Playing video games is a familiar form of entertainment, especially for young people. However, the boundary between healthy entertainment and harmful habits is not always clear. A new study by the University of Curtin (Australia) shows that excessive gaming can silently affect physical and mental health.
The study was conducted on 317 university students in Australia, focusing on analyzing the relationship between gaming time, diet, sleep and common health problems. The results showed that gaming itself is not harmful, but the duration and intensity of play are decisive factors.
Students are divided into three groups: the group playing little (0-5 hours/week), the group playing moderately (5-10 hours/week) and the group playing a lot (over 10 hours/week). Players who play no more than 10 hours per week have equivalent health indicators, showing that playing games at a moderate level is still safe and does not cause a clear impact.
However, health problems begin to appear when playing time exceeds 10 hours per week. This group has a higher risk of weight gain and an unhealthier diet than those who play little or moderately. Balanced meals are often replaced by fast food, high-calorie processed foods, while eating hours become erratic.
Notably, even after excluding factors such as stress or exercise levels, playing too much games is still identified as a risk factor of independence leading to poor nutrition.
In addition to the total weekly time, the amount of continuous play throughout the day also directly affects physical health. People who play games for more than three hours a day often experience eye strain, headache, neck, shoulder and wrist pain. Sitting for a long time, incorrect posture and repetitive movements can lead to chronic back pain or prolonged muscle strain injuries.
Sleep is another clearly affected factor. Mid- and high-level gamers often have poorer sleep quality than low-level gamers. Prolonged screen exposure, especially at night, shortens sleep time and makes sleep not deep. Poor sleep also leads to fatigue, uncontrolled eating and body pain, creating a cycle that is detrimental to health.
However, the study also emphasizes that playing games is not a bad habit if it is properly controlled. Experts recommend limiting playing time to less than 10 hours per week, avoiding playing for more than three hours each time, regularly taking breaks, eating healthy, and turning off the screen at least an hour before bedtime.
In conclusion, the problem is not playing games, but playing too much. Maintaining a reasonable level helps players enjoy entertainment benefits while still protecting their long-term health.
