Why playing games is good for you
Why playing games is good for you
Why playing games is good for you
February 3, 2022
By Ellie Smith
Summary
The first-person shooting game put players into a simulated war, and so is more commonly associated with violence and stress than as a way of improving mental health.
Why do most of us stop playing as adults? And how can we learn to play again?
Whether it's an obsession with Candy Crush on the morning commute, playing video games with friends or even sharing a private joke with your partner or colleague, most people are playful, and yet the benefits might go unnoticed or nurtured.
Socially acceptable adult games, like board games for instance, are often accompanied by a list of rules and require a specific environment to be played.
On the surface, it can appear that most adults do not play as often as they would wish - perhaps, as Proyer suggests, because socially-acceptable adult games are not that fun, and those that are might be seen as embarrassing depending on the activity.
Video games are one of the few forms of adult play therapy that carry less social stigma, says Pallavicini.
Playing to find the flow state can provide an enjoyable challenge and distraction from mental health issues, she says, meaning the player can work on their wellbeing without feeling pressured to improve.
Reference
Smith, E. (2022, February 3). Why playing games is good for you. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220127-why-adults-should-embrace-their-playfulness