Gaming has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an entertainment source. Video games were installed in chain restaurants and quickly spawned competition among players. Players would mark their high scores with their initials, determined to make the list. This era also saw the introduction of multiplayer games, but the experience was limited to players competing against each other on a single screen. Today, gaming has moved on to other mediums, and the future of video games is bright.
Increasingly, many video games have the potential to foster social connections. In fact, the World Health Organization believes that gaming can improve relationships. Many mental health professionals stress the importance of social connections and relationships, and they’re finding direct benefits in the form of gaming. In fact, more studies are finding that gamers’ increased social and psychological connections can even lead to higher achievement in school. But is this gaming phenomenon really beneficial? How can we tell?
The Gambling Act of 2005 defines gaming as a game of chance. Games of skill are not considered to be “gaming” if the prize is not money. These games can also involve other activities like playing a sport, like soccer, but this does not fall under the definition of gaming. While online gambling is popular among younger generations, it can still cause serious damage to a young person’s mental health. Gaming addiction is a serious problem, which many parents must deal with.
