Gaming and streaming are helping a generation to manage mental wellbeing and connect with communities
- New findings from CALM reveal 50% of gamers and streamers use gaming as a tool to relax and unwind
- In contrast only 7% of non-gamers & non-streamers think that the activity can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing
- Many gamers and streamers see themselves as confident (26%) and creative (29%)
- Outdated stereotypes still remain with a quarter of people considering gamers and streamers as unhealthy or lonely
New research published by suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) reveals the positive impact gaming and streaming is having, helping a generation of people manage their mental health and connect with others.
A survey conducted for CALM by YouGov across 2,085 people uncovers insights into gamer and streamer stereotypes. The findings show how the multi-billion dollar industry is not only slowly shaking off outdated stereotypes, but how it is being used as a force for good at a time when many people are struggling and feeling lonely.
The research shows gamers, live-streamers and stream-watchers use the activity for a host of good things, with 50% saying it’s a way to relax, and 42% saying switching on a stream or a game is a way to escape from everyday life. In contrast only 7% of non-gamers and streamers think that the activity can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Negative stereotypes are still hanging around with almost a quarter of people (non-gamers/streamers) still consider gamers and streamers unhealthy (24%) or lonely (25%).
Things change when you talk to gamers and streamers. When we asked what traits people associate with gamers and streamers, the picture is very different among this group – with ‘creative’ (29%) and ‘confident’ (26%) topping the list.
The research coincides with the start of Jingle Jam 2022 – the world’s biggest charity gaming event, which kicked off on Thursday 1st December and runs until 14 December. CALM will be one of a number of charities benefiting from the gaming fundraising extravaganza that has raised over £20 million in 11 years.
The Jingle Jam will feature streams hosted by members of the Yogscast and other creators and features some of the most popular creators on Twitch and YouTube including recently announced CALM ambassador Lewis Brindley, Bateson, Simon Lane (Honeydew) and Harry (VeteranHarry) who will be supporting CALM and their life saving work.
Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, said: “There’s an unhelpful cliché of what gaming and gamers are like – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Countless people are connecting through gaming – both playing and streaming – and the benefits of being a part of the gaming community are clear to see.
Technology allows us to connect and socialise – and creators like The Yogscast, charity streaming events like The Jingle Jam and a myriad of other platforms are also helping normalise conversations about mental health. If we want the devastating suicide rate to decrease, we need to work with communities to tackle the stigma that stops us from opening up and look after each other.”
Dr Jo Twist, CEO of UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie), said: “Games play an important and positive role in the lives of players. But persistent, inaccurate and negative stereotypes around games mean many miss the benefits they can offer or inadvertently discourage play that could be having a positive impact on people’s lives.
Collective efforts like Jingle Jam not only raise money to support great causes such as CALM, but also counter negative stereotypes around games to demonstrate how important they are for players.”
For more information on how you can support CALM during Jingle Jam 2022 head to https://www.thecalmzone.net/what-will-you-do-against-living-miserably/jingle-jam-2022
If you’re struggling or for practical tips and advice please head to thecalmzone.net
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