Are Video Games Actually Bad For You
Video games are everywhere, but is there any truth behind the claims that they might be bad for you?
A number of people think that playing video games is unhealthy and that it’s a bad idea to spend too much time playing video games. But is there really anything wrong with playing video games?
8 Negative Effects of Video Games
Video games have been around for a long time, but we’ve only recently discovered that they can be detrimental to your health. For example, there are many people out there who are addicted to them and don’t even realize it.
As such, it’s important to know the negative impacts of video games so you can avoid them if you know you should.
Here are 8 of the most common negative effects of playing video games.
Video Game Addiction
People who are addicted to video games usually play them for hours at a time. They become so engrossed in the action that they lose track of time and sometimes even miss out on important appointments.
This is especially true if the games are violent, as it can be difficult for people to separate themselves from the virtual world.
As such, it’s important to keep a close eye on how much time you spend playing them. If your habit is getting out of control, you might consider taking some time off.
Stress
If you’re constantly playing games, you’re going to be under a ton of stress. It’s pretty clear that sitting and staring at a screen for hours at a time isn’t going to make you any happier than you are already.
If you’re stressed out all the time, it’s likely you’ll end up eating more and doing other things that will only exacerbate the problem.
It’s important to take breaks, exercise, and meditate to help alleviate stress and allow you to enjoy life a little more.
Anxiety
The video game industry is booming, and more and more people are spending a lot of money on consoles and games.
In turn, this leads to more people buying more products in the industry, and the competition is fierce.
As a result, there are a lot of people who are struggling to stay afloat and are having a hard time dealing with the pressures.
This can lead to anxiety and depression, which will only be exacerbated by playing games.
Brain Fog
Playing video games for hours at a time can make you feel like you’re losing your mind. In fact, you could be experiencing brain fog and memory loss if you spend too much time in front of a screen.
In turn, you may end up forgetting what you were doing just a few minutes ago.
That’s not all – you may also find yourself unable to concentrate on the tasks you were supposed to be working on. This can have a major impact on your schoolwork and daily life.
Headaches
One of the most common complaints people have after playing video games for too long is a headache.
Your brain is responsible for all sorts of things, including keeping you awake and alert. As such, it’s no wonder that staying up late and playing video games can affect your brain in a negative way.
Excessive video game playing can also lead to migraines and other types of headaches. As such, it’s important to take regular breaks.
Hearing Loss
There’s a reason why video games are called electronic sports – they’re loud! This means that you may have to endure a lot of noise while you play, especially if you live in an apartment complex or a house where your neighbors don’t respect the rule of “Turn Down for What?”
As a result, you may have to turn the volume down or mute the game altogether. This will allow you to hear yourself think, and you’ll be able to enjoy the game more.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
We all know that people who play games are more likely to be overweight than those who don’t.
However, there’s also a link between video games and cardiovascular disease.
Research has shown that those who play games are 30% more likely to have coronary artery disease than those who don’t.
As such, if you want to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, you should limit your video game time.
Eye Problems
If you spend a lot of time playing video games, you may develop eye problems. In fact, studies have shown that those who play for more than five hours per day are almost twice as likely to develop glaucoma as those who don’t.
The good news is that if you play for less than five hours a day, you’ll reduce your risk of developing glaucoma by 40%.
In turn, this means that if you want to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, you should limit your video game time.
Tips to Overcome The Negative Effect of Gaming
The negative effects of video games may only be caused by playing them in excess, and not all video games are detrimental. The good news is that with a little effort, you can enjoy video games without harming yourself. Here are some tips to help you choose your next game:
1. Be sure to take a break from video games when you start feeling fatigued.
2. Limit the amount of time you play video games each day. Play for no more than a few hours per day.
3. Use parental controls. If your child does not know how to change parental settings, check the settings on the device or computer where they play games.
4. Talk to your child about his or her gaming habits and listen to their concerns.
5. Make sure you and your child have the right gear for playing the game.
