10 Physical and Psychological Effects of Playing Computer Games

Based on my experience and interactions with gaming friends, I’d like to highlight some physical and psychological effects that have been associated with playing computer games.

I touch on both positive and negative effects to give you a complete picture of the pros and cons of playing computer games. The critical point is moderation. Obsessive gaming might lead to physical and mental health disorders.

Here are the ten points for your consideration.

1 — Improved hand-eye coordination

Some computer games require precise hand-eye coordination. Therefore, they can improve this skill over time when played consistently.

For example, a player of a first-person shooter game may see an improvement in their hand-eye coordination as they practice aiming and shooting at targets.

Personally, I’ve noticed that sometimes compared to my friends who don't play video games, I tend to have better hand-eye coordination even in real-life activities such as sports.

2 — Decreased physical activity

Spending long periods of time playing computer games can lead to decreased physical activity and an increased risk of obesity and other health problems.

People who spend long periods of time sitting and playing computer games may experience a decrease in physical activity and an increased risk of obesity and other health problems.

I can relate to this issue since when I first got my gaming PC, I spent all of my time stuck to the monitor, unable to leave. It took an enormous toll on my health which I had to fix after noticing the damage I had done to my body.

3 — Increased cognitive skills

Some research has suggested that playing computer games can improve a range of cognitive skills, such as spatial awareness, problem-solving, and decision-making.

I’ve noticed that some of my friends who play puzzle games usually have a tendency to perform better in problem-solving and decision-making scenarios.

For example, when we play board games together, they’ll have quicker thinking about outplaying to beat me.

4 — Improved attention and focus

Computer games can be highly engaging and can help to improve attention and concentration. This is due to the level of intensity some games require to achieve a certain outcome.

After all my experience in video games, I’ve noticed that I tend to have a higher level of concentration and patience for everyday activities such as driving, housework, or even writing an article.

5 — Increased motivation and sense of accomplishment

Successfully completing tasks in computer games can provide a sense of accomplishment and increase motivation.

A player in a role-playing game may feel a sense of accomplishment after successfully completing a challenging quest or defeating a demanding boss.

As I have mentioned in many previous posts, I am an avid player of New World, which is an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game).

Every time I complete a specific challenging quest or defeat a high-level boss with my friends, I always get a massive sense of accomplishment.

6 — Improved social interaction

Many computer games involve multiplayer modes or other forms of social interaction, which can help to improve social skills and increase social connections.

A player of a multiplayer online game may make new friends and social connections by playing with others online.

Around the time I first got my gaming PC, I was introduced to an online social platform for gamers called Discord. Via this program, I was able to connect with people I played with in an online game and have actually formed a few strong friendships.

7 — Enhanced self-esteem

Successfully completing tasks in computer games can boost self-esteem and confidence.

A player who consistently performs well in a competitive computer game may experience an increase in self-esteem and confidence.

After reaching a moderately high rank in one of my favorite games called Rocket League, my self-esteem was majorly boosted since when I first started, I had no idea what I was doing and usually got beaten every game.

8 — Increased aggression

Violent computer games can increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors compared to those who play non-violent games.

Studies indicate that playing violent computer games can increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors.

Although I haven't experienced a rise in my aggression toward violent video games, I have, in fact, gotten aggravated by players who don't play pretty, which I now realize could have taken a toll on my mental health.

9 — Decreased empathy

Some research has suggested that playing violent computer games may decrease empathy toward others.

Young adults who played violent computer games showed less empathy toward others than those who played non-violent games.

Although I haven't experienced this issue personally or through a friend, I can still see how it may negatively affect one's mental health.

10 — Addictive Behaviour

People who spend excessive amounts of time playing computer games may develop an addiction, leading to adverse effects on their mental health and social relationships.

I have to admit I have gotten very addicted to specific video games in the past, which really affected my social life since all I wanted to do was play the game and never leave my room.

I have since then tried to control my gaming habits and pushed myself to engage in more social activities with my friends in person. This seriously helped my mental health.

Final Words and Takeaways

Gaming can impact both body and mind having physical and mental effects.

Here are some takeaway points to improve the gaming experience and benefit from playing games.

• Set limits on your gaming time to ensure that your games don’t interfere with other important areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, or school.
• Take breaks regularly to stretch your muscles and rest your eyes.
• Use proper gaming posture to reduce strain on your neck, back, and shoulders. Sit with your feet flat on the ground and keep your computer or console at eye level.
• Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet and stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle nearby during long gaming sessions.
• Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine, such as going for a walk, swimming, or going to a gym, to improve your physical health and boost your mood.
• Use a desk lamp or other indirect light source to reduce strain on your eyes. Avoid gaming in a dimly lit room or with a bright screen directly in front of your face.
• Please don’t get addicted to games. And if you are struggling with addiction or other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, you need to seek help from a mental health professional.

I hope these practical tips can make your gaming experience more enjoyable and contribute to improving your health and well-being. As I struggled with the side effects of gaming, I cannot overstate the importance of good practices while playing, as gaming can consume time and might be addictive.

If you enjoy my posts, please consider following my profile since I post about exciting gaming-related news and talk about technology, design, and social media in my stories.

With that being said, thank you for reading my post, and have a good one. I wish you a happy New Year!

The original version of this story was published on another platform.

About the Author

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