Playing video games can be good for mental health, suggests study

The paper released Monday is based on survey responses from people who played two games, Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

ALSO READ | Coronavirus and mental health: Things people suffering from anxiety should know

In a first, the study used data provided by the game makers, Electronic Arts and Nintendo of America, on how much time the respondents spent playing, unlike previous research that relied on imprecise estimates from the players.

The researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute said they found the actual amount of time spent playing was a small but significant positive factor in people’s well-being.

The paper, which hasn’t been peer-reviewed, said the level of enjoyment that players get from a game could be a more important factor for their well-being than mere playing time.

ALSO READ | Mental health coping strategies during a pandemic and after

The results could cast doubt on long-held assumptions that gaming causes aggression or addiction, though the authors acknowledge they are only a snapshot.

From the homepage

‘I will not call it a mishap’: Assam CM Himanta calls Zubeen Garg’s death a ‘murder’

Hoardings to keep out pastors in Chhattsigarh villages: Kerala-based church calls it ‘most divisive boundary since Partition’

Her grit, Her game, Her glory: From Harmanpreet Kaur to Shafali Verma, meet India’s 16 pioneering World Cup winners