Are video games bad for you? Because let’s face it—video games are addictive. Once we find a game that we like, we’ll find ourselves sitting in front of our computers or televisions with a bag of chips for hours.

And after that, we’ll feel bad about ourselves. Not only did we just finish this family-size bag of chips all by ourselves, but we also just played video games for hours without a break.

There’s a stigma that playing video games like that is bad for you, even though the same people who tell you that also binge-watch Netflix for ten hours a day. So, do video games really rot our brains? Do they really make us stupid? Or is playing a challenging game a good way to exercise our brain? Let’s find out.

No matter what games we play or what system we play them on, we play for an escape. Some of us look for the adventure of an open world like the Genshin Impact RPG. Others like the restfulness of a quiet simulation game. Maybe you like the thrills of a horror game. Whatever your taste is, we all do it because life gets boring.

We need a challenge and to escape from our daily life problems for a bit. And while television gives us that, it doesn’t always suck us in. We’re just out on the bleachers instead of in the middle of the action swinging our swords on the battlefield.

We play video games because we all want to feel something. There’s something so exciting about the new age of gaming we’re entering. Games are more realistic and interactive. But how bad is this for us?

Studies show that video gaming can lead to poor posture, for one thing. Unfortunately, many things can lead to poor postures such as consistent computer usage (non-gaming related) or back pain.

While on the subject, back pain is another issue that video games can cause. A recent study also shows that video games are also a reason for sleep deprivation, lack of Vitamin D, and obesity. We’ve also all heard the argument that violent video games make people aggressive and therefore shouldn’t exist, but that’s rarely the case.

I think a lot has to be said about the subjectivity of these claims. Most sources say that video gaming in general will have these causes, whereas it’s truer to say that excessive video gaming can have these causes.

Many people who play video games also know how to balance their social life, health, and jobs with gaming. video gaming becomes a problem when someone is clinically addicted to it.

Studies have shown that adults who play video games for at least 30 minutes a day have seen improvements in memory, spatial navigation, and better motor skills. Specific studies show that daily gaming was increasing brain function in test subjects.

It’s even shown that word games or puzzle games can slow down the effects of aging in elders. People who played these games every day were shown to have less of a chance of developing Alzheimer’s than their non-gaming counterparts. So, fire up DDR. It’s time for a dance-off, grandpa.

And put away your Ibuprofen. Video games were proven to be just as or more effective than painkillers at relieving chronic pain in patients who experience these symptoms.

This is because video games distract us. Instead of focusing on our pain, we focus on the game we’re playing. If you aren’t experiencing pain, no worries, video games can actually calm down the effects of anxiety.

Video games also bring us closer to friends. Everyone can enjoy a racing game with a group of friends or to solve an adventure or mystery game with a close friend. Gaming is just another way to get social and enjoy the company of friends and family.

Since gaming can have some bad side affects, you should try to do a few things to take care of yourself. Portable exercise bikes are a great way to game and lose a few calories or just get your blood pumping.

To avoid a dangerous Vitamin D deficiency, make sure to get out and about or take a supplement every day to ensure that your body stays healthy. Also, make sure to watch your posture by sitting in a chair that keeps you upright instead of slumped.

So, are video games bad for you? Like anything, too much of a good thing is a bad thing and video games can have a lot of positive effects. Just try not to go overboard in gaming or spend all day every day slumped over on the couch with a bag of cookies.

It’s not good for you. If you’re gaming with some sense, however, video games have many benefits, so next time someone tells you that gaming rotting your brain, you’ll know just how to fire back.