Although technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and society has evolved its way of thinking, the issue of whether video games are good for men's health is still up for debate. Many say that it is harmful or that those who play are lazy, others claim that the opposite is true.
And, if the situation is analyzed, despite the fact that many first-hand games are seen with a vile focus on entertainment and distraction, these can provide other types of benefits in addition to the fact that the gamer community is becoming more reinforced every day. and they seek to get all kinds of benefits from video games.
In addition, large video game and console developers are working to make this type of niche profitable either as a source of income, entertainment or, failing that, it helps the emotional and physical well-being of those who consume and invest in their content.
Nowadays, playing video games involves much more and is no longer a guilty pleasure or something designed only to spend free time. Rather, science has even come to affirm that playing is mainly good for mental health and has even been considered a good form of therapy.
How Do Video Games Benefit Men's Health?
According to a study carried out by the University of Oxford, people who tend to play video games report a higher degree of well-being. In addition to the fact that video games are entertaining, they are cathartic and help individuals distract themselves from what is happening in the world, and even allow them to safely drain endless emotions.
And, in and of themselves, video games are not popular just because they are fun, but because they have also worked as a therapeutic method for many and, according to the same Oxford study, they work to relieve everyday stress, in addition to They encourage communication between players when you can't, or don't want to, leave the house.
Video games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Plants vs Zombies are especially good for preserving people's mental well-being. It is usually said that video games are capable of promoting violence, that they are a waste of time or that they even force people to isolate themselves in fantasy worlds when, if played in moderation, the opposite happens, and they even help many users to rest.
Video Game Myths
Everything has been said about the world of video games and, despite the fact that there is a large number of media and specialists who provide information about it, it is still treated as a harmful activity.
It should be noted that, although we seek to be as transparent as possible with this issue, incorrect data that lacks truthfulness often tend to circulate, thus giving rise to false myths.
For example, it is widely said that video games are addictive because the World Health Organization included “Gaming Disorder” among its diseases and, subsequently, video games began to be associated with vice. When the reality is that, the WHO itself states that gaming disorder is a behavioral disorder that develops mainly from playing video games that have “gambling” mechanics such as coin slot machines in casinos.
On the other hand, the biggest myth about video games is that they generate violent behavior. Here, the reality is that there is not a single study that affirms such data and said study from the University of Oxford denies the fact. Likewise, it is recommended that young people play video games appropriate to their age and avoid exposing themselves to explicit content.
It has also been stated that video games cause attention disorders, however, the Child Mind Institute stated through studies and published articles that there is no evidence that video games cause Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Video Games That Improve Health
Despite the myths that exist around the world of gaming and the way they can impact people, you should know that there are many games created for the purpose of cognitive and physical development. In this same way, The Guardian states that some people find a way to deal with their depression, stress or anxiety through video games.
Of course, just as there are good games, there are bad games that contribute nothing and are extremely mediocre, but it has become evident that playing is a harmless and fun way to deal with various problems.
Currently there are quite famous and entertaining games with which you can pass the time and relax, such as The Sims, The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and, the aforementioned, Animal Crossing. These games, because they are set in large environments with endless missions, are perfect for entertainment and relaxation with activities, music and objectives capable of stimulating players, thus benefiting their mental health.
But, just as there are games capable of constantly entertaining people, there are also games created with the aim of improving people's physical health and keeping them in constant movement either through virtual exercises or even dance choreographies. Dance Revolution is a clear example that people can have fun dancing and exercising with dance choreographies to the beat of the most current musical hits.
Games to Sleep Better
At the same time, there are games that help you sleep better and combat insomnia. For some people, it is not enough to have comfortable cotton pajamas to rest and achieve the recommended eight hours of sleep and, therefore, they seek to fall asleep through video games capable of stimulating them. Above all, the younger gentlemen, who dress up in their best pajamas to begin this recreational activity.
Just as many video games help combat stress, anxiety and depression through therapeutic help, some of these also partially help to cope with insomnia.
One of the recommended games to relax and sleep better is Viridi, a video game which is called “a safe place” for players to enter to have a moment of peace and tranquility. Viridi is a plant simulation video game which aims to provide calm, and thus promote satisfactory sleep.
Also recommended is the game Unwind Me which, like Viridi, is proclaimed as a relaxation game, but, with the variable that more attention should be devoted to it because it is a game that provides six simple games that are easy to play, but present small challenges for users.
The striking thing about this video game is that, as players continue with the chosen game, users will be able to enjoy and relax to a greater extent thanks to the music, white noise or ambient sounds that come from it.
But, although many games seek to positively influence the men who come to them and who are looking for a way to learn new things, speed up their brain, sleep better or develop their mental retention more, if you suffer from some type of disorder of this nature, it is advisable to go to a specialist.
In conclusion, the day you want to stay home to play video games, a very comfortable garment to wear will always be a good pair of pajamas. Check our website El Búho Nocturno and you will understand.