Gaming and men’s mental health: A double-edged sword
As Movember returns this November, conversations about men’s mental health need to take centre stage. While moustaches may grab attention, the real goal is sparking dialogue around issues too often left in the dark, like how modern pastimes impact wellbeing. One of the biggest? Video gaming.
For many men, gaming isn’t just a hobby, it’s culture, community, and even career. In the UK and worldwide, millions of men play daily, across casual mobile games, immersive multiplayer worlds, and competitive esports. But what does this mean for men’s mental health? Research paints a complex picture: gaming can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on how well it fits into our lives.
Table of contents
- Why gaming can be good for men’s mental health
- Where gaming can hurt mental health
- What are the signs of gaming disorder or addition?
- Why this matters for men
- Striking the balance
- Why this matters to us
Why gaming can be good for men’s mental health
Stress relief and emotional regulation
Studies show that video games can boost mood, reduce stress, and provide a healthy distraction during tough times. Casual games with built-in wellbeing messages even show promise as therapeutic tools.
Social connection
Not all gamers play in isolation. Online platforms like Discord and multiplayer games allow men to form friendships and communities. For those less inclined to join a group in-person such as a sporting activity, gaming provides alternative social spaces.
Cognitive and mental skills
Gaming has been linked to improved problem-solving, attention, and executive functioning in conditions ranging from ADHD to PTSD as well as superior hand-eye coordination and visual spatial skills for aspiring surgeons too. It can also help young men build confidence and teamwork skills in cooperative settings.
A sense of achievement
Progressing through levels, completing challenges, or competing in esports offers structure and accomplishment, which can help men feel capable in times when real-life pressures feel overwhelming.
Where gaming can hurt mental health
Gaming disorder and addiction
The World Health Organization now recognises Gaming Disorder in its ICD-11. Men are significantly more likely than women to develop problematic patterns of play, sometimes to the point of academic failure, job loss, relationship breakdown, and even severe psychological distress.
Escapism and avoidance
For some, gaming becomes less about fun and more about escape - from stress, loneliness, or low self-esteem. While temporary distraction can be healthy, relying on games as a primary coping mechanism is linked with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Physical and lifestyle impacts
Prolonged screen time can cause sleep disruption, eye strain, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles. Esports athletes, despite their success, report burnout and social anxiety linked to poor sleep and pressure.
Financial and gambling risks
Loot boxes and gambling-style mechanics have raised red flags for encouraging addictive spending behaviours, with some evidence linking them to problem gambling later in life.
What are the signs of gaming disorder or addition?
If you’re concerned about your or a loved one’s relationship with gaming, the below list make up some of the criteria for gaming disorder.
- Impaired control over gaming behaviour (frequency, context, intensity, duration)
- Increasing priority given to gaming behaviour to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities
- Continuation or escalation of gaming behaviour despite negative consequences
- The pattern of gaming behaviour may be continuous or episodic and recurrent but is manifested over an extended period of time
- The gaming behaviour is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., manic episode) and is not due to the effects of a substance or medication
- The pattern of gaming behaviour results in significant distress or impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
- Evidence of numerous unsuccessful efforts to control or significantly reduce gaming behaviour, whether self-initiated or imposed by others
- Noticeable urges or cravings for gaming
- Adversarial behaviour or verbal or physical aggression upon cessation or reduction of gaming
- Substantial disruptions in diet, sleep, exercise and other health-related behaviours
Why this matters for men
Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health challenges. Gaming communities, which are often male dominated, therefore represent both a risk group and a huge opportunity for outreach. Stigma, cost, and fear of judgement stop many male gamers from reaching out to professionals. Meeting men where they are, on gaming platforms like Twitch or Discord, could help break down barriers.
Movember is about starting conversations men might otherwise avoid. Talking openly about gaming’s pros and cons is part of that. Gaming isn’t inherently good or bad, it depends on balance, context, and the individual, so open conversations can be key to steering people towards healthier behaviour.
Striking the balance
Research increasingly shows that the quality of gaming experiences matters more than the number of hours played. Asking “How does gaming fit into your life?” may be more useful than worrying about time alone when measuring its positive or negative impact.
If gaming enhances your friendships, helps you relax, and adds joy to your daily routine, it’s probably a positive force. But, if it isolates you, damages sleep quality, drains your bank account, or feels impossible to stop, it may be time to reassess your relationship with the hobby.
Why this matters to us
This Movember, as we challenge men to check in on their health, it’s important to consider areas that otherwise may be overlooked, such as gaming. For many, it can become more than a pastime and may feel like a lifeline, especially for those who are more likely to spend time gaming, such as those with ADHD.
Gaming can support men’s mental health when done in moderation, with awareness, and alongside healthy offline connections, and is a valuable platform for mental wellbeing. However, when it tips into avoidance or addiction, it deserves the same open, stigma-free conversations as any other mental health issue.
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- Dr Andrea Pickering