In just a few decades, gaming has gone from a small niche to one of the most widespread hobbies in the world. With the development of online multiplayer, you can play with basically anyone on this planet. Thanks to modern technology, gaming is both easier and more accessible than ever. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more dangers in the online world than there have ever been.
Scams and Financial Safety
What is the worst that can actually happen? Out in the vast cyberspace, there are a lot of people hunting for prey, and more often than not they will be aiming for your wallet. Scams and phishing methods will in most cases drain your accounts of money. This can be done in many different ways, but fake giveaways seem to be one of the most widespread these days.
People who trade cryptocurrencies have to be even more careful with their keys. Malicious mods and plain general malware can quickly empty your wallet if you provide them a window of opportunity to do so. FTC announced that in the first half of 2024, close to $680 million in crypto was lost through different frauds. However, there are simple and effective ways to minimize the risk of any mishaps. But, making sure that your wallet is up to date and developed by a trustworthy team is the best way to keep your crypto safe from scammers is by far the best option.
Malware can enter your computer or phone in many different ways. Make sure to know which download sources are trusted so you can not make a misstep that could cost you a fortune. This goes especially for additional purchases for any of your games. Make sure to never use any other than officially licensed stores. Finally, never fall for deals that sound like they are too good to be true – in 99% of the cases they are blatant frauds lying in wait for the next victim.
Protecting Your Privacy
The threats to one’s online presence and privacy are not small in number. Just as it is with browsing and social networks, it is of utmost importance to protect your personal information in gaming as well. Doxxing and stolen identities are not something that happens only in documentaries, so always make sure to set everything you can to private. Further, never give out your details to anyone you don’t know.
As with your personal information, you will never want to share a password with anyone in an insecure manner. Keeping your login credentials secret and passwords strong is of the utmost importance for your account security. Phishing scams are widespread around the web, so you have to be careful where you click, but also make sure that you have multi-factor authentication wherever you can. Reducing risks before they can even happen is the way to go.
Be extra aware of the threats coming from different cheats and hacks. It can be tempting to make the game easier, but many trainers and hacks contain hidden malware. Sometimes it’s very hard to tell which ones are safe and which are not. In order to keep your sanity, best advice is to keep your antivirus software up to date and let it do the heavy lifting.
Don’t Neglect Mental Health
There can be too much of a good thing, even if that is something you thoroughly enjoy – like gaming. Sometimes it is very easy to get lost in the fantastic worlds or the rush of competitive gaming. For some, this is an actual profession, and it can lead to proper burnout, just like with office work. There’s no doubt that there are a lot of mental health benefits that we get from gaming. But no matter how much you enjoy it, always make sure to give yourself break time and balance out gaming with other enjoyable activities (and responsibilities).
But what can we do when it is not up to us? Sadly, some players on the internet are insufferable, for lack of a better word, and will give their all to annoy you and make you angry. Many online communities struggle with toxic gamers, and that’s not always an easy thing to deal with. Having someone actively work on spoiling your fun – and even more than that – trying to frustrate you just for kicks can be very challenging for even the most patient and tolerant of us. If you find yourself in a situation like that, always reach out for whatever moderation tools are available to you.
There’s no shame in blocking and reporting a toxic player who’s ruining everyone’s day. Sometimes they’ll be out for blood in public channels, be it text or voice chat. If there’s no other choice, mute and ignore them. But always be sure to alert the moderators as they are the ones best trained for the task of dealing with such people. Cyberbullying should not be tolerated and no one should be forced to suffer through it.
If competitive games are your cup of tea, it can sometimes be very hard to deal with loss and defeat. Playing ranked matches is sometimes exhausting and many eSports professionals eventually suffer from burnout and anxiety. If this hits too close to home, be sure to stop and give yourself space to breathe. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek professional help to get yourself back on track and in full capacity so you can enjoy gaming again.
Keep Your Body Healthy
Somehow it seems like it’s very easy to forget to keep your body in good physical shape when you’re enjoying gaming. Staying safe means staying healthy as well, and there are multiple ways to protect yourself from the physical dangers of gaming.
Prolonged sitting in front of the screen carries many risks for musculoskeletal health that can be prevented with exercise and frequent breaks. Problems with posture and “gamer neck” are an unfortunate reality for many people now, even though they can be easily avoided. Ergonomics is the key here. Invest in a comfortable chair with good back support. Align your desk and chair height properly, as well as the eyes and the screen. All it takes is a little bit of research and the bare minimum of tools to have your battle station all set up for both enjoyment and healthy gaming.
Eyesight is another common problem. Extensive looking into the screen without blinking dries and irritates the eyes so it’s a good thing to keep yourself blinking, and make regular breaks (20-20-20 rule) to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.
Lastly, it’s important to mention sleep hygiene and regular exercise. Without proper activity and rest your HP is eventually going to start dropping, so make sure to incorporate workout and enough shut-eye into your daily schedule for long-term benefits.
Balance in All Things
In the end, what’s most important is to game responsibly. Balance is the key to keeping yourself safe and healthy, so make sure you’re keeping your health in check. Never underestimate the hazards of the online world, so practice proactive safety. Be aware of the threats and take steps to prevent mistakes rather than fixing them after they happen. The web is constantly evolving, as are the concerns, so make sure you’re staying informed. And, most importantly, remember to enjoy this wonderful hobby.
