Gaming, that is playing games on a computer or a console, has become a particularly popular pastime in recent years not only amongst the younger generation but across the age range and for both men and women. There has been much discussion about the detriment to our health caused by gaming regularly but how true is it and conversely could gaming actually be good for us?
The reason why many people choose to spend their time gaming is usually to relax and unwind. Being able to detach from reality for a short while has benefits for our mental health and well being and as long as time spent gaming is controlled the vast majority of people find that it has no negative repercussions on their health.
Some people use gaming as a way of socialising with other gamers online and they enjoy the feeling of working as a team or conversely battling against another player. If the job you do in real life is quite a solitary one, then it may be that this is a good way of connecting with others.
Gaming can in fact develop skills that could be transferred to real life situations for example games involving driving or piloting an aircraft or games that are based on a sport such as football or golf. In this way gaming has a positive effect on our overall development and wellbeing.