AR/VR Sports Games Enhance Mental Well-Being and Social Connectivity

Recent research from Michigan State University's Department of Kinesiology indicates that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) sports games can significantly improve mental health and foster social connections. Traditionally, physical sports are known to help with anxiety and psychological well-being; however, this new study explores the potential benefits of immersive AR/VR gaming for mental health.

Led by Assistant Professors Sanghoon Kim and Sangchul Park, the study examined the psychological effects of engaging in AR/VR sports activities such as table tennis, bowling, and billiards, available on platforms like Nintendo's Wii Sports and Meta's Home Sports. A survey of 345 participants assessed their gaming involvement, feelings of loneliness, and overall psychological health.

Results demonstrated that individuals who actively participated in AR/VR sports gaming reported higher levels of psychological well-being. Importantly, the sense of social presence gained through avatars, real-time communication, and nonverbal cues intensified positive outcomes, especially among those experiencing loneliness. This indicates that feeling connected via virtual environments can be a vital component of mental health support.

The study underscores that well-being is complex and multi-dimensional, influenced by both entertainment and social interactions within virtual settings. Participants who gamed more frequently and reported feelings of loneliness gained the most psychological benefit, leading researchers to propose that AR/VR sports games might be incorporated into therapeutic interventions.

However, the researchers also caution that AR/VR gaming is not a universal solution for loneliness or mental health issues. Some users may find virtual communication challenging, complicating their sense of belonging. Accordingly, they recommend careful regulation and education for practitioners and policymakers on how to best harness AR/VR technology for mental health support.

Overall, this research highlights the potential of AR/VR sports games to promote social connection and psychological well-being, offering a richer, more human-like form of online interaction beyond traditional text-based communication.