Impacts of Video Games on Generation Z

Video games have revolutionized various forms of entertainment, including television, sports, and movies. Through the multiple organizations and companies that make these games, they have generated billions of dollars annually, making them the most lucrative form of entertainment. The evolution of the video game industry has been incredibly impressive. The gaming industry has changed drastically from the humble arcade games that were originally created to the latest high-definition titles such as the Sony FIFA game series, League of Legends, and World of Warcraft. However, this evolution has impacted all facets of life, from the people involved to their peers and friends, negatively impacting interpersonal relationships (Cabeza-Ramirez). For example, the relationship between a parent and a child addicted to gaming is poor, which also translates to their achievements in the classroom. This paper discusses the relationship between video games and how it impacts Generation Z's mental health and relationships.

Relationship Between Video Games and Mental Health

Mental health denotes an individual's conditions concerning their emotional and psychological well-being. The link between excessive gaming and various mental health conditions, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, interpersonal conflicts, poor emotional regulation, and anxiety, is well known. However, some studies suggest that playing video games can help improve mental health. Some people who are addicted to video games may begin developing suicidal thoughts. This is a common experience among those who started playing these games when they were young. The problem with video gaming addiction is that it can quickly spiral out of control. As a result, people tend to lose track of their other activities and become so focused on playing video games that they become the only thing they care about in their lives.

Another adverse effect of video games is that they can interfere with the ability to regulate one's emotions or poor emotional regulation. According to studies, people diagnosed with Internet gaming disorder are more likely to be anxious, depressed, and aggressive because of their inability to control their emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness (Cabeza-Ramirez). This is because many people play video games to escape their negative emotions since they believe these games can help them deal with their problems. However, these games do not solve their users' problems and can instead temporarily numb their negative feelings. Playing video games for several hours a day can make one's emotions even worse, as it can increase the intensity of their reactions. Having reasonable control over one's feelings can help one control their actions. Excessive gaming time can also lead to skill deficits, affecting one's ability to regulate emotions.

Playing video games in excess also results in a lack of motivation. Many parents are worried that their kids are lazy because they don't have the motivation to do other activities. This is because playing video games provides an opportunity to improve and level up one's skills, a requirement of every human being. When people play too many video games, they are not motivated to do other activities, as these provide them with all the necessary functions to do other things. One way to replace this habit is to try engaging in as many hobbies as possible. For example, a 90-day detox can help one focus on healthy activities and reduce gaming addiction.

Several studies show that more than 50 percent of gamers are diagnosed with depression, and video game addiction contributes to this issue (Cabeza-Ramirez). One of the main questions that researchers have regarding the link between video games and depression is whether they can trigger the same symptoms in people with mental health issues. Many gamers who suffer from depression develop this condition due to gaming habits. As they continue playing more video games, they start neglecting other aspects of their lives, such as maintaining healthy habits, social relationships, and school work ("Video Games vs. Depression" 4:20). This can worsen their depression. Similarly, many people suffering from depression turn to the game as an alternative way to cope with their condition. Unfortunately, this method often leads to worse depression. Most studies indicate that excessive gaming can worsen depression.

Relationship Between Video Games and Human Interaction

Due to the increasing popularity of video games, adolescent communication has become more prevalent online. This generation has developed various methods of communicating with their friends and strangers. Most people use instant messaging platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and iMessage to keep in touch with their disconnected or offline friends, considering that the platforms allow these young generations to communicate with their friends every day. The details of their daily lives are placed on various media platforms, which affects adolescent relationships ("How Online Gaming has Become a Social Lifeline"). The rise of these new communication methods has also affected their relationships with their families, friends, and acquaintances.

One of the most destructive relationships teenagers develop through video games is with people they do not know. Due to the lack of face-to-face interactions, online communication can be less fulfilling. In addition to the lack of physical contact, the other factors that affect the quality of online communication include the tone of voice and body language. This type of relationship can lead to poor face-to-face communication, considering that it can cause the conversation to break down. Teenagers must also consider, when it comes to developing a relationship with a stranger online, the possibility that the person they are communicating with could be a potential predator. This is because the interactions could have a lasting impact on their lives.

Playing video games has been linked to developing toxic relationships between adolescents and their parents. It has been known that these games can affect the relationship between parents and their children. For example, when the working spouse enters the house at the end of the day, the other children and spouses tend to be absorbed in what they are doing and rarely acknowledge their parents. The gaming systems and gadgets used to play video games have also been linked to the development of poor attention skills among parents. The online worlds that teenagers are exposed to can also affect family relations. Unless adolescents can limit their time playing video games, their relationship with their parents will eventually break down.