Key Research
The Health Effects of Too Much Gaming
Key Takeaways:
- More than two-thirds of Americans play video games
- Good effects possible, such as community building and problem solving
- The Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “a single session of video game play in healthy male adolescents is associated with an increased food intake, regardless of appetite sensations.”
LiveMore ScreenLess’ Summary
- Gaming has also been associated with psychological problems, such as:
- gaming preoccupation
- withdrawal
- tolerance
- loss of interest in other activities
- downplaying use
- loss of relationship, educational, or career opportunities
- gaming to escape or relieve anxiety, guilt, or other negative mood states
- failure to control
- continued gaming despite psychosocial problems.
- Gaming has also been associated with sleep deprivation, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, depression, aggression, and anxiety
- Education is an essential key to injury prevention
- Gamers should try the 20-20-20 rule for eye health: every 20 minutes, try to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Playing video games can be fun and a social activity when integrated into a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of sleep, exercise, and good nutrition
Topics: Gaming Addiction , Physical Health , Social/Emotional Learning
Year: 2020
Hosting University: Harvard
Participants: reviewed 33 studies, 19,046 participants
