The popular image of video gaming in Thailand often leans toward caution—concerns about addiction, wasted time, and negative social or health impacts. However, a wave of recent research is overturning these preconceptions, highlighting an array of surprising cognitive, psychological, and social benefits linked to moderate and mindful video game play. With Thailand’s youth among the most active in Southeast Asia’s expanding digital economy, these findings may carry particular significance for local families, educators, and policymakers.
For decades, gaming has fought an uphill battle against negative stereotypes. It’s true, as recognized by the World Health Organization, that gaming to excess can foster harmful behaviors—including addiction. But new scientific literature indicates that, far from being an inherent societal evil, video games, when enjoyed in balance, can enhance crucial skills and even contribute to mental wellbeing. As global games like Animal Crossing, Fortnite, and Mobile Legends soar in popularity among Thai youth, understanding the full spectrum of gaming’s effects has never been more relevant.
A pivotal 2013 review published in American Psychologist set the stage by consolidating decades of international studies, revealing a core set of benefits tied to video gameplay—particularly those involving action or problem-solving genres. The researchers from Radboud University in the Netherlands noted that “the spatial skills improvements derived from playing commercially available shooter video games are comparable to the effects of formal (high school and university-level) courses aimed at enhancing these same skills” (American Psychologist). In addition to spatial reasoning, gameplay can sharpen problem-solving abilities. Researchers highlighted that “evidence is emerging that playing any kind of video game, regardless of whether or not it is violent, enhances children’s creative capacities.”
The findings echo local trends. A recent education panel at PAX East, covered by Yardbarker, showcased how integrating games into school environments can boost engagement and learning, especially in STEM disciplines. The panel discussed that structured gaming not only fosters teamwork and strategic thinking, but can create a motivating environment for shy or neurodiverse students to flourish (Yardbarker).
Another compelling thread is the effect of video games on attitudes toward failure, a subject of considerable interest in Thailand, where exam pressure and saving face can weigh heavily on students. According to the same American Psychologist review, video games serve as safe spaces to fail, experiment, and try again. The studies found that gamers often respond to failure with “excitement, interest, and joy”—turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. This mindset, rooted in what psychologists call a “growth orientation,” can have positive repercussions in academic and professional settings.
The mental health impact of games has grown particularly salient since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2022, unique conditions created a natural experiment in Japan: due to console shortages, some could access Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5, while others could not. A sweeping study in Nature Human Behaviour, surveying almost 100,000 participants, found demonstrable mental health benefits for those able to play console games. The research showed that ownership of a Switch improved mental health by approximately 0.60 standard deviations—a significant finding (Nature Human Behaviour).
But do these findings hold true across age groups and game types? Not all research is so clear-cut. The Royal Society published a study in 2021 using actual play data from 2,756 Animal Crossing: New Horizons and 518 Plants vs. Zombies players, finding “a small positive relation between gameplay and affective well-being.” However, subsequent data found neither strongly positive nor negative effects, suggesting that outcomes may depend heavily on the game’s genres and the context of play (Frontiers in Psychology). Multiplayer games played with friends often deliver stronger social and emotional perks than solo, competitive, or violent titles.
The conversation around games also intersects with the debate around social media. A 2021 comparative study found that excessive social media use correlates more strongly with psychological problems, low self-esteem, and social difficulties than video gaming. In that research, “the effects of screen time and addictive use of social media on psychological problems, low self-concept, and social problems were larger than the effects of gaming”—adding nuance to the debate on digital screen time (Frontiers in Psychology).
Thai health experts and academics have begun to weigh in on the local relevance of this evolving science. A senior researcher at a Bangkok-based mental health institute told the Bangkok Post: “We have observed that online gaming can provide students with some positive social interactions, especially during periods of isolation, such as during the pandemic. However, context and moderation are critical. Thai families should set balanced guidelines that encourage active physical and social time as well.” Similar advice was echoed by a representative from the Ministry of Education, who noted that some Thai schools are testing “game-based learning” approaches to engage students otherwise left behind by traditional teaching methods.
Beyond the classroom, Thai parents are increasingly aware of global conversations about safe gaming. According to a survey by a child advocacy NGO, over 65% of parents in Bangkok allow their children to play video games in moderation, provided academic performance is not affected and parental controls are used. Notably, however, some experts warn that unregulated or excessive video gaming, especially late at night, can still disrupt sleep and physical activity—risk factors for health problems such as myopia and obesity.
From a cultural standpoint, competitive gaming—or “esports”—has become an aspirational field for many Thai youths. Thailand’s national esports team has achieved considerable success at regional events, and universities have started offering scholarships and degree programs focused on game design or digital entertainment. These developments reflect a broader acceptance that gaming can lead to genuine careers or skills development rather than merely being a pastime.
The debate is not without controversy. Experts acknowledge that gaming’s impact on mental health is not universally positive. Negative aspects can include exposure to inappropriate content, online harassment, or obsessive behavior. A study cited by The Independent evaluated 13 potential pathways of gaming’s influence, ranging from stress reduction and memory improvement to misogyny and loneliness. The balance of risks and benefits, they argue, depends on factors such as the type of games played, online communities engaged in, and personal self-regulation (The Independent).
Looking to the future, Thailand is well-placed to harness the power of gaming for learning and development, but only if digital literacy grows alongside access. Policymakers, educators, and health professionals must work collaboratively to ensure that children, teens, and even adults are equipped with the skills to use games as tools for cognitive and social enrichment, not just as entertainment or distraction.
For Thai families, educators, and young people, the takeaway is clear: gaming, approached thoughtfully, can be more than harmless fun. It can build real-world skills, foster resilience, and even support mental wellbeing. However, moderation, meaningful parental involvement, and open communication about healthy digital habits remain essential. As the science continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and to view gaming through a balanced lens—one that recognizes both its pitfalls and its incredible potential for positive change.
Key sources:
- Popular Science - The surprising benefits of video games
- Yardbarker - Learn Through Play! How Video Games Can Have a Positive Impact
- The Independent - 13 health benefits and harms of gaming
- Frontiers in Psychology - Social media use vs. video game use
- Nature Human Behaviour - Video games and mental health in Japan