Introduction
Video games have been a part of popular culture for decades, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, there’s something about the thrill of beating a challenging level or achieving a high score that keeps us coming back for more. But for some players, video games can be more than just a fun pastime – they can be a source of immense stress and anxiety.
The Science of Stress
Before we dive into the world of video game stress, it’s important to understand what stress is and how it affects our bodies and minds. Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat or challenge, and it’s characterized by physical and psychological symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress can have negative effects on our mental and physical health, including increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. In short, stress is not something we want to be dealing with regularly, especially when it comes to something as enjoyable as video games.
Types of Stress in Video Games
Now that we understand what stress is let’s take a look at the different types of stressors found in video games. There are several factors that can contribute to stress while playing, including:
- Difficulty Level
- Time Management
- Social Comparison
- Lack of Control
- Risk of Failure
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Stress in Video Games
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of stressors found in video games let’s take a look at some real-life examples of how these factors can contribute to stress in the world of gaming.
1. Difficulty Level: The Dark Souls Franchise
The Dark Souls franchise is known for its challenging gameplay and high difficulty level. Players are often required to die multiple times before they’re able to progress, which can be frustrating and discouraging for some players. However, for those who enjoy a challenge, the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming these challenges can make the game more rewarding.
2. Time Management
: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is known for its vast and open-world gameplay, which allows players to explore at their own pace. However, for some players, this can be stressful because they feel like they’re not making progress fast enough. Additionally, the game has strict deadlines for completing certain quests, which can create a sense of urgency and pressure.
3. Social Comparison
: Fortnite
Fortnite is a popular battle royale game that encourages players to compete with others. For some players, this can be an exciting aspect of the game. However, for those who are more competitive or sensitive about their performance, it can be stressful to compare themselves to others and feel like they’re falling short.
4. Lack of Control
: Papers, Please
Papers, Please is a thought-provoking puzzle game that challenges players to make difficult decisions about who gets to enter a country. One of the main sources of stress in this game is the lack of control players have over the outcome of their actions. When players know that their decisions will have consequences, it can be frustrating and demotivating when those consequences don’t go as planned.
5. Risk of Failure
: Darkest Dungeons
Darkest Dungeons is a dark fantasy RPG game that requires players to navigate treacherous dungeons and fight off monsters. The risk of failure in this game is high, as players can die at any moment, which can be frustrating and demotivating for some players. However, for those who enjoy a challenge, the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming these challenges can make the game more rewarding.
Personal Experiences: How Video Games Have Affected My Mental Health
As a lifelong gamer, I’ve experienced my fair share of stress while playing games. One of the biggest sources of stress for me is the difficulty level of the game itself. When a game is too difficult, it can be frustrating and overwhelming, which can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement.
Another source of stress for me is time management. When I know I have a limited amount of time to complete a mission or objective, it can create a sense of urgency and pressure, which can make the game more difficult to enjoy.
Social comparison is another factor that can contribute to stress in video games for me. When I compare myself to others and feel like I’m falling short, it can create a sense of anxiety and self-doubt, which can make the game more difficult to enjoy. Additionally, when I’m playing multiplayer games where I know I’m up against skilled players, it can be stressful to compete with them and feel like I’m not measuring up.
Lack of control is another source of stress for me in video games. When I feel like I have little control over the outcome of a game or my own progress, it can be frustrating and demotivating.
Finally, the risk of failure is another factor that can contribute to stress in video games for me. When I know that I might fail, it can create a sense of fear and anxiety, which can make the game more difficult to enjoy. Additionally, when I do fail, it can be frustrating and demotivating, leading me to give up on the game altogether.
Expert Opinions: What Experts Say About Stress in Video Games
Now that we’ve looked at some real-life examples of stress in video games and my own personal experiences let’s take a look at what experts have to say about stress in the world of gaming.
According to Dr. Michael Lindell, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, video games can be a great way to manage stress and improve mental health. However, when games are too challenging or demanding, they can actually contribute to stress and anxiety.
Dr. Shawn Greenwald, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, agrees that video games can be a great way to manage stress and improve mental health. However, he also notes that some games can be designed in a way that creates a sense of pressure and urgency, which can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Overall, while video games can be a great way to manage stress and improve mental health, they can also contribute to stress and anxiety when played excessively or in a way that is too challenging or demanding. It’s important for gamers to find a balance and play games in moderation in order to avoid negative consequences.
