As the world grapples with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, more people than ever before are staying at home, spending their time playing video games. The World Health Organization has actually recommended that people play video games during the coronavirus pandemic, as gaming can be great for one's mental health and for keeping people connected at a time when everyone is physically separated. However, there are still people who have gaming addictions and take it a little too far.
A study by OnlineCasino.ca attempts to show what "avid gamers" could look like in the next 20 years if they maintain some of the negative lifestyle habits associated with video game addiction. This study is based on research done by reputable organizations such as the NHS, National Geograph, WHO, and UKIE, with animators creating a visual representation through what they call "Michael, the future gamer of 2040."
The images, similar to "Emma, the Future Office Worker" that was making the rounds last fall, are meant to show how the human body could change based on the negative lifestyle associated with game addiction. It goes into how a lack of Vitamin D can cause bald patches, and how poor posture could cause a hunched back. It also talks about "PlayStation Thumb," caused by "repetitive strain from excessive use of controller" in addition to "Nintendo Arthritis," which is said to be "ulceration on hands from excessive controller use."
The study also offers some ways that gamers can avoid becoming "Michael" - exercise, avoiding eye strain by playing in an evenly-lit room, eating a healthy diet, having good posture, and staying hydrated.
Obviously, this visual representation is a rather extreme example, and likely is only supposed to be representative of those with legitimate gaming addictions. The average gamer does not struggle with game addiction, though it could never hurt to follow some of the recommendations to exercise, avoid eye strain, and eat healthy.
In the meantime, video game addiction will likely remain a hot topic, especially as gaming becomes even more popular throughout the world. Governments have occasionally intervened when it comes to how much time one spends playing games, with a Japanese Prefecture recently passing a law that great restricts kids' video game playing time, but it's unlikely for that to become too widespread.
Source: OnlineCasino.ca