Are Gamers Happier Than Non-Video Game Enthusiasts?
Video games have become increasingly popular over the past few decades, with recent studies indicating that over 180 million people around the world play at least one hour of video game regularly.
But what motivates them? Is it the instant gratification, the social interaction or the stress relief? And once they join the gaming community, did they become part of a larger cultural phenomenon where happiness is the unspoken truth?
Direct answers to the question
Are gamers happier than non-gamers?
Yes, playing video games increases happiness levels, social connections and decreases stress levels making gamers one of the happiest subgroup of people today.
Why? In this article we will explore the reasons along with an overview of the related studies and interesting facts.
Many people today believe that video gamers are isolated hermits who choose to spend more time in virtual spaces than on real-life social relations. However, statistics show that 79% of console gamers and 45% of PC gamers play with the intention to engage with others at least every other day.[1]
Social connections are made through online features, multiplayer aspects, and social websites dedicated specifically to gaming communities: (Source: University of Nevada, Reno)**`
**Happiness and Video Games
Research carried out by the Social Science Electronic Publishing (SSEG) found out that 87% of online gamers reported improving their life satisfaction,[2]
in comparison to non-web-based hobbies. This leads us to presume that the social online aspect enhances the overall value of gaming on happiness; however we must consider and discuss two other factors that should be added to the equation regarding the happiness link: stress reducing and _civic engagement
Stress alleviation
Studies have provided evidence that playing video games improves mental health, relieves stress, eases stress linked to work- related experiences, and cures depression.[3] When gamers were asked about reducing stress or anxiety, 56% of video game players reported reduction in pressure.[ ] The "Escape" that video game provides, with its intricate worlds, characters storylines that transport players – taking their minds off worrying thoughts in the real Word contributes to this significant stress reduction.`
Gaming also assists in: Social skills (communication in multiplayer), multitasking, and **problem. solving
**Civic Enthusiast Engagement
Video Game players are inclined to be in pursuit of curing social media addictionand increased civic engagement In a Survey conducted by the organization, Video Games, 68% of adult gamers reported contributing to a fundraising campaign for a popular charity "Extra Life’s 24/11" marathon raising $33 million for Children.
Key findings:
| Gamers | Non-Gamers
|--|-----------[--|-----------]-->
| 73% | (Socially **connected
| 40% | | 24%%) Not socially connected
Stress-related issues | 15% | < 5%
``**Hypothetical model** In the table highlighted above.
**In recent years "Gaming" has attracted attention**, as a _**prosocial activity****, as social connections and stress regulation have positive effects on mental illness.** Moreover, **video and board** games have been found for **reliable stress reduction solutions**.
Many people believe that as gamers do not engage significantly in online social interactions**, they are lacking in social skills". However, multiple studies have shown that as long as the **gains from engaging in video games** that is improving social skills, alleviating depression, and increasing trust in the user, **greatest happiness
**is experienced.,**
Finally, it is crucial noting that although the research carried out seems to suggest that video *gamen* are no less (or even More) happy Than non-ggamers, with the help.
**social connections, stress decrease, and civics engagement** It is expected that the overall "happiness" of Gamer will constantly increase.
## References :
[1] University Research on 'Gaming Behaviors.
[2] [3]**Social Science Computing Association Electronic Publishing (SSED)**`