According to GameQuitters, playing video games can have lots of different health benefits, when played in moderation. The article by GameQuitters, uses several different scientific journals as evidence for each of its points. Benefits according to the article include the following:
- Improved cognitive abilities.
- Improved problem-solving skills and logic.
- Increased hand-to-eye coordination
- Greater multi-tasking ability
- Faster and more accurate decision-making
- Enhanced prosocial behaviours.
- Better eyesight (attention to detail)
- More physical activity with games that promote physical activity (VR, mobile games)
- And other benefits
In truth, everything should be in moderation, even running! David Goggin’s recently told Joe Rogan in TheJoeRogan podcast episode #1906 how outdoor running had completely ruined his knees to the extent that he needed surgery with the doctor advising him he should never run again. Perhaps a gamer who doesn’t get enough exercise should use running as a hobby and a runner who doesn’t spend much time relaxing can play video games as a hobby?
Gaming and Running: Is there a Correlation?
There is no correlation between the two, but it might be useful for regular gamers to introduce running into their lives, and, to an extent, vice versa. Everything in moderation, goes the old line. Most hobbies and interests have both positive and negative aspects and gaming, as proven by GameQuitters, has plenty of positive aspects. Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness after all and gaming and running can provide both.
Of course, if you had to choose one or the other, the advice would be to pick running over gaming, but combining both seems to be a happy medium.
Measure For Measure – Running for Gaming?
Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure highlights and discusses morality and sin. Perhaps gaming and running can be the 21st century version. The play highlights the importance of not going too far in one direction. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, to quote The Shining.
Popularity of Gaming
Gaming is among the most popular pastimes in the world in 2023. There are several different types of gaming, from video games and PC gaming to mobile gaming and playing online slot machines. In 2022, Gaming was the fourth most popular pastime in the USA and figures are similar in other countries too. Mobile gaming is by far the most popular type of gaming, due to the availability of mobile phones whilst high roller slot machines in 2023 are some of the most played games on mobile devices.
Disadvantages
What are some of the disadvantages of gaming, you may ask?
- Can cause addictive behaviour which may result in neglecting more important duties.
- Can cause loneliness if too much video gaming occurs.
- Can become expensive given the type of video games played.
Of course, there are negatives involved when it comes to fitness too, but here the positives far outweigh the negatives. You can even counter some of the most common issues, such as how gamers tend to sit down for long periods of time, by investing in ergonomic furniture and standing desks.
Conclusion
The purpose of this article was not to give people excuses for playing games, it is simply to highlight that everything in moderation is usually fine. David Goggin’s highlighted the dangers of doing something too much, even if from the outside that something seems to be filled with benefits.
Gaming has plenty of positive aspects which are positive for the mind. But with that being said, gaming adventures should never replace the adventures one can make in real life.
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