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Is Social Gaming Bad for Your Health?

Social media platforms – where people connect, re-connect, identify with one another and interact with other people with the same interests around the world. The popularity of social networking has fast spread like wildfire across the globe and is now accessible through every smartphone, mobile device and equipment that can connect to the internet. There are applications to connect people to social networks, gaming, chat services and so much more. With all this convenient accessibility, users are beginning to wonder if the instant access to social gaming is actually bad for their health, and we look into the answers for those asking.

The Physical Aspect of Extended Social Gaming

Researchers have discovered that social gaming can, in fact, affect your health, but only in the short run of things. Social gamers may find fatigue becoming a common reality in their day to day lives as they may spend more than a few hours a day on social gaming platforms. This may lead to irritation and in some cases, prolonged gaming bursts can even lead to seizures. This is based on Dutch researchers who followed gamers’ progress through a program that was recorded over a period of 30 years. It has been recorded as worst case scenario and directed to those with a serious gaming addiction. On the other hand, players who simply wish to indulge in casino gaming for a few hours a day on websites like PlayUK and find they aren’t addicted to social gaming can resolve their tiredness and irritation by simply taking a nap – a problem solved in a matter of hours.

The Mental Aspect of Extended Social Gaming

Playing online games for extended periods of time can affect your mental health. Shorter gameplay sessions have no effect on the mental health of players, but those who feel a sense of addiction may begin to show its head may be prone to future episodes of depression and anxiety. Through clinical research, scientists proved that children who spent more time playing social games showed signs of depression, anxiety and social phobia. Even though social gaming brings in a level of human interaction, it isn’t quite the same as being socially accepted in a place where humans actually interact with one another.

Monitored Social Gaming Can Be Good

Players limiting their social gaming time to shorter bursts as opposed to those who spend many hours dedicating their attention to social gaming platforms will find social gaming to actually work in favour of both their mental and physical well-being. Players who enjoy healthy bouts of social gaming learn how to interact with other players, share common interests and break away from the harsh realities of the world in a few moments; something essential to the state of one’s health.

Ultimately social gaming can be either hazardous or beneficial to your state of mind. The key is to find a key balance and to play wisely, enjoying reasonable bouts of gaming while catching up on as much rest as possible.

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