Breaking News:

SHOWS + PODCASTS

Can playing video games be good for your mental health?

Dec 8, 2020, 11:39 AM

playing video games...

LONDON (AP) — Time spent playing video games can be good for mental health, according to a new study by researchers at Oxford University.

The finding comes as video game sales this year have boomed as more people are stuck at home because of the pandemic and many countries have once again imposed limits on public life.

The paper released Monday is based on survey responses from people who played two games, Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The study used data provided by the game makers, Electronic Arts and Nintendo of America, on how much time the respondents spent playing video games, unlike previous research that relied on imprecise estimates from the players.

The researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute said they found the actual amount of time spent playing was a small but significant positive factor in people’s well-being.

The paper, which hasn’t been peer-reviewed, said the level of enjoyment that players get from a game could be a more important factor for their well-being than mere playing time.

The results could cast doubt on long-held assumptions that gaming causes aggression or addiction, though the authors acknowledge they are only a snapshot.

“Our findings show video games aren’t necessarily bad for your health; there are other psychological factors which have a significant effect on a persons’ well-being,” said Andrew Przybylski, the institute’s director of research. “In fact, play can be an activity that relates positively to people’s mental health – and regulating video games could withhold those benefits from players.”

 

 

Some 2,756 players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the U.S., U.K. and Canada were surveyed along with 518 players of Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. They were asked to fill out a survey on their experiences that was matched up against playing time logged by the game companies.

Lack of transparency from game makers has long been an issue for scientists hoping to better understand player behaviors and the authors said previous research used to propose advice for parents and policymakers was done without a robust evidence base.

To learn more about bettering your mental health and overcoming addiction by listening to the Project Recovery podcast

For more information on opioid prevention or if you or someone you know is struggling, you can find more information on Facebook, KSL TV, or Know Your Script. To hear more from Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley, you can listen below or subscribe to the ‘Project Recovery’ podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get major podcasts.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Shows + Podcasts

Tips for spending Valentine's Day alone...

Caitlyn Johnston

Johnston: 6 tips for being alone without feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day

Are you spending Valentine’s Day alone this year? Here are some ways you can embrace this day of love alone… without feeling lonely.

2 days ago

Container gardening...

Michelle Lee

Container gardening: A space-efficient way to grow

Container gardening is simply a method of growing plants and vegetables in pots instead of from the ground.

2 days ago

The Gorge movie poster...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Gorge’ is filled with action thrills

"The Gorge" is one of those strange little movies that grabs you by the throat for the first half, then plunges you into the unknown, says KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles.

2 days ago

Huey Lewis receiving the People's Music Hall of Fame plaque on 02-07-2025. (Heather Kelly/KSL NewsR...

Heather Kelly

Surprise Utah guest helps induct Huey Lewis into the People’s Music Hall of Fame

Huey Lewis became the first person inducted into the newly created People's Music Hall of Fame in Salt Lake City.

2 days ago

Captain America: Brave New World...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is nothing new

As the newest film is the series franchise, Captain America" Brave new World doesn't bring a big punch.

3 days ago

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? It's important to prepare it before ...

Michelle Lee

Selling your home? Here’s what you can do to prepare

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? Here are some tips on how you can best prepare it for the market.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Can playing video games be good for your mental health?