Video games are a fun, stimulating activity that requires players to think on their feet and make quick decisions. These skills are useful in real-life scenarios where quick decision-making is essential such as on the battlefield or in a hospital. Additionally, gaming is often social in nature, allowing gamers to interact with other gamers around the world and collaborate on missions and multiplayer activities. This socialization can be helpful for people with loneliness or depression who may be isolated from other people in their lives.

Many participants reported that gaming was a form of relaxation and a way to exert control over their environment. They also enjoyed the challenge that gaming provided and felt a sense of achievement when they completed a game. For some, it was a way to escape from their mundane daily tasks and live in an exciting fantasy world.

For most, gaming was the primary activity that took up their time outside of work and school. They did not feel compelled to engage in other hobbies or activities that required more effort, required special equipment, involved leaving the house, or simply were too tedious or difficult to engage in. Some even reported that it was easier to game than to study or do chores.

During gameplay, it was common for participants to lose track of time and become deeply engaged in the game. This state of flow, as outlined by Csikszentmihalyi, is an optimal experience that creates a feeling of well-being and enjoyment. The same type of immersive experiences can be found in other forms of entertainment such as movies and musical performances, but gaming can offer more immediate rewards because the games are accessible at anytime and anywhere.

Most of the participants were very proud of their gaming accomplishments and considered themselves skilled gamers. They often boasted of their high scores and compared them to their friends online. Some of the participants also talked about how gaming helped them socialize and make new friends, especially in their small towns where they struggled to find other ways to connect with others.

Some studies have shown that gamers are better at solving problems and thinking on their feet than non-gamers. One study conducted fMRI scans of gamers and non-gamers and found that gamers have more grey matter and stronger connectivity in areas of the brain associated with attention and working memory. However, it is not clear that this translates into improved problem-solving abilities in real life.

Although gaming can have positive effects, it can also negatively impact the health and well-being of gamers if they are not careful. It is important for them to balance their gaming with other activities and to develop healthy coping strategies in case they cannot meet the demands of the game. They should also try to get more exercise and eat healthier foods. It is also important for them to seek out other sources of socialization and to take part in family activities.