Concerns about device usage are the cause of great debate amongst psychologists, educators, sociologists, and commentators. 

This is nothing new. From moral panics surrounding the content of video games, to questions raised over their impact on the development of the brain, these debates have raged on since consoles have been on the market. 

And while many of the concerns regarding the prevalence of screens, the risks of device addiction, and more are legitimate and worthy of discussion, video gaming has also been shown to have a number of benefits which may mitigate some of the fears surrounding the industry. 

1. Learning and development

Games can be educational as well as entertaining, and can contribute to cognitive development, particularly in early learning settings. 

Research by UNICEF suggests that the right kind of design can create a digital, gamified learning experience which has the potential to benefit children’s learning. 

Games can also be used as a study aid. Everyone has different learning styles but interactive programmes for some are an accessible way to prepare and practice in exam settings.

Users can access quizzes created by others, or take advantage of the platform’s generative AI features to create their own quizzes focusing on your key topics of study, using your notes as a basis, making it a great tool for independent use or as part of a classroom setting to boost engagement 

2. Community 

Like any shared hobby, gaming can be the shared basis on which friendship and community is formed. 

Online platforms like Twitch and Discord create places for gamers to come together and bond over what they’re passionate about. 

A study by Pew Research Center revealed that of the 85% of teens who play daily games online, almost 50% of them have made real-life friendships via those digital experiences. The research identified a particular trend among teenage boys, of whom 55% identified a positive correlation between their hobby and their friendships. 

While there are valid concerns surrounding the fact that tech users may be leaning more into digital relationships than those in real life, the study suggests that the social networks created by gaming can be hugely beneficial for their users. 

Stress relief 

Casual gameplay can relieve stress and improved mood 

So it’s unsurprising that some of the most popular games on the market right now are centred around low-stakes storylines and gently relaxing stimulation.

These so-called ‘cosy games’ provide escapism from the real world and allows players to invest their time into an experience without experiencing the typical adrenaline than shooters, platform games, and other genres. 

While there are a wealth of valid concerns about the digital gaming realm, these are just a few of the potential benefits which can inspire us to take a healthier approach to device usage. 

David Radar, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.