Open-world gaming may reduce loneliness among adults, according to a new study.
Published in JMIR Serious Games, the study alleges that video games help develop emotional resilience. Released in the U.K., the report found that adults who take part in open-world adventure games such as “The Legend of Zelda” and “Yoshi’s Crafted World” tend to show higher levels of emotional resilience, self-control, calmness in decision-making and stoicism.
In a study of over 2,200 adults aged 21 and older, the researchers surveyed participants about their gaming habits and emotional views, including how lonely they felt. According to the researchers, open-world gaming may have positive effects beyond escapism. By combining both decision-making and a relaxed in-game environment, users have a more balanced “digital diet.”
“Moving beyond views of gaming as passive escapism, our findings suggest that specific gameplay experiences may serve as active spaces for cultivating resilience. We introduce a ‘digital diet’ framework, indicating that balancing open-world challenges (eg, Zelda) with low-stakes restoration (Yoshi) produces synergistic psychological support,” said the researchers per their report. “Practically, thoughtfully curated gaming experiences may serve as scalable and cost-effective digital adjuncts for public mental health interventions addressing the loneliness epidemic.”
The latest results could provide support for what’s considered a global issue. In the U.S. alone, the American Psychological Association estimates that over six in 10 adults say loneliness is a major source of stress in their lives.
Approximately 54% said they felt isolated in their lives, while another 50% said they do not have the companionship they are seeking.
Due to the loneliness epidemic, approximately 69% said that they needed to seek emotional support. Loneliness caused by societal division is specifically troubling, as more than 60% said that they tended to lash out at family members, while 53% said they struggled to plan for the future. Loneliness also tended to bring on high levels of depression, anxiety, fatigue and headaches.
Loneliness is an issue amongst a number of age groups. While younger people aged 18 to 24 are identified as the loneliest demographic, individuals over 85 also record high rates of loneliness. In the U.K., 16% of people 70 and over reported that they struggled with feeling alone, while 33% of people ages 16 to 29 also reported the same.
Through video games, the latest study indicates that open-world gaming could potentially provide a type of solution.
“Contrary to the stereotype of gaming as mere escapism, we found that open-world and accessible, joyous games can help foster a resilient, stoic mindset and alleviate loneliness,” said lead author Andreas B Eisingerich via a press release.
