“She Regretfully Shared Her PC with Her Girlfriend—What Unfolded Next Will Leave You Speechless!”
When she came back, she started regretting it as the GF was now fully hooked on Baldur’s Gate 3
Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio (not the actual photo)
Image source: Slavaa
Enjoying video games together can positively influence a couple’s relationship
Image credits: Ketut Subiyanto (not the actual photo)
We might be used to the stereotype that gaming is a ‘guy thing’ reserved for boyfriends. However, research shows that 48% out of the 212 million video gamers in the U.S. are female. What’s more, it’s not a solitary activity as many would imagine. Gaming can actually bring couples closer.
We asked Rachel Kowert, Ph.D., an Ottawa-based psychologist to share her expertise on the topic. Dr. Kowert’s research interests include the psychology of games and, more recently, the relationship between mental health and video games.
“Online gaming is a great way for couples to spend time together,” Kowert says. “Engaging in a shared activity, where couples are working together (or perhaps playfully working against each other) can foster closeness, intimacy, and be a fun way to spend a Friday night together.”
“The research has found that playing online games comes with far more benefits than risks,” she adds. Indeed, one survey found that couples who game report it having a positive influence on their relationship.
But how can couples enjoy video games when there’s only one gaming setup at home? “There are plenty of ways for couples to play together even with one gaming setup,” Dr. Kowert says.
“First of all, there are a range of mobile games that couples can play on their smartphone – no special setup needed. However, if you do happen to have a console, there are a range of couch co-op games for two players!” She recommends ‘It Takes Two,’ a widely popular game in that regard, and the winner of ‘Best Family Game’ and ‘Best Multiplayer Game.’
It’s not about how many hours we spend gaming, but whether it negatively affects our physical and mental well-being
Image credits: Umut Sarıalan (not the actual photo)