The impact of eSports and online video gaming on lifestyle behaviours in youth: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundESports has evolved into a hyper-competitive genre of video gaming. Emerging evidence has linked its intense engagement with mental health problems, with implications on youth development. We aim to summarise the impact of eSports and online video gaming on lifestyle outcomes. MethodWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in journals published in the English language since 2011. We searched PubMed, Web of Science (WoS) and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE) using search strings related to eSports or video-gaming and lifestyle behaviours. ResultsWe identified 3694 studies, 36 of which met the inclusion criteria. The studies reported associations between online video gaming (including eSports participation and consumption) and poor lifestyle outcomes:physical activity-related (decreased levels of physical activity, increased body mass index (BMI) and sedentary behaviour)nutrition-related (poorer diet, sweetened beverage consumption) and sleep-related outcomes (decreased quality/duration, increased sleepiness/sleep deprivation). One study investigated physical lifestyle-related outcomes (eye strain, wrist pain, neck pain) Results indicate a widening breadth of research investigating associations between lifestyle outcomes and online video gaming. ConclusionLifestyle outcomes associated with engagement in eSports and video gaming are important to consider. This emphasizes the need for longitudinal studies which examine characteristics of gaming that may increase young people's risk of practicing unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. The accessibility of eSports to a wide digital audience highlights the need for this sector to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours among consumers and gamers.