Computer gaming: The good and the bad
By David Reeder, 22 May 2022
Computer games certainly have their pros and cons. They can be incredibly addictive, yet at the same time they are fun and bring friends together.
Over the past few years, we have had a pandemic and now the war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis. It's not hard to see why so many people suffer from anxiety.
I have felt quite anxious myself on and off while running my small business through these tough times. Am I making enough money? Can I cover my tax bills? What projects are coming in?
Sometimes it's impossible to stop your bain going round and round and nothing seems to take your mind off it. Watching TV or reading a book doesn't work, but computer games can be so immersive that it can actually do the trick, forcing your brain away from anxious thoughts, so you have to focus entirely on the game. Even if it's just for an hour, this escapism can really help.
This is definitely a big plus point for me, it gets me away from "the norm" for a while and I feel like I have had a reset afterwards.
The addictive side is definitely a bad thing though. I don't consider myself to have an addictive personality. I have never gambled, smoked or taken drugs and whilst I do drink alcohol, a couple of drinks at the weekend is enough and I find myself not wanting to drink anymore.
But with computer games it's different, I often find myself wanting to play more and more, and the more I play, the more I think about getting back to the game. It's something I have to work on to force myself to close the game and step away.
I have some tips for managing this:
- Set clear times when you are going to play
- Keep your games out of your work space if possible.
- Keep phones, computers, consoles etc out of the bedroom to avoid playing at night
- Seek professional help here.
- If all else fails, uninstall the game!
Hope this helps someone to identify the benefits and dangers of gaming and what can be done if you fall into the trap of game addiction.
