Gaming can be good for your mental health: new BBC Ideas film

Undoubtedly, gaming is one of the defining entertainment media of our times. We spend at least half a trillion hours a year gaming globally, and that number is steadily increasing. But the impact of video games on players' mental health is not yet scientifically understood.

"How to make sure gaming is good for your mental health (not bad)" is the third in a series of four short films developed as part of a partnership between BBC Ideas and Social Sciences Division. The partnership, now in its second year is aimed at harnessing Oxford’s academic research excellence. The five-minute films explore ideas that challenge and inform viewers, engaging new audiences with Social Sciences research in the process. 

How to make sure gaming is good for your mental health (not bad)

A psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute – and a lifelong video game player himself – Dr Nick Ballou researches the impact of gaming on our mental health, and has recently devised a set of questions that 'gamers' can ask themselves to ensure gaming keeps being a positive experience rather than a negative one. In five minutes, this short film explores three of these questions that can help people think about – and perhaps adjust – their relationship with gaming. 

BBC Ideas produces a variety of thought-provoking short films and videos aimed at a general audience of under-35s that are designed to offer a fresh perspective across a broad range of topics and issues. All the films (including previous ones) can be viewed on the Expand your mind with the University of Oxford playlist on BBC Ideas website.