How Does Playing Online Games Affect Your Health?

Video games have been one of the favorite leisure time activities for many generations, and there are no signs of this trend abating. With the development of technology, video games have become ever so realistic, especially when combined with VR goggles and other virtual reality instruments. Also, more and more people are starting to play video games daily which makes them a significant segment of our lives.

However, there are various ways in which video games affect people. The positive ones include the increased ability to notice things by sharpening your eyes for catching details and developing your imagination. On the other hand, there are even more ways in which playing games can be detrimental to our health. In this article, we shall explore what these are and how they influence people.

Addiction

One of the primary health issues found in children and adolescents playing online video games is an addiction. Many clinical test studies have shown that the obsession that arises from spending too much time online playing games equals that of alcohol or drug abuse. The effects of this addiction are manifested through the lack of focus on other daily activities, lack of attention in classes, and constant thinking about the game.

Also, it’s worth noticing that treating this condition is extremely challenging. Changing the exposure to online video games from very frequent to low frequency can lead to increased aggressive behavior. Careful actions in controlled environments are essential to successfully treating this addiction.

Issues With Vision

Playing online video games can be linked to severe eye-sight problems. Excessive exposure to screens can lead to eye strain as the cornea and pupil are not intended for so many hours in front of the screens. Even though tests have shown that gamers have increased the spatial distribution of attention, there is also a significant threat of photosensitive epilepsy. Individuals susceptible to these conditions are in danger of experiencing a seizure when exposed to rapid flickering and highly intense image repetitions.  

Obesity

Obesity has been linked to playing video games on many occasions and according to many researchers. Players who find themselves in front of computer screens for a long time tend to disregard proper dieting and resort to eating junk food as it is more convenient and doesn’t require you to cook it. Also, video games have replaced physical activities such as sports, which also leads to an increase in body mass index.

Body Development Issues

Another serious health issue that needs to be tackled is the increase in the number of body deformities caused by excessive sitting and playing video games. The problem is mainly present in children at their younger age when their bodies need movement and exercise in order for their musculoskeletal system to grow and develop properly. Also, playing with controllers has caused damage to tendons and brought about wrist injuries, as well as skin conditions due to excessive friction between thumbs and joysticks.