As you have likely guessed the answer is that playing video games can be both healthy and unhealthy. The real questions are around how and why one “games”. Simply partaking in the activity does not necessarily lend itself to one category or the other. So how does one decipher where they fall on the continuum?

Factors to Consider

• Time: How much time are you spending playing videos a day/week/month? How much time do you spend in one sitting? Do you spend a lot of your free time thinking about video games even when you’re not engaged in gaming? Do you spend time gaming that should be spent doing other important activities like eating, sleeping, or going to school/work? Do you feel anxious or depressed when you are away from your game?
• Money: Do you find yourself spending excessive amounts of money on video games, in-game purchases, or on cosmetic items for your character? Does your credit card bill keep growing based on these kinds of purchases?
• Social: Are video games your primary means of socializing? Have you found yourself ignoring or cancelling other social engagements to game? Has someone ever commented in a negative way about your gaming habits? This last question can be a tricky one since people can have varying personal perceptions of playing video games that can shape their opinions regarding gamers. For example, someone may not see any positives to playing video games as they have an overall view that “it is a waste of time”. Therefore, ANY gaming would be a negative to that person.

As you consider these factors, please note that there is no concrete, objective measure for these factors. They are all relative to you and your life. There is most definitely a line but it is different for everyone.

Unhealthy Use

Gaming can be a way to escape the troubles of real life and avoid problems that may be going on. However, escaping isn’t always the right answer. Video games also have an addictive quality to them. It can be easy to lose track of time or forget how much real world money you’ve spent. Daily tasks can be avoided or neglected, like hygiene or proper eating. Wanting to play more can lead to skipping class or calling in sick to work.

Healthy Use

Playing video games simply for enjoyment or pleasure can be a positive way of increasing happiness and also a good way to decrease stress accrued from other areas of life. It can also be a safe and healthy way to release frustrations. Studies have also shown improvements in various cognitive functions such as problem solving, concentration, and reaction time. Finally, it can serve as a means of socializing and connecting with people who may not necessarily be within proximity.

As mentioned earlier, gaming in and of itself is not a problem. It really comes down to the how and why.

If you or someone you care about it is struggling with video game use of any kind, please consult with one of our professionals at (514) 223 5327.

Written by: Robin Jolivet M.A.