Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020-2022

Hiroyuki Egami, Shafiur Rahman, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Chihiro Egami & Takahisa Wakabayashi

• Research Institute of Economic Science, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
• Faculty of Regional Policy, Takasaki City University of Economics, Takasaki, Japan

DOI 10.1038/s41562-024-01948-y

Published 19 August 2024

Short summary for very busy people

The study investigates the causal impact of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan from 2020 to 2022. Using a natural experiment based on console lotteries, researchers found that owning and playing games improved mental well-being, reducing psychological distress and increasing life satisfaction by 0.1-0.6 standard deviations. Benefits varied by demographics, with some differences between consoles. These results highlight the complex relationship between gaming and mental health, suggesting benefits of video gaming when moderated.