Is esport putting gamers’ mental health at risk?

As more and more people get interested in esport, some of the discipline’s critics claim that video-games can be hazardous for one’s mental health - especially at top-level. The preconceived idea that it’d lead to violence is also on the rise and reinforces the stereotype that video-games are more risky than sectors such as traditional sport or entertainment.

First, it is important to point out that the vast majority of pro-gamers start their career between 17 and 30 years of age - while they are still mentally growing. Thus, focusing solely on one hobby, whichever it is, can indeed lead to inward-looking attitudes, if not social isolation, hence the importance of having diversified experiences.

For pro-gamers, handling pressure and criticism is also a factor. As everyone knows, the Internet ecosystem isn’t gentle, particularly on social media, and it is important to learn to take some distance to avoid tormenting oneself.

The environment is then a decisive criterion for gamers’ mental health, which leads esport structures to take it more and more seriously. In fair conditions, esports can become a positive source for change - but it requires sacrifices, determination, as well as an appropriate framework.


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