Playing video games for more than 10 hours per week has been shown to negatively affect health. A study conducted by Curtin University, Australia, surveyed 317 university students from five universities across Australia with an average age of 20 years.
Survey participants were divided into three groups based on their gaming duration: low gamers (0-5 hours per week), moderate gamers (5-10 hours per week), and high gamers (more than 10 hours per week).
The results indicated that students who played games for more than 10 hours per week experienced poorer health conditions.
Mental health expert and lecturer in the Nursing Science Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), Dr. Heru Subekti, stated that gaming on PCs or mobile devices for more than 10 hours per week poses various negative impacts on physical health, including sleep disturbances, a sedentary lifestyle, and an increased risk of obesity.
“The risk of developing obesity is significantly higher compared to children or adolescents who do not frequently engage in video gaming,” he explained on Tuesday (Jan. 27).
Dr. Subekti explained that gaming addiction among children and adolescents is largely driven by the release of dopamine in the body, which creates feelings of pleasure during gameplay. Over time, this pleasure response intensifies, leading players to gradually increase their gaming duration.
What may begin as one hour of gaming can escalate continuously, eventually triggering symptoms of addiction. According to the expert, once addiction develops, its effects extend beyond obesity and can lead to mental health disorders.
“Even the World Health Organization has recognized Internet Gaming Disorder as a mental health issue,” he noted.
Dr. Subekti also explained that prolonged mouse-based gaming can cause wrist disorders due to nerve compression, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This condition is commonly found among computer users who use a mouse for extended periods.
Another physical impact is a neck condition known as Text Neck Syndrome, caused by poor ergonomics or a forward-bending posture while viewing screens such as smartphones, monitors, or computers.
“When the head is tilted forward, the load on the neck becomes significantly heavier. If this posture is maintained for long periods, it places excessive strain on the neck area,” he explained.
Beyond health concerns, excessive gaming for more than 10 hours per week can also lead to social problems. He stated that prolonged gaming reduces children’s and adolescents’ social interaction.
This may stem from factors such as low self-confidence, poor emotional responses due to addiction, and disruptions to personal life.
“It can lead to friendship problems, disharmonious family relationships, poor communication with parents, and even declining academic performance. Spiritual well-being can also be affected,” Dr. Subekti explained.
He further emphasized that the ideal duration for gaming is no more than five hours per week. This amount is considered sufficient to prevent physical and mental health problems, maintain good sleep quality, and allow positive effects to emerge.
“Gaming is not always harmful. It can have positive effects when used appropriately, in the right amount, and without overuse,” Dr. Subekti explained.
According to him, the positive aspects of gaming include enhanced creativity and social cohesion, as video games can foster peer interaction. However, these benefits are lost when gaming is excessive.
To address gaming addiction, Dr. Subekti outlined several preventive measures, including raising awareness about the risks and dangers of excessive gaming. This can be achieved through education and increased awareness of the adverse effects of prolonged video game use.
In addition, children and adolescents should be encouraged to engage in other enjoyable activities, such as developing hobbies, exercising, and participating in more productive pursuits.
“The goal is to enhance cognitive awareness, build self-awareness, and change behavior by encouraging more active and constructive activities,” he concluded.
Author: Fatihah Salwa Rasyid
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik