for the study, researchers recruited 60 participants who had reached a level between 77 and 3307 in
candy crush
, a popular, free-to-play game available on most mobile devices. participants were required to play the game at difficulty settings that ranged from too easy (where a lack of balance between skill and challenge was suspected to induce low flow and low arousal) to balanced (where the relationship between skill and challenge was thought to be more conducive to entering a higher state of flow).
they found that players who used the game to mitigate the effects of boredom became more immersed in candy crush than those who did not use the app as a means of escape. the more rewarding the escape from boredom became, the more inclined this group was to increase the frequency and length of time spent crushing candy, to the detriment of other areas of their lives.
“those who play to escape experience greater flow and positive affect than other players, which sets up a cycle of playing video games to elevate a depressed mood,” dixon said. “this is maladaptive because, although it elevates your mood, it also increases your urge to keep playing.
“playing too long may lead to addiction and means less time is available for other healthier pursuits. this can actually increase your depression.”