Video Game Health

Video Game Addiction

Video Games Are Not "Digital Drugs"

Andrew Fishman LCSW on September 15, 2024

Research suggests that doctors can help patients reduce pain by giving them virtual reality games to play during medical procedures. Should we be worried?

Research suggests that doctors can help patients reduce pain by giving them virtual reality games to play during medical procedures. Should we be worried?

Education

Video Games Can Help Kids Learn to Read

Andrew Fishman LCSW on March 24, 2024

Are video games always a waste of time? Can children really benefit from staring at a screen?

Are video games always a waste of time? Can children really benefit from staring at a screen?

Video Game Addiction

Why Some Video Games Are So Hard to Stop Playing

Andrew Fishman LCSW on January 15, 2024

"Infinite" video games are designed to keep you hooked. Switching to "finite" games could help you find balance in your life.

"Infinite" video games are designed to keep you hooked. Switching to "finite" games could help you find balance in your life.

Parenting

Preparing for the Conversation About Screen Time Rules

Andrew Fishman LCSW on December 24, 2023

Most parenting blogs recommend setting a two-hour-per-day time limit on all screens for minors. Is that what's best for your children?

Most parenting blogs recommend setting a two-hour-per-day time limit on all screens for minors. Is that what's best for your children?

Internet Addiction

How to Set Screen Time Rules for Your Family

Andrew Fishman LCSW on December 23, 2023

Most parenting blogs recommend setting a two-hour-per-day time limit on all screens for minors. Is that what's best for your children?

Most parenting blogs recommend setting a two-hour-per-day time limit on all screens for minors. Is that what's best for your children?

Video Game Addiction

The Argument Against Video Game Addiction

Andrew Fishman LCSW on July 3, 2023

Can you really be addicted to video games? Here's why many mental health professionals are skeptical about the diagnosis.

Can you really be addicted to video games? Here's why many mental health professionals are skeptical about the diagnosis.

Addiction

The Argument for Video Game Addiction

Andrew Fishman LCSW on July 2, 2023

Can people really be addicted to video games? Why many mental health professionals believe it is possible.

Can people really be addicted to video games? Why many mental health professionals believe it is possible.

Friends

Why So Many Teens Use Video Games to Meet Others

Andrew Fishman LCSW on April 3, 2023

Why are so many young people using video games to make friends? Often, it's because they have nowhere else to go.

Why are so many young people using video games to make friends? Often, it's because they have nowhere else to go.

Gender

How Gamers Use Video Games to Explore Their Gender Identity

Andrew Fishman LCSW on February 20, 2023

Games offer a safe place to "try on" other genders and see if they resonate. Here's why games can be such a powerful tool for better understanding ourselves.

Games offer a safe place to "try on" other genders and see if they resonate. Here's why games can be such a powerful tool for better understanding ourselves.

Career

How One Video Gamer Learned to Play With Her Thoughts

Andrew Fishman LCSW on February 6, 2023

An online video game streamer has modified a portable brain scanner to play video games with her thoughts. How does it work?

An online video game streamer has modified a portable brain scanner to play video games with her thoughts. How does it work?

Sleep

How to Help Kids Decide to Spend Less Time Playing Video Games

Andrew Fishman LCSW on December 13, 2022

How can therapists help their clients understand that they're spending too much time playing video games?

How can therapists help their clients understand that they're spending too much time playing video games?

Flow

Why It's So Hard to Walk Away From a Video Game

Andrew Fishman LCSW on November 7, 2022

Why is it so hard to turn off a video game at the end of the night? What can we do when we spend hours telling ourselves "just one more minute and then I'll stop"?

Why is it so hard to turn off a video game at the end of the night? What can we do when we spend hours telling ourselves "just one more minute and then I'll stop"?

Motivation

Study Suggests Video Games Do Not Impact Well-Being

Andrew Fishman LCSW on August 15, 2022

A study of nearly 40,000 people concluded that video games did not affect how much people were satisfied with their lives. Is the study right?

A study of nearly 40,000 people concluded that video games did not affect how much people were satisfied with their lives. Is the study right?

Play

Why I Play Video Games With My Therapy Clients

Andrew Fishman LCSW on March 7, 2022

I play video games with many of my clients. Why would that help people who want support?

I play video games with many of my clients. Why would that help people who want support?

Gender

Women in Gaming: A Difficult Intersection

Andrew Fishman LCSW on January 8, 2022

Half of gamers are women. Why do so many hide their gender while playing?

Half of gamers are women. Why do so many hide their gender while playing?

Play

Why You Should Play Video Games with Your Kids

Andrew Fishman LCSW on July 24, 2021

Do your children love gaming? Playing with them can improve your relationship, help set boundaries, and encourage them to expand their interests.

Do your children love gaming? Playing with them can improve your relationship, help set boundaries, and encourage them to expand their interests.

Motivation

How to Improve Your Life by Playing Video Games

Andrew Fishman LCSW on July 7, 2021

Game designers use many psychological tricks to keep us playing. Take advantage of this by playing games that deliver real-life benefits.

Game designers use many psychological tricks to keep us playing. Take advantage of this by playing games that deliver real-life benefits.

Autism

Why Won't My Kid Stop Playing Video Games?

Andrew Fishman LCSW on November 11, 2020

Are people who spend too much time playing video games "addicted," or is there another explanation?

Are people who spend too much time playing video games "addicted," or is there another explanation?

ADHD

FDA Approves Video Game as ADHD Treatment

Andrew Fishman LCSW on June 17, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a radical new treatment for ADHD on June 15. Can a video game really help children learn to focus?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a radical new treatment for ADHD on June 15. Can a video game really help children learn to focus?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why I Bought a Video Game to Cope with Coronavirus

Andrew Fishman LCSW on March 23, 2020

Millions of people are being asked to stay home because of a virus. How can video games help?

Millions of people are being asked to stay home because of a virus. How can video games help?