Week 10 Social Gaming - Gaming & Mental Health: How Social Games Can Be a Safe Space
Gaming & Mental Health: How Social Games Can Be a Safe Space
When you think about video games, you might picture someone sitting alone in a dark room, pressing buttons and focusing on a screen. But in reality, gaming has become much more than just entertainment. It has evolved into a platform where people can find emotional support, build friendships, and even improve their mental well-being. This is especially true for social games—those that connect players online. These games can be safe spaces where people, particularly those dealing with mental health challenges, feel accepted and supported. <3
The Connection Between Gaming and Mental Health
In recent years, the link between gaming and mental health has gotten more attention. Contrary to the stereotype of isolated gamers, many online multiplayer games provide opportunities for social interaction, friendship-building, and emotional support. For people who experience social anxiety, autism, or other mental health challenges, gaming can be a welcoming place. Players can communicate at their own pace, without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. It’s like being at a social gathering, but without the stress of real-world conversations (Heini Kaihu, 2024).
Safe spaces for social skills and support.
One of the major benefits of social games is how they provide a chance to practice social skills in a low-pressure environment. For example, games like Minecraft or Fortnite encourage communication and teamwork but without the immediate consequences that might come from a real-world social setting. This is especially helpful for those on the autism spectrum, where understanding social cues can be tricky (Social Cypher, 2024).
Another excellent thing about online games is the sense of community they can offer. Many players bond over shared interests, whether it’s their love of a particular game or simply working together to win a challenge. Over time, these connections can grow into lasting friendships. What starts as a group of players teaming up to fight dragons in World of Warcraft can turn into a supportive network of people who care about each other (Fishman, 2023).
Creating Safe Spaces in Gaming: Developer Responsibility
For gaming to be a safe space, developers need to design the game environment with care. It’s important to set up clear community guidelines to keep the environment safe and welcoming for everyone. Rules against harassment, discrimination, and bullying should be visible and consistently enforced. Game developers must ensure that harmful behavior does not dominate the gaming experience, just as you wouldn't tolerate someone disrupting your favorite TV show (Heini Kaihu, 2024).
Game designers also play a big role in encouraging positive interactions. Games that reward teamwork and cooperation can help create a more respectful environment. For example, games like Overwatch or League of Legends include features that reward players for working together instead of rewarding toxic behavior, like insulting other players. This helps foster a community where people feel valued and supported (Fishman, 2023).
And don’t forget about reporting systems. Games should offer easy ways for players to report inappropriate behavior. If someone is being rude or hurtful, players should be able to flag them so the community stays safe and respectful (Social Cypher, 2023).
Therapeutic Gaming: A New Kind of Support
Gaming has even found its way into therapy. Some therapists use games like Dungeons & Dragons in group therapy to help people develop social skills, build trust, and learn how to communicate better. This is a wonderful example of how games can be more than just fun—they can help with personal growth too (Bingaman, 2023).
One example of therapeutic gaming is Social Cypher’s Ava, a game designed to help young people with autism and other challenges. It teaches them how to handle social situations by allowing them to make choices that affect the outcome of the game. This type of game can help players practice social interactions and build confidence (Social Cypher, 2023).
Similarly, some games serve as tools for teaching cultural skills and language. For instance, developers are developing games to safeguard endangered languages and foster a sense of community among marginalized communities. These kinds of projects show how gaming can go beyond entertainment and serve as a way to learn and grow together (Bingaman, 2023).
A safe space for all
Gaming has transformed into a safe space for many people, offering a way to improve mental health, build social connections, and find emotional support. As more people join online gaming communities, developers need to focus on creating safe and inclusive environments. By designing games that promote respect and cooperation, we can ensure that gaming remains a positive force for mental well-being. So, the next time you pick up a controller, remember—you might just be leveling up your social skills and mental health too.
that's it from me. byeeeee !!!
777 words
References
Bingaman, M. (2023, March 7). Video games for neurodiverse youth and native languages. MIT SOLVE. https://solve.mit.edu/articles/video-games-a-safe-space-for-neurodiverse-youth-and-ojibwe-language-learners
Fishman, A. (2023). Video games are social spaces: How video games help people connect | responsecenter. Jcfs.org. https://www.jcfs.org/response/blog/video-games-are-social-spaces-how-video-games-help-people-connect
Heini Kaihu. (2024, October 2). Six ways to create safer spaces to play. GamesIndustry.biz. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/six-ways-to-create-safer-spaces-to-play
Social Cipher. (2024). Social cipher: SEL curriculum and game for neurodivergent youth. Socialcipher.com. https://www.socialcipher.com/
