Amidst all the discussion of online gaming, something that can often feel left out is arguably one of its most prominent features – how it functions as a social tool. Instead, the conversation is often on the latest innovations and new titles, but that can just spiral into an endless quest for ‘things’ rather than thinking about the actual, real benefits that an activity can have.
It’s worth being aware of the toxic sides of online gaming as well, but understanding when it can be used to make a positive change in your life could be transformative.
Gaming with Friends
As you get older, it might feel natural for all of your friends to move to different parts of the country or even the world – natural, but not welcome. As it becomes harder to spend time with them physically, online options can step in to present a much more convenient alternative. Of course, you might not want to hinge on an entire meetup on a video call – it might feel stilted or awkward, and relying on the technology so completely can make the shortcomings of it compared to physical socializing very apparent.
Online gaming can pick up a lot of that slack. While, in theory, the same limitations are still there, the fact that you’re all focused on the game as the primary activity instead of the conversation itself can make it feel much more natural. That can give you all the classic benefits of spending time with friends again that you feel as though you’ve been lacking.
Solo Online Gaming
Online gaming is only going to mean spending time with friends to some people, of course. To others, it will simply be their preferred form of gaming, whether that’s being online by themselves or regularly encountering people they haven’t met before. The spontaneity of knowing that you’re playing with physical people rather than AI might feel like it adds a lot to the competitiveness and reactiveness of a given game.
Other people might prefer to spend their time at venues like Spin Casino Slots, where the inclusion of video poker can add an element of liveness that’s much akin to a physical venue. Combined with a secure, encrypted platform, as well as a myriad of other games, including slots, and advanced audio-visual design, and it can be as immersive as any other gaming experience.
Pitfalls and Downsides
Of course, wherever there are online communities and the presence of anonymity, there is a chance of toxic behavior emerging. Of all the possible benefits that social gaming can have, especially if you don’t feel as though you have much of an outlet otherwise, finding yourself harassed or abused by random voices on a mic or messages getting sent through to you can be very harmful. If you find that these elements are more prominent in your time spent online than you would like, it might be time to just take a break. Perhaps you’re not getting anything positive out of the experience, and it’s time to rethink your relationship with gaming for the sake of your health.
