The Impact of Video Games on People in Today's World from a Medical Perspective: A Scoping Review

Background. In the modern world, online games have become one of the most popular sources of entertainment. Players of all ages and social strata can immerse themselves in virtual worlds and spend a lot of time playing various games. Understanding the impact of video games on human health is one of the key issues of scientific research in the field of medicine. Purpose. The purpose of this review of the subject field is to analyse the potential impact of video games on human health. Materials and Methods. This review of the subject area was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search was conducted in the Scopus database. Results. As a result of the initial search, 125 articles were identified, 60 studies were selected as relevant and analysed. The analysis revealed that many games can be used for medical purposes: for the treatment of brain injuries, for the diagnosis of neurological diseases, to improve perception and memory, games can improve attention and concentration, and are also used as a treatment and relief of symptoms of depression. Conclusion. Video games have more positive rather than negative consequences for human health in a situation of following specific rules for their use. Games that are designed to develop creative thinking and craft can be used to stimulate brain development and increase concentration. Games reduce stress and can be used as medical treatment tools.