violent video games in the early 2000s, to the more mature ones of the 2010s. Some frequently cited examples of games include: Grand Theft Auto, Call Of Duty, Battlefield, God Of War, Elder Scrolls, Assassin’s Creed franchises and many more.
However, with this new report, it could change the perspectives and views of many critics.
A New Understanding of Video Games
In a statement of Oxford University, they found in their analytical research that video games can have a positive effect for individuals or even improve mental health. This isn’t much of a surprise, as due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying home and playing video games for escapism.
According to The Guardian, the Oxford report was a survey research. The survey was based on responses from participants who played two games. Those games were Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle For Neighborville and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
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During the first study they gathered data from the companies who made the two games, Electronic Arts and Nintendo of America. The Oxford researchers then found the actual time that these participants spent playing these two games. They found that these players had a small to significant positive factor on these participants well-being. These Oxford researchers then put in their paper that the level of enjoyment and well-being can also be a factor of these participants playing these games. The institute’s director of research Andrew Przybylski explained:
“Our findings show video games aren’t necessarily bad for your health; there are other psychological factors which have a significant effect on a persons’ well-being”. Pryzybylski then added that In fact, play can be an activity that relates positively to people’s mental health – and regulating video games could withhold those benefits from players”.
The total number of participants on this survey research was about 2,756 players for Animal Crossing. While they counted 518 players for Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle For Neighborville. Hopefully with this new gathered data experts can see video games in a new perspective.
With the current pandemic still ongoing, video games have become an outlet for many individuals. Even those who have traditionally been against gaming are giving it a try and the results are encouraging. These are trying times and turning on your console could be a good way to relieve your stress and worry. Go ahead and press the power button.
What do you think of the new study? Let us know in the comment section below or over on Twitter!
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Source: IGN
