Is playing video games really harmful? New research denies Web Desk 22 February 2021

 

Is playing video games really harmful? New research denies Web Desk 22 February 2021

Playing video games for boys is considered harmful to them and it is generally believed that it is harmful to their mental and physical health, but now the results of a new study are quite different.

A recent study in the UK found that boys who used video games at the age of 11 had a lower risk of depression in the years to come.

The University College London study also found that girls who spend more time on social media are more likely to have symptoms of depression.

Combining the two, the results show how time spent in front of the screen in different ways can have a positive or negative effect on children's mental health.

According to research experts, screens give us the opportunity to be a part of a variety of activities. Guidelines in this regard should be set keeping in mind the extent to which different activities affect mental health.

"While we cannot confirm that playing games improve mental health, the results suggest that it is not only a harmful habit but also has some benefits, especially during epidemics," he said.

The study looked at data from more than 11,000 children who were surveyed between 2000 and 2002.

The children were asked questions about social media, playing video games or using the Internet, and at the age of 14 they were asked about their symptoms of depression.

The results showed that boys who are more accustomed to playing video games have a 24% lower risk of developing depressive symptoms over the next 3 years.

On the other hand, girls who spend most of their time on social media at the age of 11 have a 13% increased risk of developing symptoms after 3 years.