Socializing feels challenging for some people, especially for those who are used to being by themselves. Thankfully, virtual spaces like video games can provide an avenue for them to mingle and find meaningful connections. While it can be used to boost socialization, it’s a tool that should be used with care and in moderation.
Video Games’ Influence on Socialization
Many people indulge in playing video games because of the visual appeal and how engaging the gameplay is. The shift toward socialization is becoming more apparent as time goes on for both the developers and players. These can eventually shape multiple aspects of children’s and adults’ development, especially when it comes to the social aspect.
1. Less Social Anxiety
Some people who have social anxiety can find real-world interactions rather difficult. There are so many aspects to consider, from eye contact to body language. Video games provide a safe and controlled environment that opts out of the face-to-face elements.
The main thing you have to focus on is the conversations and building a relationship with other players. Eventually, those social skills you’ve worked hard on online can assist you with offline interactions.
2. Enhanced Social Connection
Every person deserves to have a support system. Building up your social network can seem challenging, but video games open up doors to meeting new people and fostering a connection. After all, you already have your love of gaming as a shared point of interest.
There’s an increasing awareness of people’s desire to broaden their social pool. About seven in 10 gaming studios have created multiplayer video games to cater to the demand. It’s a win for players who want to find more titles to explore with online friends.
3. Better Communication Skills
Socializing means understanding how to communicate. It’s a learning process for many people, but video games can improve your progress. Most cooperative games require trust and teamwork, so you need to convey your thoughts and coordinate with one another.
Even fighting games mold your communication skills. For example, say you’re playing Tekken 8 with a friend. You can ask them for advice on what character they think would fit your playstyle the most and what combos they used.
4. Diverse Perspectives
Video games also boost your socialization skills by showcasing different perspectives in their gameplay. Many story-based titles have immersive storytelling and great character development, which can build your empathy and understanding toward other people.
As you expand your social network, you also get to meet all kinds of people. The varying conversations you have introduce different perspectives to shape how you see others in the long run.
5. A Sense of Togetherness
Video games give you a sense of togetherness and belonging, from creating guilds to going on in-game quests. Thankfully, many single-player titles are expanding to co-op mode in order to give their base a shared experience.
For instance, Elden Ring, one of the most popular games of the last few years, is going beyond just summoning other online players for help. Instead, it fully embraces co-op in its next iteration. Elden Ring Nightreign looks to promote strength in numbers when fighting bosses and conquering the night. Some other popular titles, like Baldur’s Gate 3, have similarly received acclaim for their cooperative multiplayer in recent years.
Improving Your Mental Health
While video games work on your social health, they can also directly contribute to your mental well-being. You can manage different mental health conditions, ease stress and see several other benefits.
1. Manage Your Conditions
Certain mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, generate disinterest and apathy. Engaging in various hobbies like gaming is a great way to manage the symptoms and find a spark for life. Growing and strengthening your network of offline friends can also help you out in this journey, as you can lean on them and seek reassurance.
2. Relieve Your Stress
Stress management is paramount to keeping your mind and energy positive. In 2024, 76% of gamers agreed video games provide stress relief. Many playthroughs are geared toward a cozy and calming experience. Some more adrenaline-boosting ones are meant to distract you from your current stressors and relieve tension.
3. Improve Overall Mood
Video games enhance your mood in a variety of ways. For example, coming home after a long day and playing with friends can feel incredibly uplifting. Aside from being surrounded by a community you enjoy, you can also seek gratification in improving your in-game skills. Being able to hit different checkpoints and accomplish different achievements is also fulfilling.
4. Enhance Cognitive Function
Cognitive stimulation is an important aspect of your mental health. When you hit certain deficits in your focus, decision-making and other aspects of cognition, it tends to lead to negative emotions and lower self-esteem.
Luckily, a study finds that video games can influence mental flexibility, visual working memory and other aspects of cognitive performance. Even board games were not able to generate the same findings, which can warrant dedicating more play time to online titles.
5. Work on Emotional Resilience
Being good at video games takes time and practice. Some require puzzle-solving, while others involve navigating different obstacles. It brings out a variety of feelings, from fear to sadness to frustration. Constant playing can assist with developing emotional resilience.
Apart from that, you also learn to adapt more. For example, say you’re frustrated with a friend for the way they’ve been playing the game with you. Figuring out how you feel and fixing the problem are key skills in life.
Recent years have seen this as a distinct trend, inspired by Dark Souls in 2011, where more particularly challenging games have become popular. The massively acclaimed Elden Ring and its upcoming followup Elden Ring Nightreign are some of the newest titles to follow this trend, often pushing players to achieve things they previously might not have thought possible through practice and determination.
Considerations to Understand
While video games boost socialization, it is important to regulate this hobby. A study finds that people who are highly dependent on games have a higher chance of experiencing depression, anxiety and stress. Managing your gaming can result in social and mental benefits without the negative implications that come with it.
These tips can help you with meeting these considerations:
- Identify appropriate games: Select video games that align with your needs and goals. Age ratings are a good basis for what may be suitable or not. For reference, younger gamers may enjoy more kid-friendly co-op titles like Overcooked 2 and Stardew Valley. These provide all the aspects of socialization without too much stress.
- Balance your social interactions: While virtual socialization is fulfilling, it’s also best to experience real-world interactions as well. During the day, you can meet friends in person and have a face-to-face conversation. Play games with the same circle or other people at night.
- Mitigate potential addiction: Too much gaming and online socialization can lead to addiction-related behaviors and real-life isolation. It’s important to look out for the signs as early as possible and set up strategies to mitigate them. Getting in touch with a mental health professional or counselor is a good step to take.
Utilize Video Games in Cognitive Performance
Interacting with people through video games helps you find new friends and acquaintances to ease loneliness and bring greater joy to your life. That said, it’s paramount to be mindful of playing and socializing. These measures can minimize the negativity associated with excessive gaming while fully enjoying the virtual company of others.
