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 under debate. Much is said that it is harmful or that those who play are lazy, while others claim the opposite.
And indeed, if the situation is analyzed, despite many first-hand games being seen with a vile focus on entertainment and distraction, they can provide other types of benefits besides the fact that the gamer community is increasingly strengthened and seeks to make all kinds of use of video games.
Furthermore, the major video game and console developers are working to make this niche profitable either as a source of income, entertainment, or failing that, to help the emotional and physical well-being of those who consume and invest in their content.
Currently, playing video games means much more and has ceased to be a guilty pleasure or something designated only to pass free time. Rather, even science has 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 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 drain a myriad of emotions.
And indeed, video games are not popular just because they are fun, but also because they have worked 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 they cannot or do not 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 can foster 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 amount of media and specialists providing information on the subject, it is still treated as a harmful activity.
It is worth noting that, although transparency is sought on this topic, incorrect data often circulates that lacks 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 games began to be associated with addiction. The reality is that the WHO itself states that gaming disorder is a behavioral disorder that mainly develops from playing video games with “gambling” mechanics like slot machines in casinos.
On the other hand, the biggest myth about video games is that they generate violent behaviors. The reality is that there is not a single study that confirms this and the University of Oxford study disproves it. 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 surrounding the gaming world and how they can impact people, you should know that many games are created for cognitive and physical development. Similarly, The Guardian states that some people find ways 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 been proven that playing is a harmless and fun way to deal with various problems.
Currently, there are quite famous and entertaining games with which one can spend 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 countless 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 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 rhythm of the latest musical hits.
Games To Sleep Better
At the same time, there are games that help sleep better and combat insomnia. For some people, having a comfortable cotton pajama is not enough to rest and get the recommended eight hours of sleep, so 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 to 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 satisfactory sleep.
The game Unwind Me is also recommended, which, like Viridi, is proclaimed as a relaxation game but with the variable that it requires more attention because it offers six simple games easy to carry out but that present small challenges for users.
The striking thing about this video game is that as players continue with the chosen game, users can enjoy and relax more thanks to the music, white noise, or ambient sounds coming from it.
But despite many games seeking to positively influence men who turn to them and who look for ways to learn new things, speed up their brain, sleep better, or develop their mental retention more, if one suffers from any such disorder, 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 pajama. Look at our website El Búho Nocturno and you will understand.