LORDSGURU

For years now, I have been a player and more recently getting into a researcher studying the effects of this cultural aspect that is gaming. 22 years old, I got hooked on MMORPG such as World of Warcraft, and started this journey. Exploring raids with the guild at night built fellowship that are cherished to date.

But, as my hour of game play progressed, I began to notice a less appealing side to it all. New difficulties were experienced – eye strain, wrist abuse, and sleep disruption. What I discovered was that I began missing my meals, and avoiding real life interpersonal interactions. In retrospect, I consider the following signs as some of the first signs of the onset of the gaming disorder.

The dam of reality burst when my academic results dropped. One must remember an episode when, because of prioritizing the raid nights, he nearly failed a college course. So it motivated me to get the help and build such useful tips and recommendations about attaining a more convenient relationship with games.

Now as an expert I have better understanding about how these online games ruin our mental and physical health. While it can offer valuable social connections and cognitive benefits, excessive gaming can lead to:

1. Sleep disruption
2. Musculoskeletal problems
3. Depression or anxiety related symptoms
4. Failure at workplace or in school
5. Strained relationships

Here are some of the stories I have come across in my research; This is true as one of the interviewees mentioned that he was fired after having many sick days to play games. A mother said that gaming adversely affected her marriage and relationship with the children.

But it’s not all proverbial ‘bad news’. People who play games on the internet can lend each other a listening ear. In the case of COVID-19, these digital platforms offered many people necessary interaction with others. Not that I could forget is the time I had to meet a very old man who owes his life to gaming friends after going through depression following the loss of his wife.
As a gaming psychology expert, I always stress the importance of mindful gaming habits:

• Set time limits
• Take regular breaks
• Maintain offline relationships and hobbies
• Be aware of your motivations for gaming

The parents should follow their children during gaming, and also use the technology in a healthy way. As more technologies like VR and AR emerge, we are still discovering how these and other types of games affect the developing brains and social skills.

I have taken gaming as part of my daily life thus why I feel obliged to ensure people understand the pros and cons of gaming. You can enjoy this hobby and not forget or be averse to being accountable for our health when it comes to gaming.

So, let me give you answer to the initial question: indeed, online gaming does not necessarily mean meaningless passes the time if it is done purposefully. As we grapple with this ever unfolding train of advances in technology, we should endeavour to get the best out of this gaming without losing our health.

There are Advantages and Benefits too. Read them here: Benefits of Playing Online Games