How Certain Video Games Are Impacting Mental Health More Than You Think

In recent years, video games have become a significant part of our daily lives, especially in India, where the gaming industry is rapidly expanding. What many don’t realise, however, is the profound impact that certain video games have on mental health. Beyond mere entertainment, some games are influencing your cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and social behaviours. As psychotherapists, we are seeing firsthand how these games can alter mental health patterns in both adolescents and adults, affecting everything from mood regulation to social interaction. Understanding these impacts is key to managing and mitigating the psychological risks associated with modern gaming.

Cognitive Strain

Games like PUBG and Call of Duty, known for their fast-paced, action-heavy gameplay, place immense cognitive demands on the brain’s executive functions which manage planning, focus, and decision-making. These games stimulate the prefrontal cortex, leading to cognitive overload, where the brain struggles to process information. Over time, this can cause mental fatigue, irritability, and emotional exhaustion.

Moreover, these games constantly reward players through achievements and level-ups, which flood the brain with dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure. Overexposure can desensitise the brain to real-life pleasures, leading to what we call dopaminergic burnout, where individuals experience apathy and emotional flatness outside the game.

Emotional Dysregulation

Games designed to provoke intense emotions can weaken a player’s ability to regulate feelings in real life. Fast-paced, violent games like Free Fire are known to trigger the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotional responses. The constant stimulation can cause emotional dysregulation, where individuals struggle to manage mood swings and anger. In extreme cases, this can lead to heightened aggression and social difficulties.

Games can also trigger the fight-or-flight response, releasing cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Continuous exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to anxiety and difficulty managing everyday stressors.

Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction is a psychological issue we encounter more often than ever, classified as a disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO). Games such as Fortnite or Clash of Clans often become addictive because they tap into the brain’s reward circuitry, much like substance addiction. This leads to maladaptive coping, where individuals use gaming as a way to avoid dealing with real-life issues like stress or anxiety. Over time, gaming addiction can erode personal relationships, academic performance, and emotional health.

Social Connection or Isolation?

Many games, especially multiplayer platforms like Minecraft and Valorant, are praised for promoting social interaction. However, these virtual connections can sometimes replace real-life relationships, leading to social isolation. Players often experience online social anxiety, where they feel more comfortable interacting in the virtual world but struggle with face-to-face communication. Over time, this can erode self-confidence and worsen feelings of loneliness, which are risk factors for depression.

Neurobiological Changes

The constant stimulation from video games can also alter brain function, especially in younger individuals whose brains are still developing. Over time, the brain’s neuroplasticity adapts to seek immediate rewards, which can reduce a person’s ability to delay gratification and affect long-term goal-setting. This can manifest as executive dysfunction, where individuals find it difficult to focus, plan, or regulate their time effectively.

Final Thoughts

While video games are not inherently harmful, it’s important to understand the psychological risks associated with excessive gameplay. In light of the growing focus on mental health awareness in India, recognising the influence of modern activities like gaming is becoming increasingly important. If gaming is affecting your emotional well-being or personal life, seeking professional support can help you regain control and develop healthier habits.

For personalised support, reach out to ImPerfect Psychotherapists.