So why the stereotype from 1989? The media has a lot to answer for - regularly heroing gaming and gamers as fringe, childish or anti-social. Which is probably why around a quarter of people* still consider gamers and streamers unhealthy (24%) or lonely (25%).
Things change when you talk to gamers and streamers** though. When we asked them what traits they associate with gamers and streamers, creative and confident topped the list. It’s clear that switching on a stream is fast becoming an accessible way for people to connect and look after their heads. And that’s something we can get behind.
Here at CALM we’re all about doing stuff that makes you feel good. And gaming does exactly that for lots of you. That’s why we believe stereotypes around gaming belong in the bin, alongside all the other unhelpful stereotypes that stop us from looking after and talking about our mental wellbeing.
We’re chuffed to be working with gamers and streamers like The Yogscast and DanTDM to raise awareness in the gaming and streaming community and help more people get the help they need, when they need it.
But don’t just take it from us. Harry Marshall, Head of Network at The Yogscast shared how he has seen the gaming and streaming world go from strength to strength in the last decade.
“Listening to a stream is like having a friend in the room with you while playing a game. For lots of gamers, this gives them somewhere to check in every day — a community to talk to or a place to share how you feel.
“I remember being 12 years old when I made my first online friend, another teenage boy from America. The idea that you can connect with anybody in the world, share your passion with them and make friends, is inconceivable to those who haven’t been able to experience it but it’s happening all over the world, every moment of every day. ”