Video Games Linked to Lower Depression Risk for Boys
Video Games Linked to Lower Depression Risk for Boys
Video Games Linked to Lower Depression Risk for Boys
By Heather Grey
February 22, 2021
Summary
Regular video game use was linked to a lower risk of depressive symptoms among boys but not girls.
On the other hand, frequent social media use was linked to a higher risk of depressive symptoms among girls but not boys.
The study's authors found that regular video game use was linked to a lower risk of depressive symptoms among boys but not girls.
Boys who played video games once a month or more often at age 11 had depression scores 24 to 31 percent lower at age 14 than boys who played video games less often.
When the study's authors controlled for physical activity level, they found the link between regular video game use and lower depression scores was significant only among boys with low activity levels.
The authors speculate that video gaming may provide an opportunity for social interaction and fun that's particularly beneficial to boys who aren't getting those needs met through sports or physically active games.
Boys spent more time than girls playing video games, while girls spent more time than boys using social media.
Regular video game use was linked to lower depression scores in boys but not girls, while frequent social media use was linked to higher depression scores in girls but not boys.
"Their research suggests that there is some association between decreased rates of depression in a certain group of the boys, but I think we need more research to understand how much time is spent on these behaviors," she continued.
"Realistically, we can't assume that an adolescent would be active this entire time, but limiting these [sedentary] behaviors to an hour or two each day and spending the remaining time simply being active could translate to both immediate and lifelong beneficial health effects," she added.
Reference
Grey, H. (2021, February 22). Video Games Linked to Lower Depression Risk for Boys. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/video-games-linked-to-lower-depression-risk-for-boys