Despite the negative connotation of online gaming, a study from TotallyAwesome – a Youth-first marketing and media platform – showed that Filipino Gen Zs are turning to gaming to relieve stress or anxiety.
The platform’s annual ‘Youth-first Digital Insights’ research for 2023 investigated the impact of gaming on Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s mental health and engagement throughout the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Findings show that 50% of Gen Alpha and 43% of Gen Z in APAC cited gaming to make them feel better when they’re anxious or stressed, contrary to talking with family members (28% and 21%, respectively) and friends (28% and 32%, respectively).
The Philippines, along with Malaysia, is the second-most impacted Gen Z respondent who stated that they turn to gaming to relieve stress and anxiety with 56% – wherein, Vietnam took the first spot with 60%.
Moreover, gaming was also seen as a means of connection, whereas 52% of Gen Alphas and 48% of Gen Z respondents said that gaming was a way that made them feel more connected to their friends and family.
“When it comes to forging a sense of community and self-expression, young people are increasingly looking to gaming as the most important space for social bonding. Gaming is no longer just gaming – it’s their new social,” said TotallyAwesome’s Executive Chairman Will Anstee.
Nevertheless, the respondents overall (Gen Alpha and Gen Z) are still inclined to play video games for fun at 69%, followed by 51% for stress and anxiety, while another 50% shared that gaming helps them feel better.
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