#Gaming

A new study highlighted in international media suggests that playing video games, including those featuring violent content, may help in reducing stress—a finding of significance amid growing concerns about digital wellness among Thais. According to a report on TechSpot, the research challenges conventional wisdom that associates violent video games solely with negative psychological effects, instead pointing to their potential role in coping with daily stress.

For years, video gaming—especially games involving graphic violence—has been viewed warily by parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand, who often cite concerns about aggressive behavior, addiction, and distracted learning. In its latest findings, however, researchers conducted controlled experiments measuring stress levels before and after participants played a range of games, from peaceful puzzles to fast-paced action shooters. The surprising result: players of violent games often experienced stress relief on par with—if not greater than—that seen with non-violent genres.

A groundbreaking international study has unveiled four distinct psychological profiles among video game players, offering fresh insights into how emotional regulation and attachment styles influence both healthy and problematic gaming. The research, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, analyzed responses from over 5,000 gamers from 112 countries, revealing nuanced patterns that challenge stereotypes about gaming addiction and its relationship to mental health (PsyPost).

In recent years, video gaming has permeated all spheres of Thai society—from bustling internet cafes in Bangkok to family living rooms in Chiang Mai—spurring both celebration and concern. As children, teens, and adults across Thailand become avid gamers, debates flare about the possible dangers of excessive gaming. The Thai Ministry of Public Health has warned about youth gaming addiction, linking it to academic decline and mental health problems, while parents and educators seek clearer guidance on identifying unhealthy behavior. The latest research, conducted by academics from ISPA – Instituto Universitário and the APPsyCI Applied Psychology Research Center, provides a more sophisticated framework for understanding who is truly at risk and why.

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.