What are the dangers and benefits of video games for health, and how can risks be avoided

Today, more than two-thirds of Americans regularly spend time playing video games. The gaming industry has long gone beyond simple entertainment and has become part of the daily life of millions of people of all ages. So why does the question of the impact of video games on health generate such lively public interest, and why are opinions about the benefits and harms of gaming often so contradictory?

The popularity of video games and reasons for attention to their impact

The scale of video game prevalence is hard to overestimate: from children to retirees, from family lounges to global esports arenas. Video games offer players not only the opportunity to relax, but also new forms of communication in virtual communities. For many gamers, games are a platform for shared achievements, friendship, and the realization of creative potential.

The largest esports tournaments attract millions of viewers online and in stadiums, shaping new cultural traditions and expanding the audience of games on a global level. All this prompts the question: why is the health of gamers coming under close scrutiny from specialists and parents?

Moreover, this concerns not only video game enthusiasts, but also fans of virtual gambling. As data on the site shows, the popularity of Funky Time is growing rapidly. A distinctive feature of this and other popular gambling games is marathon gaming sessions. This makes the problems of gamers partly relevant for virtual gambling players as well.

Positive aspects of gaming

Despite frequent concerns, video games can bring tangible benefits. Firstly, they allow people to communicate, find like-minded individuals, and overcome feelings of loneliness. In a period of increasing social isolation, games often become a “meeting place” for children, teenagers, and even adults who find it difficult to make new acquaintances in real life.

Secondly, a number of studies note the development of cognitive skills in gamers. For example, attention improves, the ability to concentrate and make quick decisions increases, and spatial thinking develops. However, experts point out that these improvements are not always noticeable outside the gaming context.

Thirdly, modern video games are being used in medicine and education. Specialized programs help people with coordination disorders, teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and also serve as a training tool for surgeons to practice complex manipulations. According to the American Psychological Association, such practices have proven effective in a number of cases.

Physical risks and injuries associated with gaming

However, intense involvement in gaming is associated with a whole range of physical problems. The most common of these are injuries to the hands, wrists, and fingers due to repetitive movements. Carpal tunnel syndrome—inflammation of the nerve in the wrist area, leading to pain and numbness—has long been familiar not only to office workers but also to gamers.

“Gamer’s thumb” or tenosynovitis—inflammation of the tendons of the thumb—is accompanied by swelling and limited mobility. The medical name for this problem is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. “Trigger finger” (chronic inflammation of the finger tendons, causing the finger to partially “lock” in a bent position) and “tennis elbow”—painful inflammation of the tendon attachment to the bone in the elbow area—are also common.

The prevalence of such injuries among gamers is confirmed by numerous studies. According to specialists from the American Academy of Orthopaedics, up to 10–15% of active players annually experience symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.

In addition, there is a trend toward increased body weight among teenagers who regularly game. During marathon gaming sessions, a person hardly moves and often snacks right at the console or computer. According to the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a single gaming session can increase food intake in teenagers regardless of hunger. This is caused by both the weakening of satiety signals and the activation of the brain’s reward system due to game-related stress.

Vision problems are found among gamers of all ages. The most common complaint is eye fatigue, leading to headaches and reduced concentration. According to ophthalmologists, some players even experience seizures (epileptic fits), which has forced manufacturers to place warnings on game packaging.

Impact on mental health and possible addiction

Let’s move on to psychological risks. Excessive gaming is associated with sleep disturbances, anxiety, depressive states, and even changes in circadian rhythms. In some people, so-called Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) develops.

The American Psychological Association identifies the following diagnostic criteria for IGD:

Persistent preoccupation with games
Anxiety or irritability when trying to stop playing
The need to increase gaming time to achieve satisfaction
Loss of interest in other activities
Disregard for the negative consequences of gaming
Loss of social, academic, or professional opportunities
Using games to relieve stress, anxiety, or guilt
Unsuccessful attempts to reduce gaming time and frequency
Continuing to game despite problems in social life

The scale of the problem is evidenced by data from the American Journal of Psychiatry: IGD occurs in about 0.3–1% of Americans. The exact boundaries of this diagnosis remain the subject of scientific debate. Experts emphasize that treating such addiction requires an individual approach, combining psychotherapy, medical care, and participation in support groups.

Excessive involvement can lead to a decline in academic or professional performance, a narrowing of the social circle, manifestations of aggression, and the development of anxiety states. There is concern about the impact of violent scenes in games on the psyche of teenagers: a decrease in sensitivity to violence is possible, however, reliable data on the link between gaming and a real increase in aggressive behavior remain inconclusive.

Tips for safe gaming and prevention of problems

How can risks be reduced and health maintained? The answer is clear: moderation and balance between gaming and other activities.

Specialists’ recommendations include:

Regular breaks during sessions and hand and joint exercises
Monitoring the quantity and quality of snacks—prefer healthy foods
Using the “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes
Strict limitation of gaming time, especially for teenagers and children
Encouraging gamers to engage in face-to-face communication, hobbies, and sports activities

Parents are advised to pay attention to the following signs:

A sharp decline in interest in studies and hobbies
Sleep and appetite disturbances
Irritability when trying to limit gaming
Isolation from friends and family

Educational and medical initiatives using video games to develop motor skills in children with autism, for rehabilitation after injuries, and for learning complex skills are successfully developing worldwide. Such projects demonstrate that with the right approach, games become an ally for health.