Because of the pandemic, many of us find ourselves with more freetime on our hands. One of the ways many of us have used this extra time is by playing video games. Multiplayer video games with a social aspect have been particularly popular because they provide an avenue for us to connect with our friends, peers, and/or total strangers. Often times, video games have a negative connotation surrounding them because they are seen as both physically, academically, and socially detrimental. But is this really the case? It turns out, the common quip adults have about getting out of a game and being with real people rings a little differently during the pandemic where we don't have that option. It turns out, video games are a great alternative for many reasons.
1. Video games are often a form of positive communication and engagement with peers. It turns out that while playing video games, players "were more than 3.2 times as many socio-emotional messages as task-oriented ones. Additionally, these emotion-based messages were over 2.6 times more likely to be positive than negative" (Fishman). What does this mean? Video games are a great outlet for students to engage and communicate with other people in a healthy way. In addition, the discourse happenning in-game are not only applicable to the specific a tasks within the games but general socio-emotional messages meaning they can be used in everyday conversation.
2. Video games allow families and friend groups to bond. Whenever embarking on a task or activity with another individual, the feeling of being a part of a collective or being on the same team will inevitably bring people closer together. Having game nights with friends or family is a way for people of any age to bond with the people around them and build stronger relationships.
3. Safe places to meet new people. For individuals with autism spectrum disorders, depressive symptom, anxiety, or are just shy, conversations during video games often feels safer and more easy to engage in. Video games provide a virtual space for people to communicate without some of the pressures of meeting in person. With due caution while communicating with others online, people can use video games as a gateway to becoming more open and comfortable with talking with others, building the confidence needed to engage more readily in conversations.
4. Video games as a destressing mechanism. In our hectic world right now, it often is neccesary to have something that momentarily removes some of the mental strain and burden. Games like Minecraft and Animal Crossing have become especially popular because of the calm environment, the creative freedom, and the sense of control users feel in the video game world.
In other words, video games provide many benefits that shouldn't be casually dismissed. In moderation and with due caution, video games are actually a great way for social interaction and stress relief!
Source: https://www.jcfs.org/response/blog/video-games-are-social-spaces-how-video-games-help-people-connect
Written By: Catherine Tang, FMHO Treasurer
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