Contrary to popular belief, playing video games is beneficial for well-being and overall health.

noli's read

Research does indeed support the idea that video games can have positive effects on our balance. A large-scale study from the University of Oxford (Johannes et al., 2021, observational) shows a positive correlation between moderate play time and subjective emotional well-being. Furthermore, a meta-analysis (Halbrook et al., 2018) highlights their utility in reducing daily stress and stimulating focus or mental alertness. Nevertheless, the assertion that they are broadly "good for health" is an exaggeration without nuance regarding duration or context. Excessive practice can in fact promote a sedentary lifestyle and encroach upon sleep time. The benefits therefore depend primarily on a balanced integration into one's lifestyle.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.