A study was conducted to predict what avid gamers might look like in 20 years if they don't change their lifestyle habits — and the results are upsetting.
As part of the study, which was conducted by OnlineCasino.ca, a dummy was created to show the physical effects extensive gaming can have on the body. The grotesque dummy named Michael has pale skin, a hunched back, and dark circles under his eyes due to sleep deprivation. He also has varicose veins from prolonged periods of sitting and “Nintendo arthritis” from excessive controller use.
The study addresses gaming disorders, which are defined by the World Health Organization as “a pattern of gaming behavior (‘digital-gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
According to data conducted by Limelight about gaming in the U.S., UK, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany, the average gamer spends almost 6 hours each week playing online video games—an increase of 19.3% in the last year.UK gamers average 7.15 hours per week. The NHS has even launched a long-term plan to combat gaming disorders.
Clinical psychologists suggest that psychological problems like anxiety and depression exist prior to gaming disorders, and that gaming creates an escape from the pressure and stress.
"I think there's a lot of social anxiety in young people who are gaming,” Rebecca Lockwood of the National Centre for Gaming Disorders explained in a National Geographic report. “Gaming is a safe space; you can create a new identity for yourself."
To help combat the unsettling symptoms shown on Michael, the study recommends several tips for gamers to stay active and healthy, including taking time to exercise, preventing eye strain by making sure your room is properly lit, and practicing proper posture.
This isn’t the first time a study portrayed the negative effects of prolonged habits with a shocking dummy. In a 2019 report, “The Work Colleague of The Future,” author and futurist William Higham explained how certain facets of our work life could be ruining our health, and drove the point home by creating a life-sized model named “Emma” who suffers from all the health concerns he warned about.
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As part of the study, which was conducted by OnlineCasino.ca, a dummy was created to show the physical effects extensive gaming can have on the body. The grotesque dummy named Michael has pale skin, a hunched back, and dark circles under his eyes due to sleep deprivation. He also has varicose veins from prolonged periods of sitting and “Nintendo arthritis” from excessive controller use.
The study addresses gaming disorders, which are defined by the World Health Organization as “a pattern of gaming behavior (‘digital-gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
According to data conducted by Limelight about gaming in the U.S., UK, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany, the average gamer spends almost 6 hours each week playing online video games—an increase of 19.3% in the last year.UK gamers average 7.15 hours per week. The NHS has even launched a long-term plan to combat gaming disorders.
Clinical psychologists suggest that psychological problems like anxiety and depression exist prior to gaming disorders, and that gaming creates an escape from the pressure and stress.
"I think there's a lot of social anxiety in young people who are gaming,” Rebecca Lockwood of the National Centre for Gaming Disorders explained in a National Geographic report. “Gaming is a safe space; you can create a new identity for yourself."
To help combat the unsettling symptoms shown on Michael, the study recommends several tips for gamers to stay active and healthy, including taking time to exercise, preventing eye strain by making sure your room is properly lit, and practicing proper posture.
This isn’t the first time a study portrayed the negative effects of prolonged habits with a shocking dummy. In a 2019 report, “The Work Colleague of The Future,” author and futurist William Higham explained how certain facets of our work life could be ruining our health, and drove the point home by creating a life-sized model named “Emma” who suffers from all the health concerns he warned about.
