How Video Games and Fantasy Sports Can Improve Men's Mental Health

Fantasy sports and video games can be a surprising way to combat the stigma around men's mental health.

It’s Tuesday, July 9, 2013. "NCAA Football 14" was just released, and gamers across the United States couldn’t wait to bring it home and spend hours playing as their favorite college football team.

Times were simpler then, perhaps—but although much has changed, what remains the same is the excitement of competition and connection. Us gamers didn’t know it then, but over the next year, it became clear that we would not see another NCAA Football game anytime soon. The economics of fair pay and fair play in player image and likeness were unfamiliar to many of us who just wanted to play a video game, but it would be eleven years before we would see the next edition.

"NCAA Football 24" was released on Friday, July 19, 2024. For me, playing it for the first time that weekend was textbook nostalgic—the boys of 2013 realizing their evolution into the men of 2024. Many of us were disappointed with the game, as anticipation rarely matches reality. But most of us continue to wax poetic about it, perhaps not living up to the hype but certainly living up to the hope.

Why Games Matter for Mental Health

Conversations surrounding mental health have gained significant traction in recent years, particularly regarding the role of leisure activities in promoting emotional well-being. Both video games and fantasy sports have emerged as popular pastimes that can offer a myriad of mental health benefits, especially for men.

It’s no secret that men today face more social isolation than ever. Society is often unclear as to what makes "toxic masculinity" different from masculinity, and some men have decided to check out of society altogether, choosing not to partake in the ambiguity. Video games and fantasy sports can help foster social connections that are scarce for men these days who have few friends.

Fantasy sports, the most popular of which is fantasy football, can create a sense of belonging through healthy competition. This social engagement can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common contributors to mental health experiences like depression and anxiety.

Many video games—whether "NCAA Football 24," "Fortnite," or "World of Warcraft"—allow players to interact with one another in virtual environments, creating a sense of community that can be especially important for men who may be facing societal pressure, discouraging them from expressing their emotions and showing their vulnerability. This safe space could foster connections with peers, share experiences, and build friendships without the constraints of face-to-face interactions. Fantasy sports and video games can thus help men strengthen their social networks, which is crucial for emotional support and holistic health.

Fantasy sports and video games can also serve as effective outlets for stress relief. Engaging in gameplay allows individuals to escape the pressures of daily life and provides a reprieve from stressors such as work, relationships, and financial concerns. Research indicates that gameplay can help reduce anxiety by allowing players to immerse themselves in a different world, thereby distracting them from their worries.

The excitement from video games and fantasy sports and making strategic decisions through logic and intuition can provide a sense of control, accomplishment, and engagement that is quite rewarding. This form of constructive escapism and competitiveness can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters; this boost may be particularly beneficial for men, who may feel societal pressure to remain stoic and not express their emotions openly.

An underrated benefit of fantasy sports and video games is the cognitive development tied to strategic critical thinking and complex problem-solving. This stimulation can enhance cognitive flexibility, attention control, and information-processing skills. Both video games and fantasy sports call for complex logical and statistical analysis to make informed decisions. This can sharpen cognitive skills and improve overall cognitive function. For men who may often engage in competitive environments, these skills can translate into improved performance in both personal and professional settings and provide a sense of achievement to boost self-esteem, which is a vital component of mental health.

As society continues to evolve in its understanding of mental health, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of leisure activities like video games and fantasy sports. Encouraging men to engage in these pursuits can help combat the stigma surrounding mental health and promote a more supportive environment for emotional expression and connection.

Nafees Alam, Ph.D.,

References

Kowal, M., Conroy, E., Ramsbottom, N., Smithies, T., Toth, A., & Campbell, M. (2021). Gaming your mental health: a narrative review on mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety using commercial video games. JMIR Serious Games, 9(2), e26575.

Laderer, A. (2023, July 5). Video games and mental health: The good and the bad. Charlie Health.