How gaming can help with social stresses, according to a tech expert

The research found that gaming can create strong friendships for those who play, 3 in 5 of those polled play specifically to connect with friends and have established their ‘clan’ to play with. Likewise, the average gamer has made a minimum of three friends through gaming, either by playing or via the surrounding community and culture.

Gaming, because of the nature of the medium, attracts people who enjoy using technology, whether to work or play or communicate. So it's not surprising that's how friendships have formed. There are many people who have made incredibly strong friendships within the gaming community.

Why is it that gaming has been misrepresented in the past, and is it as bad is people make out?

The myth that gamers are all of a particular gender and personality type persists, as does the idea that video games are inherently bad - but it's just not the case. Every generation has a baddie; in the old days it was Elvis, then it was the Beatles, in the eighties it was video nasties. There's always a form of entertainment that gets the blame for certain real or perceived behaviours, and at the moment it's games and screentime - despite their positive aspects.

As the research found, half of gamers are using gaming as escapism to help with the stresses of everyday life, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. At the end of the day, games are not gin. They don't make you sick or put on weight, and in terms of cost versus hours of entertainment offered, they're good value for money. As with everything, it's about balance, rather than committing your whole life to gaming - but as this study shows, they're not inherently bad.

Many gamers have spoken out on how they believe playing video games has helped them deal with mental health issues or concerns and use it as a means to distract themselves from their day to day stresses.

Not every gamer has social anxiety, and I’m not an expert on mental health. However, I do know people who have found gaming beneficial when it comes to managing issues in this area.

How did it affect me personally?

Games were a lifesaver when my children were babies. When they wake you for a feed at 3am, you can’t have the telly on because you’re trying to get them back to sleep, and I’d be too tired to read. There was no one awake to talk to, so it could get pretty lonely.

So I would sit and play games on my phone for hours whilst feeding the baby. It just gave my brain something to do, to distract from the crazy fatigue. Sometimes that’s all you need.

I’m pleased the stereotypes around gaming are being challenged and I think this research is helping to dispel some of the myths. Everyone has different ways of relieving stress, and games have always been key for me.

“I know there are many gamers around the world feel the same. Sometimes everyone just needs a bit of fun and escapism, right?”

Season 3 of Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit launches Monday 12thFebruary at 10pm only on Dave, and is available to preview now on UKTV play.