The University of Oxford wanted to know if the practice of video games could be dangerous for mental health. It brought together, therefore, no less than 40,000 players. This is the largest study conducted to date in the field.
a strong test
For six weeks, the researchers examined the behavior of the players. By looking at how they play, the study was able to avoid relying on participants’ statements. To achieve this, the researchers worked in collaboration with seven different publishers who agreed to provide their data directly, without prior consultation.
The results of the study were published on July 27 and transmitted by The Guardian. According to Andy Przybylski, associate professor and researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, the scale of the experiment provides strong evidence that there is no effect on well-being.
Solid results
However, the study points out that a practice at an extreme level can question this truth. By increasing his playing time by ten hours a day compared to his usual consumption, a player could affect his well-being. The same goes for people who feel compelled to play, whose practice is not linked to a desire.
Aside from these specific cases, the researchers say their results are strong enough to refute fears of a general link between gaming time and deteriorating mental health. And undermine the decisions to control the practice of video games in certain countries.
In November 2020, when the pandemic encouraged the practice of video games, a previous study had been carried out on the subject. Also managed by Andy Przybylski, but much less pressured, had shown a fairly positive impact on the mental well-being of the players.
Source: BFM TV
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