Why Playing Games on LinkedIn Might Be Good for Your Mental Health
LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of playing games. However, in May of this year, LinkedIn launched three puzzles through LinkedIn News, similar to the popular New York Times games. These games include a logic puzzle called Queens, a word game called Crossclimb, and a word-association game called Pinpoint. While it may seem odd to play games on a professional networking platform, LinkedIn is following the trend set by other companies like Apple News, Netflix, and YouTube, who have also introduced games to their platforms.
But why are these games so appealing, and why do people find them enjoyable? According to Ryan Douglas, co-founder of DeepWell DTx, playing video games in moderation can actually have mental health benefits. These games can serve as a brief distraction from negative thought spirals and help us approach problems from new perspectives. When we play games, we activate the limbic system in our brains, which is responsible for navigating stress. This activation allows our brains to become accustomed to overcoming stress in various ways, even if the stressors are simulated.
Douglas explains that playing games helps us learn on a subconscious level, creating new neural pathways at an accelerated rate. These pathways influence how we deal with stress and challenges in the future. By coping with stressors in a game environment, we gain agency and a sense of control.
However, it’s important to note that excessive gaming is not recommended. DeepWell’s video game developer tools are approved for therapeutic use in 15-minute doses. This limited time frame is one reason why games like Wordle, as well as those from The New York Times and LinkedIn, have become so popular. They offer a finite ending, allowing users to complete one puzzle per day and then move on.
Josh Wardle, the creator of Wordle, emphasized the appeal of games that don’t demand endless attention. He believes people have an appetite for things that transparently don’t want anything from them. While LinkedIn games do seek our attention, they have managed to captivate users. In fact, since July, new player engagement on LinkedIn has grown about 20% week over week. The platform has also noticed an increase in users starting conversations after playing games. When a game is completed, users can see which of their connections have also played, leading to potential networking opportunities.
So, why not give LinkedIn games a try? Take a few minutes during your workday to solve a puzzle or two. Not only can it provide a much-needed mental break, but it may also improve your problem-solving skills and help you approach tasks with a fresh perspective. Just remember to balance your gaming time with the demands of the relentless grind of global capitalism.