Is gaming more beneficial or harmful?

Gaming is a common source of entertainment and a hobby for people of all ages from all around the world. However, there have been some negative connotation attached to the idea of gaming and significant research has been carried out to better understand the impact of gaming on both children and adults. Luckily for gamers, results have been divisive. There are many upsides to gaming, but an addiction to the habit could negatively impact your health. We take a look at the common effects of gaming: 

When engaged in a game, a player will need to coordinate their visual, audial and physical movement at the same time. For example: an action game may require you to be able to move your joystick or keys while looking at the various features on your screen such as energy levels, oncoming adversaries, remaining ammunitions, available time as well as other factors. These are all vital to winning.

When engaged in a game, a player will need to coordinate their visual, audial and physical movement at the same time. For example: an action game may require you to be able to move your joystick or keys while looking at the various features 

How can you tell when your gaming habit has become too much? You could ask yourself the CAGE Questions (frequently used to detect alcohol addiction) with a few modifications (such as replacing the word "drinking" with "gaming" and altering the fourth or "E" question):

• Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your gaming?
• Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your gaming?
• Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your gaming?
• Are video games usually the first thing you think about in the morning when you wake up (Eye opener)?

Another important check is the duration of the gaming behaviours, in this case "over a period of at least 12 months." The duration is what separates the occasional binge from a real persistent problem. Nearly everyone binges on something every now and then but that doesn’t mean they have a disorder.