Online gaming can benefit mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive skills. It promotes social interaction and helps develop problem-solving abilities. However, moderation is essential to avoid potential negative effects like addiction.
How Online Gaming Improves Mental Health?
The biggest benefit of online gaming is improved cognitive skills. For example, puzzle games can enhance problem-solving abilities, and multiplayer games can streamline teamwork and social interaction.
According to Bettime90, strategy games like chess can improve critical thinking and planning skills. Another example is Poker, which provides brain exercise through quick decision-making, statistical analysis, and probability calculations.
Mental stimulation provides neuroplasticity, which leads to improved cognitive flexibility and mental agility. Therefore, regular gaming can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase social connections. However, too much gaming is harmful to the mental health. Always play games for entertainment and for a limited period to avoid addictive behavior.
Which Online Games Are Good for Mental Health?
- Minecraft encourages creativity and problem-solving
- Fortnite improves strategic thinking and teamwork
- Pokemon Go encourages social interaction and physical activity
- Chess enhances problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- The Sims allow for stress relief through creative expressions
- Tetris enhances spatial awareness and cognitive flexibility
Other games you can play to improve your mental health include Portal 2, Celeste, Journey, Hades, Rocket League, Hollow Knight, Firewatch, etc. Online casino games can also enhance cognitive abilities. However, not all online games are beneficial for neuronal and cognitive functions.
Poker can improve your cognitive flexibility, and blackjack can enhance your mathematical skills. Roulette and slots, on the other hand, have nothing to do with brain improvement as they rely on chance.
While the thrill of these games can release dopamine, losses can cause a rush of adrenaline and cortisol in the brain, causing mental health issues. These titles usually use RNG in gaming mechanics to ensure the outcomes are random. Therefore, random results have nothing to do with cognitive functions.
How To Improve Mental Health With Online Gaming?
Online games can improve your mental health, but you must focus on the following tips to achieve your goal. First, choose the right games that promote creativity, relaxation, and social interaction. Minecraft and Animal Crossing are good options.
Second, set time limits for each game to avoid excessive gaming and addiction. Make sure you set daily and weekly limits. It is a must because this will prevent burnout and maintain balance. Take breaks during the gameplay to avoid mental fatigue and eyestrain.
We recommend the 20-20-20 rule. For example, look at something else 20 feet away for 20 seconds instead of the screen. Play games like Fortnite and Among Us to improve teamwork and social skills. Remember, multiplayer games can also reduce feelings of isolation.
Final Words About Online Gaming and Mental Health
Advanced technologies have streamlined online gaming platforms, allowing everyone to play their favorite games without hassle. The popular belief is that online gaming has adverse mental effects, but there is a positive side of online gaming as well, which includes improving cognitive abilities, enhancing mood, and having an improved mood.