That the WHO officially established a diagnosis called Gaming Disorder naturally sparked a debate about whether our beloved hobby and passion is harmful to health. In a new study has Samsung tried to establish a contrasting narrative, stating that if you enjoy gaming in moderation – like virtually any other activity – it’s good for your psyche. The Danish psychologist Jonathan Smed Iversen has specialized in game psychology and says the following:
“In order to approach gambling professionally in a way that both recognizes the fantastic benefits of gambling – while respecting the potential pitfalls of pathological gambling consumption – it is important to have a strong understanding of the psychological factors that play into gambling . Games fulfill psychological needs for us, and it can be both a meaningful and life-enriching activity, and in some cases it can be used as a tool to relieve negative emotions, for better or for worse.”
Iversen explains, among other things, that gaming can play a decisive role in unwinding, and this applies to both men and women:
“Games are meaningful, psychologically stimulating and in many cases also have a social component. They help unwind because this creates a sense of autonomy, competence and belonging in a stronger way than any other medium can. Games are also very complex problem-solving, and players often have incredibly sharp reflexes.”
What does gaming mean to you?