How video games can sometimes help

Engaging in activities that fully capture our attention can significantly alleviate anxiety. This phenomenon, known as the "flow" state, occurs when individuals are deeply immersed in tasks that challenge and engage them, leading to a loss of self-consciousness and a distortion of time perception. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first identified this concept in the 1970s after observing artists intensely focused on their work. Beyond artistic endeavors, various activities—including knitting, hiking, yoga, and notably, video games—can facilitate this flow state.

Research from the University of California, Riverside, underscores the mental health benefits of achieving flow through video gaming. Professor Kate Sweeny emphasizes that flow is more likely to occur during activities that are challenging, engaging, and active, as opposed to passive activities like watching TV or scrolling through social media. Video games inherently possess elements conducive to flow: clear objectives, escalating challenges, and immediate feedback on performance. These features make them particularly effective in promoting deep engagement and focus.

To empirically assess the impact of flow induced by video games on anxiety, Professor Sweeny conducted an experiment involving 290 undergraduate students. Participants were subjected to a mildly stressful situation by having their photographs taken under the pretense that their peers would evaluate them. While awaiting feedback, the students played the classic video game Tetris. The study divided participants into three groups, each experiencing different game difficulty levels: an overly simple version, the standard progressively challenging version, and an impossibly difficult version. Findings revealed that students who played the standard version, which offered an optimal balance of challenge and skill, experienced a significant reduction in anxiety. This suggests that appropriately challenging video games can effectively divert attention from stressors and foster a calming flow state.

In essence, video games, when designed with clear goals and balanced challenges, can serve as valuable tools for mental health. They provide an immersive escape that not only entertains but also promotes psychological well-being by facilitating flow and reducing anxiety.

References

Nakaya, R. (n/d) Online article “Reducing anxiety with video games (and art, hiking, and jigsaw puzzles) according to science” accessed on the 15th of July 2024, available here: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/video-games-reduce-anxiety-ucriverside-finding-your-flow

Wheelock, J. (2024) Online article “Can’t stop worrying? Why video games help” accessed on 15th July 2024, available here: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/cant-stop-worrying-why-video-games-help

video “How video games REDUCE anxiety — according to science” accessed on the 15th of July 2024, available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbIHbgYCAO8