Psychologist assessed the impact of computer games on the psyche

Psychologist Oleg Zakharchenko told us what real benefits modern projects bring to gamers and where the fine line of reason runs.

In conversation with aif.ru On March 29, he said that games can temporarily reduce anxiety: studies show that even a few minutes of gameplay reduce stress levels and heart rate. This is due to distraction, the "flow" effect, and a sense of progress that stimulates the dopamine system. The virtual environment provides predictable results, which is often lacking in real life.

At the same time, the psychologist emphasized that games only situationally help to cope with anxiety and do not solve the problem, therefore they should not become the only way to deal with stress. In the long run, sports and meditation remain more effective, and reading also reduces stress levels, although it requires concentration.

Despite the feeling of relaxation, the brain continues to work actively during the game, which leads to fatigue after long sessions. The expert explains that dopamine is released in anticipation of a reward, which can increase the risk of addiction, and the games themselves are not a source of endorphins — the exception is team sessions through communication.

As for cognitive effects, games can improve reaction speed, attention, and spatial thinking, but there is no evidence of an effect on memory and creativity. In fact, these are highly specialized simulators with fixed rules that do not reflect the complexity of real life. At the same time, they can be used in rehabilitation, especially for the elderly, as well as in medicine — VR programs are used when working with PTSD, phobias, depression and ADHD.

The World Health Organization has already recognized gaming disorder as a disease: diagnosis is possible if you lose control, prioritize games over other areas of life, and continue playing despite the negative consequences. Warning signs include lying about computer time, trouble sleeping, refusing to eat, and breaking social ties, especially among teenagers. According to the psychologist, the game is just a symptom, and it is important to understand the underlying causes.

Experts advise against pressure or strict prohibitions: intervention is necessary only in extreme cases. Up to an hour a day is recommended for children, up to two hours for teenagers, and up to three hours for adults. As a result, games in themselves are neither evil nor a panacea — it all depends on a conscious approach.

In February, Marina Andrienko, a psychologist at NIKA of childhood, said that moderate use of computer games can be beneficial for children, especially when it comes to educational or strategic projects. The reason to be wary is the displacement of real communication by the virtual world, reports 360.ru .

At the same time, Ilya Slobodchikov, a family psychologist, named the key risks of gambling addiction. According to him, a particular danger lies in the rapid involvement and difficulty of exiting the game. The risk of addiction increases if a person feels more successful in the game world than in real life, writes NSN.

Also in February, psychologist Rodion Chepalov told RIAMO that an outright ban on video games rarely reduces aggression and often has the opposite effect. In particular, if the games performed the function of relaxation or socialization, their abrupt cancellation can lead to an increase in tension.

In December, clinical psychologist Elizaveta Kulikova expressed the opinion that video games can positively affect brain function, including the development of memory and concentration. According to her, attitudes towards video games have become more positive in recent years, as studies have shown their ability to enhance brain activity.

In October, teacher Elena Skarzhinskaya stated that some computer games are useful for the elderly. It is best to choose team games where there is a result. There, a person must solve strategic tasks and choose tactical moves, RT notes.

Earlier, psychologist Mikhail Orlov said that shooting games are dangerous for children because they teach them how to kill. According to him, fragile minds may not separate the virtual world from reality and do terrible things, writes Life.ru . He added that computer shooting games shift values, creating the illusion of eternal life.

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