Nowadays, looking good has become almost a necessity for human beings, and there are several ways to achieve it, but can a videogame help in this pursue?A study conducted by a team of scientists from University of Missouri suggested that the more a person feels indentified with a virtual alter-ego, the more it could influence his or her personal image. For instance, people who want to lose weight could create a slim online avatar in order to envisage themselves as thinner.
279 users of the
virtual game Second Life (similar to The Sims), were asked to respond a survey
regarding their engagement with their virtual alter-ego and relationships they
developed online, in addition to their offline health, appearance and emotional
well-being.
The results
showed that “A strong sense of
self-presence in the social virtual world positively promoted health and
well-being of study participants. People with high degrees of self-presence in
the cyber world reported that their experience with their avatar improved how
they felt about themselves offline. Self-presence also correlated to greater
satisfaction with online relationships.” (Retrieved from http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2012/1105-virtual-reality-could-help-people-lose-weight-fight-prejudice-says-mu-researcher/)
However, it is
well known that spending several hours in front of the computer can be harmful
for health. Sedentariness is associated with obesity, heart diseases, high blood
pressure, diabetes, etc.
Exercise and good alimentation are the basis for a healthy life, according to the American College of Nutrition and most of doctors around the world.
To read the abstract of the study, click here.
Is it possible
that a computer game such as Second Life can promote a healthy life?
