How Video Games Can Improve Mental Health: A Study in Japan

Video games are often seen as a negative influence on mental health, but recent research suggests otherwise. A study published in Nature Human Behavior explored the effects of video gaming on mental health in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that playing video games for a few hours a day can actually boost mental well-being for certain age groups and under specific conditions.

The Debate on Video Gaming and Mental Health

Public concerns about the harmful effects of video games have been widespread, especially with the World Health Organization’s focus on “gaming disorders.” This has fueled fears about gaming addiction and its potential negative impact on psychological health. Despite these concerns, many studies have not provided clear causal evidence linking gaming to poor mental health.

About the Study

The study conducted in Japan used a unique approach to determine the impact of video games on mental health. Researchers analyzed data from 97,602 adults aged 10 to 69 between December 2020 and March 2022. They used lottery-based console distribution as a natural experiment to assess whether winning a PlayStation 5 (PS5) or Nintendo Switch impacted mental health. Participants reported their gaming habits, life satisfaction, and mental wellness.

Key outcomes measured included levels of psychological distress and overall life satisfaction. Advanced statistical methods were used to analyze the data, including multivariate regressions, propensity score matching (PSM), and machine learning algorithms.

Study Results

The study revealed several interesting insights:

• Demographics and Mental Health Benefits: Adult Nintendo Switch users experienced more significant psychological benefits compared to younger PS5 users. Men benefited more from PS5 use, while Nintendo Switch had a positive impact on both men and women.
• Gaming Preferences and Mental Well-Being: People who were not heavy gamers benefited more from playing Nintendo Switch, while core gamers showed smaller improvements in mental health.
• Time Spent Gaming: Playing video games for less than three hours a day was linked to improved mental health, but playing for more extended periods reduced these benefits.

Future Implications

The study indicates that video gaming can improve mental health, especially when played in moderation. However, factors like age, gender, and employment status play a crucial role in determining the extent of these benefits. The positive mental effects observed during the pandemic highlight the need for more research in different settings to better understand the long-term impact of gaming on mental well-being.

Reference

• Egami, H., Rahman, M.S., Yamamoto, T. et al. (2024). Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020–2022. Nature Human Behavior.