Updated: April 1, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: April 1, 2025.
Play is a crucial element of being human. From childhood to adult life, this is how we discover the world around us, pursue our passions, and generally take joy out of every day.
Yet, the introduction of online games and apps in recent years has led to a lot of rumblings about how the ways we play might be changing. Many of these are negative, but play potential has also come a long way thanks to benefits like the accessibility of online games. In fact, when approached in the right way, technologies like smartphones and tablets might help, rather than hinder, our natural play instincts.
To prove as much, we’re going to bust just a few top myths about the so-called damage of technology on play.
# 1 – Weakening Social Skills
Historically, play has been a social focus involving groups of at least two or more people, and has led to the development of skills like competitive spirit, sharing, and teamwork.
This has become somewhat compromised through the advancement of solo tech-based gameplay in recent years, but that’s not to say that all technology is removing play’s social nature altogether.
In fact, options like online backgammon actually make social gaming easier by allowing for shared games between long-distance friends and even strangers at the click of a button. The same benefits can be seen from platforms like Xbox Live, which is now ranked as one of the top ways for young people to develop friendships.
# 2 – Introducing Sedentary Lifestyles
The risk of a sedentary lifestyle has long been used as a black mark against technology-based play.
In truth, though, the accessibility of options like online gaming, or apps that you can take anywhere with you, mean it’s easier to move around and play than ever before. Even if we’re not actively engaging in exercise-based games, smart phones allow us to easily engage in play on the move when we might previously have been stuck to a singular in-house screen.
The ongoing popularity of games like Pokemon Go is yet another example of technology as an encouraging force for gaming movement, and is only made possible thanks to technologies like augmented reality and GPS.
# 3 – Compromising on Engagement
We’re constantly told that humans are less engaged now than ever before, and technology is often blamed for this fact. But you could also argue that the wide expanse of gameplay now available to all of us with an internet connection could actually serve to make us more engaged with play.
Regular game downloads and updates can certainly help to keep us interested for longer, which could see us developing more enhanced game-based skills on singular platforms. Equally, the customizable solutions and games made possible through AI and data analysis can ensure we’re more in-tune with the games we play than ever before, ensuring cognitive enhancement and mood improvements, amongst other benefits.
Is technology changing play? The answer is an undeniable yes, but as you can see from this article, that doesn’t always have to be a bad thing!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
