Videogames in times of pandemic

In times of pandemic, two events that a priori would not have to be related to may
go more hand in hand than we would have imagined: mental health and video
games. Video games have played an important role in our daily life. There have
been many discussions about its use, most of which are negative comments. Many
parents worry that their children will become more violent or unfriendly due to
excessive play. But research shows that video games have an advantage: They
help relieve stress. Stress is a natural response of our body to deal with dangerous
situations. Why is it harmful? Due to the tremendous changes our body undergoes
in these conditions.
If stress is chronic, it can produce symptoms such as memory impairment,
insomnia, depression, and anxiety. To begin with, the myth has formed between
video games and actual violence over the years. According to some studies carried
out, there is no relationship between gambling violence and aggression in real life.
In one of the latest studies, players using cooperative and competitive game
modes were examined. After a while it was shown that the anxiety levels of the
players decreased. In other words, the games served as a tool to cope with
stressful and tense situations. (Castillo, 2019)
This is because of what researchers call the recovery experience. These studies
showed that there is a relationship between fatigue caused by work and the use of
video games for recovery purposes. In this case, it was shown that there are users
who use games with the intention of releasing stress after a working day. These
platforms can help us develop our capacity for self-control and know how to deal
with certain situations in front of our computer or video console. Many users find in
video games a way to define useful strategies by managing their emotions to cope
with stress and thus obtain the rewards they obtain when passing a level. As it
happens in all aspects, anything in excess is harmful and in the world of video
games the same thing happens. Playing for long periods of time is not good for our
health. Its moderate use can help effectively in the release of stress, but otherwise
it can lead to serious problems. (Moncada y Chacón, 2012)
It should be said that the world of games is not only a form of leisure but has also
become an official sport, as is the case with eSports. With these data, it is
understandable that a situation like the one that is shaking the world right now
affects mental health and, in turn, that video games, in their proper measure of
time and enjoyment, can be a way to alleviate this burden, Since, as said, it helps
to control bad feelings and forget the problems of each person. So, it is concluded
that playing some games or other can be a good way to disconnect from home and
avoid some states of anxiety.
 Bibliography

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combatirlo? Blogthinkbig.com. https://blogthinkbig.com/jugar-a-videojuegos-

para-combatir-el-estres

‌Moncada Jiménez, J., & Chacón Araya, Y. (2012). El efecto de los videojuegos en

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Guzman Coaguila, S., Aymet, K., Amparo, M., & Beltrán, M. (2018). USO DE

VIDEOJUEGOS Y SU RELACIÓN CON LAS HABILIDADES SOCIALES EN

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