A study conducted by experts at Hungary’s Eötvös Loránd University has established a link between the impact of video games on human mental health and dependency on them. The study’s findings were published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior.
Gamers tend to “deify” their games, making them more significant than studies or relationships, and at times even surpassing the importance of food. This often results in psychological disturbances. However, does every game trigger such a reaction?
The researchers divided 114 participants into three groups. The first group did not play games at all, the second consisted of amateur gamers, and the third comprised individuals addicted to video games.
Participants underwent tests evaluating various aspects of working memory, inhibitory control, mental flexibility, and habit formation. It was discovered that participants addicted to gaming performed worse on working memory tasks compared to the other groups.
Conversely, those who played for enjoyment demonstrated even superior results in a reaction inhibition test. Amateur gamers, irrespective of the amount of time they spent gaming, displayed a better aptitude for tasks requiring attention.
The researchers conclude that gaming does not harm a person’s mental capabilities as long as it remains under control. The experts express hope that understanding the intricacies of gamers’ psyches will aid in developing effective support methods for those with gaming addiction.
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