Global impacts of video gaming behavior on young adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic literature review

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of young adults, and video gaming has emerged as a popular coping mechanism. However, excessive gaming could have negative consequences. The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between video gaming and the mental health of young adults, globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the relationship between video gaming and the mental health of young adults during the pandemic. The study followed PRISMA 2020 and conducted a comprehensive literature search in multiple databases: PubMed Central (PMC), Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. We found 11 relevant articles published between March 2020 and March 2023, predominantly using online questionnaires and focused on young adults, mostly college students. The findings showed that video gaming had both positive and negative influences on psychological well-being. It served as a coping mechanism for young adults dealing with stress and isolation, providing a sense of belongingness. However, excessive gaming disrupted social interaction and family relationships. Regular gamers were found to adapt better to the virtual environment. The findings highlight calls for accessible mental health resources and awareness to maintain healthy gaming behavior. • Systematic literature review was conducted for gaming behavior and mental health. • Online gaming bolstered virtual communication and connection during COVID-19. • Excessive gaming impacted empathy, relationships, and social interactions. • Excessive gaming disrupted family communication and dynamics. • Call for interventions to promote healthy screen-time habits among young adults.