THE IMPACT OF THE FULL-SCALE INVASION ON VIDEO GAMING ACTIVITY IN UKRAINE: PSYCHOLOGICAL COPING DURING TIMES OF CRISIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31732/2663-2209-2024-73-295-302Keywords:
video games, war, Ukraine, virtual gaming environments, escapism, copingAbstract
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, military actions have triggered profound changes in the social and psychological lives of the population. This study focuses on analyzing trends in video gaming among Ukrainians in the context of the crisis, examining how engagement with this form of entertainment has changed since the onset of the war. Special attention is paid to whether video games have become more popular as a means of coping and escapism among the population facing stress, anxiety, and uncertainty caused by the war. The research includes an analysis of available data from gaming platforms, revealing the dynamics of video game usage, as well as the popularity of the Ukrainian language in games as an indicator of the increased activity of Ukrainian players. These data allow not only to assess changes in gaming behavior but also to evaluate the potential role of video games as a psychological coping mechanism during crisis periods. Dependencies between the gaming habits of Ukrainians and the socio-political changes induced by the war are analyzed. In particular, the increase in the popularity of video games as a means to alleviate stress, strengthen mental health, and develop communities is emphasized, which could serve as a basis for developing new methods of psychosocial support for the population in crisis conditions. Additionally, this article delves into the motivational factors driving the increased engagement with video games during the crisis, including escapism, the search for control, and the need for social connection. These motivations reflect broader coping strategies where video games serve as a temporary refuge and a means to exert agency, strengthen social bonds, and explore personal identity amidst instability. However, the study also considers the risks associated with increased gaming, such as potential for addiction, social isolation, over-reliance on escapism, and exposure to toxic behaviors. Balancing these risks against the therapeutic potential of gaming requires careful consideration of how digital behaviors reflect wider psychological and social phenomena, including community building, the need for escapism, and the pursuit of psychological well-being amidst chaos.
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