Due to social distancing and travel restrictions, many people have turned to gaming as a form of entertainment. The accessibility and popularity of online and social gaming provides a safe and engaging way to spend time with friends and even make new ones. There have been many studies done on the positive effects of social gaming, but during a time when many are feeling especially isolated and disconnected from their social lives, it has become especially helpful and even therapeutic.
Here are the key benefits of online gaming:
Social Interaction
Online games, whether played with friends or complete strangers, encourage and rely on teamwork and communication. Gaming on the internet is extremely beneficial in helping maintain social bonds and even create new ones. While you can use social media to chat and keep up to date with peoples’ lives, gaming together gives you a common goal to work towards as well as challenges to overcome. This can foster better communication while in a safe virtual environment.
Online games usually incorporate some form of chat or other communication tools, but they can also serve as a vehicle for communication outside of the game. Friends and teammates can use third-party programs to chat and might even find other interests in common and different games to play.
Stress Relief
Many studies have shown the benefits of gaming on stress levels and online gaming is no different. For many, the change to working or learning from home has added immeasurable stress to our daily lives. Significant shifts in routines, disconnection from normal social circles and anxiety over health issues have made it more important than ever to find a way to lower stress.
Online gaming is especially helpful because it provides the opportunity for control and feedback from positive input. It is easier to measure successes and progress in games and having a built-in social aspect means you have a built-in support system and common ground. The stresses of the outside world can seem enormous, but focusing your energy into a game where you can control the outcome can help reduce stress.
Skill Development
Video games can help you develop important skills both on your own and in a group. Playing games can help both short- and long-term memory, encourage creative problem solving, and help with pattern recognition. Games that require precision and quick decisions can help you develop those same skills in real life. With online gaming, you also develop communication and social skills. Working with other players to solve puzzles, defeat enemies and explore artificial worlds can help you communicate outside of games because you will learn the basic strategies for leadership or teamwork.
Many online games involve interaction with strangers, which also can have a positive effect on social skills and confidence. Learning how to communicate and collaborate with somebody you have never met can help you in all areas of your daily life outside of gaming.
Many of the benefits of online games are benefits of gaming in general. However, the added element of social interaction is incredibly important in modern times when more and more people are dealing with unprecedented stress. Online gaming can help give you an escape, but it can also help you communicate and engage more positively with friends, family and others in your daily life.