Although technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and society has evolved its way of thinking, the topic of whether video games are good for men's health is still a matter of debate. Many say it is harmful or that those who play are lazy, while others claim the opposite is true.
And the thing is, if you analyze the situation, despite many first-hand games being seen with a mere focus on entertainment and distraction, they can provide other types of benefits besides the fact that the gaming community is increasingly strengthened every day and they seek to get all kinds of benefits from video games.
Furthermore, the major video game and console developers are working to ensure that this type of niche is profitable, whether as a source of income, entertainment, or alternatively, to help the emotional and physical well-being of those who consume and invest in their content.
Currently, playing video games involves much more and has ceased to be a guilty pleasure or something designated solely for passing free time. Rather, even science has come to affirm that playing is mainly good for mental health and it has even been considered a good form of therapy.
How Do Video Games Benefit Men's Health?
According to a study conducted by the University of Oxford, people who tend to frequent video games report a higher degree of well-being. Besides being entertaining, video games are cathartic and help individuals distract themselves from what is happening in the world, and even allow them to safely release a myriad of emotions.
And the thing is, video games are not popular just because they are fun, but also because they have served as a therapeutic method for many, and according to the same Oxford study, they help relieve everyday stress, as well as promote communication among players when it is not possible, or not desired, 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 often said that video games can promote violence, are a waste of time, or 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.
Myths About Video Games
Everything has been said about the world of video games, and despite the vast number of media outlets and specialists providing information on the subject, it is still treated as a harmful activity.
It is worth noting that, although the aim is to be as transparent as possible on this subject, incorrect data often tends to circulate that lack truthfulness, thus giving rise to false myths.
For example, it is often said that video games are addictive because the World Health Organization included "Gaming Disorder" among its diseases and, subsequently, video gaming began to be associated with vice. The reality is that the WHO itself states that gaming disorder is a behavioral disorder that mainly develops from playing video games that have "gambling" mechanics like the slot machines in casinos.
On the other hand, the biggest myth about video games is that they generate violent behaviors. Here, the reality is that there is not a single study that confirms such a claim, and the study from the University of Oxford disproves this fact. Likewise, it is recommended that young people play video games appropriate for their age and avoid exposure to explicit content.
It has also been claimed 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 how they can impact people, you should know that many games are created with the purpose of cognitive and physical development. In the same way, The Guardian states that some people find a way to cope 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.
There are currently quite famous and entertaining games that you can spend time with 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 entertaining and relaxing 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 to improve people's physical health and keep them in constant movement, whether 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 rhythm of the latest musical hits.
Games For Better Sleep
At the same time, there are games that help sleep better and combat insomnia. And indeed, for some people, having a comfortable cotton pajama is not enough to rest and achieve the recommended eight hours of sleep, and therefore, they seek to fall asleep through video games capable of stimulating them. Especially younger gentlemen, who dress in their best pajamas to start this playful activity.
Just as many video games help combat stress, anxiety, and depression through therapeutic aid, some of these also partially help cope with insomnia.
One of the recommended games to relax and sleep better is Viridi, a video game described as "a safe place" for players to enter to have a moment of peace and tranquility. Viridi is a plant simulation video game aimed at providing calm, and thus, promoting restful sleep.
The game Unwind Me is also recommended, which, like Viridi, is promoted as a relaxation game, but with the variable that it requires more attention because it offers six simple games that are easy to carry out, yet present small challenges for the users.
The striking feature of this video game is that, as players continue with the chosen game, users will be able to enjoy and relax even more thanks to the music, white noise, or ambient sounds coming from it.
However, although many games aim to positively influence the men who play them and who seek ways to learn new things, sharpen their minds, sleep better, or further develop their mental retention, if one suffers from any type of disorder of this nature, it is advisable to consult 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. Look on our website El Búho Nocturno and you will understand.