Introduction:

The world of video games is vast and diverse, with millions of people across the globe spending hours each day exploring new worlds, solving puzzles, and engaging in intense battles. While video games have become a popular form of entertainment, there has been growing concern about the potential negative effects they may have on players.

The Rise of Video Games:

Video games have come a long way since their early days, with advancements in technology and design leading to increasingly immersive and interactive experiences. Today, video games are enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults, and across a wide range of interests and hobbies. As the popularity of video games continues to grow, so too does the concern about their potential negative effects on players.

The Impact of Video Games on Health:

One of the main concerns about video games is their impact on physical health. Sitting for extended periods in front of a screen can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and back pain, among other issues. Additionally, the sedentary nature of playing video games can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. According to one study, individuals who spend more than two hours per day playing video games are at a higher risk of developing obesity and cardiovascular disease (1).

Another concern about video games is their impact on mental health. While some studies have suggested that video games can have therapeutic benefits for people suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, others have linked excessive gaming to increased rates of depression, addiction, and social isolation (2). In fact, the World Health Organization has classified “gaming disorder” as a real condition that can lead to severe negative consequences for individuals and their families (3).

The Dark Side of Video Games:

While video games are generally safe and fun for most people, there have been some cases where players have suffered serious injuries or even died as a result of their gaming. These incidents are often the result of extreme behavior, such as staying up all night to play, neglecting basic needs like sleep and nutrition, or engaging in dangerous activities while playing, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (4).

The Causes of Video Game-Related Deaths:

As we have seen, video game-related deaths are often caused by extreme behavior, such as neglecting basic needs like sleep and nutrition or engaging in dangerous activities while playing. However, there are other factors that may contribute to these incidents, including the design of the game itself.

One example of a video game-related death occurred in South Korea in 2017 when a man died after collapsing from exhaustion while playing an online role-playing game for more than 50 hours straight (5). The man, who was not identified, had been so engrossed in the game that he did not take breaks or sleep for several days. His death was ruled a cardiac arrest caused by dehydration and lack of rest.

Another example occurred in the United States in 2016 when a man died after falling from his apartment window while playing a mobile game on his phone (6). The man, who was also not identified, had been so focused on the game that he did not notice the ledge beneath him and fell to his death.