Horror video games have become increasingly popular over the years, with franchises like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Five Nights at Freddy’s amassing huge followings. However, the graphic violence and disturbing imagery in these games have led some to question whether playing horror games is mentally and emotionally healthy.
Do horror games cause anxiety and stress?
Many horror games are designed to elicit feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress in players. The jump scares, disturbing visuals, and tense atmosphere keep players on the edge of their seats. This thrill is part of the appeal for horror fans. However, research suggests that while playing horror games causes short-term arousal and anxiety, there are no long-term mental health effects.
In one study, participants who played the horror game Resident Evil 7 for 30 minutes showed increased heart rates and anxiety during gameplay. However, these markers returned to normal soon after playing. Other studies have found similar results – horror games might raise anxiety in the moment, but don’t appear to cause lasting mental stress.
Do horror games cause aggression or violence?
This is a common concern regarding violent video games of any genre. However, research indicates there is no link between playing horror games and real-world aggression or violence. In fact, one longitudinal study found that playing violent games as a child was not associated with youth violence or aggression later in adolescence.
Experts suggest violent games allow a safe outlet for aggression. Gamers can take on violent roles without real-world stakes or consequences. One study even found that playing violent games led to slightly less aggression in participants immediately after playtime. So while horror games might include violent elements, they do not appear to encourage violence outside of the gaming environment.
Can horror games be good for mental health?
While moderate video game play is not associated with mental health problems, research suggests gaming can have some cognitive and emotional benefits. Horror games, when played in moderation, may provide benefits like improved mood, cognitive stimulation, and opportunities for meaningful social connections.
By eliciting emotional responses in players, horror games allow for emotional processing that can help regulate mood. The engaging stories and puzzles in horror games can provide cognitive stimulation. And many gamers bond over shared interest in horror titles, providing social benefits. One study found gamers who participated in collaborative horror gameplay had higher positive mood and feelings of competence than those playing alone competitively.
Do horror games cause desensitization?
A common question around violent media of any kind is whether it leads to desensitization over time. But research does not show evidence that playing horror video games leads to emotional desensitization or callousness towards horrific imagery and acts of violence.
In one study, participants showed no signs of blunted emotional response or desensitization after playing 15 hours of the violent horror game Dead Island over a period of three weeks. Experts suggest because horror games are fictional and fantastical in nature, players are able to distinguish them from real life trauma and violence.
Should children or adolescents play horror games?
Most major gaming organizations and rating boards caution against letting young children and pre-teens play mature-rated horror games. The graphic and disturbing content in these games is generally unsuitable for children under 12 to 15.
However, by the mid to late teenage years, minors can begin handling more mature content, provided it’s in moderation. As with any media, parents should consider their child’s sensitivity and maturity rather than relying on age rating guidelines alone. Supervision and open discussions are encouraged when teens begin exploring mature horror games.
Signs a child is too young for a horror game
Here are some signs a child or adolescent may not be ready to play a mature horror game:
- Has nightmares, trouble sleeping after scary media
- Displays high anxiety, fixation on disturbing images
- Imitates violent actions or speech from games
- Becomes desensitized to graphic content
- Obsessively plays horror games, isolating from real world
- Shows lack of empathy for real violence
Parents should restrict access and have open discussions about age-appropriate content if they notice these warning signs.
Setting healthy guidelines for horror gaming
Horror games don’t need to be avoided altogether. But like any stimulating media, they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. Here are some healthy guidelines for playing horror games:
- Set a time limit for daily/weekly gameplay
- Avoid playing before bed – it may interfere with sleep
- Take breaks during longer sessions to stretch and reset
- Play horror games in a communal setting rather than isolating
- Don’t use horror games to avoid real-world issues
- Talk to someone if a game is causing lasting distress or anxiety
The appeal of horror games
Horror fans cite a number of reasons they love the genre, even though it elicits unpleasant emotions:
- Thrill factor – the suspense and adrenaline rush provide excitement
- Curiosity – morbid curiosity draws people to the grotesque
- Social bonding – sharing scares can build connections
- Resilience – overcoming fear and completing challenges
- Emotional outlet – games provide a safe space to experience fear and negative emotions
- Appreciation for artistry – respect for how developers create atmosphere, dread, tension
So while they may seem distasteful to some, many find horror games provide exciting challenges and opportunities for emotional processing.
Potential risks of overindulging in horror games
Horror games pose little mental health risk to the average gamer. But excessive play has risks, including:
- Desensitization to graphic violence
- Obsession over disturbing content
- Isolation and neglect of real relationships
- Sleep disturbances, anxiety from overstimulation
- Neglect of health, hygiene due to gaming obsession
Moderation is key. People already struggling with mental health issues like depression may be more prone to overindulging. But for most, scary games are fine in moderation.
Signs it may be time to take a break from horror games
Here are some signs your horror gaming habits may have become unhealthy:
- Horror gaming is interfering with work, school, or relationships
- Feeling irritable, anxious, or disturbed after playing
- Obsession over violent content, gaming obscures real life
- Using horror games to avoid responsibilities
- Decline in performance, hygiene, health due to gaming
- Isolation, only talking about gaming with others
Taking a break can help restore balance. Seeking counseling for excessive gaming may be warranted in some cases.
Healthy habits for horror gaming
Here are some tips to keep horror gaming fun and manageable:
- Set a schedule and stick to it – don’t go overboard
- Play with others – avoid isolation
- Choose age-appropriate games until mature enough
- Take breaks to stretch, hydrate, rest eyes
- Switch genres periodically to vary content
- Discuss disturbing content with others
- Stop playing if unable to manage scary imagery
Balancing gaming with other hobbies
To keep gaming healthy, balance it with other activities. Try setting aside time for:
- Socializing with friends & family
- Getting exercise – sports, walking, gym
- Relaxing hobbies – reading, music, crafts
- Creative pursuits – writing, art, playing an instrument
- Self-care – nutritious meals, hygiene, proper sleep
- Engaging entertainment – shows, movies, books
- Challenging yourself – learning, working, volunteering
Variety prevents obsession and provides needed mental breaks from the intensity of horror games.
Signs your child should avoid horror games
Horror content is inappropriate for young children. Look for these signs a child isn’t ready:
- Extreme aversion to scary imagery
- Nightmares from scary media
- Inability to distinguish fantasy from reality
- Imitating inappropriate speech or actions from games
- Focusing excessively on disturbing content
- Exhibiting aggression, disobedience after playing
- Obsession, neglecting other activities to play horror games
If a child exhibits several of these signs, they likely require further development before exposure to horror themes.
Helping a child manage fear of horror games
If a child is interested in horror content but finds it too frightening, parents can try:
- Watching or playing together to provide reassurance
- Allowing them to watch rather than play active roles
- Choosing less-scary games to introduce the genre
- Allowing them to play during daylight hours
- Explaining how horror effects are fictional
- Ensuring they take breaks if scared
- Discussing frightening content afterward
This can help them acclimate at their own pace while managing fear. But not all children are suited to horror content right away, and their developmental readiness should be respected.
Conclusion
Research does not show strong links between horror gaming and mental health problems. While frightening, mature-rated horror content should be approached cautiously by younger audiences, horror games appear safe for most healthy teens and adults in moderation.
Setting gaming schedules, balancing play with other activities, and avoiding overindulgence are smart precautions. But the majority of gamers suffer no ill effects from enjoying horror games responsibly – and may even experience cognitive and emotional benefits from playing.
