Video Gaming Behaviors Among Young Adults and Their Impact on Public Health.

How Do Video Games Shape the Behavior of Young People?

In our current era, video games have become an integral part of young people's lives. They are seen not only as a form of entertainment but also as a cultural phenomenon that impacts mental health and social behavior. With the rapid development of technology and the increasing popularity of digital games, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions have emerged regarding the impact of these games on public health, the extent of addiction to them, and the importance of understanding the factors that influence players' behaviors.

Definition of Video Games and Their Impact on Behavior:

The term "video games" refers to a wide range of games played across various platforms, such as computers, consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as smartphones. While games are an important source of social interaction, excessive use can lead to behavioral and psychological issues.

According to the definition by the World Health Organization, gaming disorder is defined as: A pattern of persistent or recurrent behavior in playing digital games or video games, where this behavior becomes a priority over other life activities, leading to a deterioration in social, professional, and educational performance.
The diagnosis of this disorder requires the symptoms to persist for at least one year, with a clear impact on daily life.

The Spread of the Video Game Phenomenon

Statistics indicate that video games are most popular among teenagers and young adults, especially in the age group of 18-34 years. For example, in South Korea, the average time spent by players on games increased from five hours per week in 2011 to seven hours in 2017. Additionally, the prevalence of gaming doubled globally after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a study showing that 17% of individuals who were not previous gamers began spending more than 20 hours per week playing during the health lockdown period.

Regarding gaming addiction, the prevalence rates of this behavior vary from country to country:

• 10% of young people in China suffer from gaming addiction.

• 3% in Germany.

• 4% in South Korea.

• In Saudi Arabia, a study conducted in the Qassim region found that 64% of participants aged 10-19 spend more than three hours daily in front of screens, with 5% of them suffering from gaming addiction.

Policies and Regulations Regarding Video Games:

• Global Policies:

In many countries, video games are regulated through age classification systems such as: ESRB In the United States and Canada, andPEGI In Europe. However, some countries, such as China, have begun imposing strict restrictions to limit gaming addiction among children and teenagers, such as setting a limit on the number of hours allowed per day.

• National Policies in Saudi Arabia:

In Saudi Arabia, invested Public Investment Fund The Public Investment Fund invested $3.3 billion in the gaming sector, reflecting the economic importance of this industry. However, local policies regarding the limitation of gaming addiction are still under development, as most current regulations are limited to monitoring game sales in local markets without regulating online usage.

The Impact of Video Games on Individuals and Society:

• Psychological and Social Impact:

• Many studies have shown that excessive video gaming can lead to: Decreased self-efficacy, increased levels of anxiety and depression, and negative effects on academic performance and social relationships.
• A study also found that players who spend long hours gaming experience difficulties in coping with reality, which may lead to social isolation.

• The Impact on Physical Health:

While some games are seen as improving hand-eye coordination, excessive use can cause: Health issues such as neck and shoulder pain, visual problems, and sleep disorders.
A study conducted in Turkey found that individuals who play for more than two hours a day experience sleep quality issues compared to those who play for shorter periods.

• The Impact on Family Relationships:

Some studies suggest that Multiplayer games can enhance family bonds if played in moderation, While single-player games may negatively affect family relationships, as addicted players tend to isolate themselves from their family members.

The Economic Cost of Gaming:

With the development of the gaming market, global spending on games has significantly increased. For example, consumer spending on games in the United States reached $56.9 billion in 2020, a 27% increase from the previous year. In the Middle East, the gaming market grew by 15% in 2020, with Saudi Arabia accounting for more than 20% of the total regional spending.

Video Games and Public Health: Between Risks and Benefits:

Although video games can be harmful when used excessively, they have some benefits that should be noted, including:

• Stimulating Physical Activity:

A study indicated that individuals who play sports video games are more motivated to engage in real-life physical exercise.

• Improving Cognition and Attention:

A study showed that players have higher levels of focus and attention compared to others.

• Enhancing Social Skills:

Some multiplayer games help in developing teamwork skills and social interaction.

On the other hand, the risks include:

• Increased rates of anxiety and depression among gaming addicts.

• Negative impact on sleep quality, leading to chronic fatigue.

• Social isolation, especially with single-player games.

• Towards responsible use of digital games.

As the gaming industry continues to grow, it is essential to develop policies and strategies that help reduce the risks of addiction and promote responsible gaming. This can be achieved through:

• Raising awareness among young people and parents about the impact of games on mental and physical health, and providing clear guidelines on balanced gaming usage..

• Adopting guiding strategies that help players manage their time rather than imposing strict restrictions, such as setting flexible recommendations on appropriate playtime and breaks..

• Encouraging developers to incorporate features that help players track their playtime and encourage breaks, as seen in some modern games..

• Enhancing the role of local research in studying the impact of digital games on youth in Saudi Arabia, to provide evidence-based guidelines.

Guidance is considered more effective than prohibition, as it gives players the freedom to make informed decisions about their digital behaviors, contributing to the creation of a sustainable and responsible gaming environment.