Reconceptualizing the Link Between Screen Time When Gaming with Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

With public health concerns surrounding rates of sedentary behavior (SB), there is often speculation on the role of screen time (in which "computer gaming" is commonly encompassed) as a key contributor to this epidemic. We argue that these assertions are based upon a number of problematic assumptions. Particularly, the notion that screen time necessitates inactivity or SB can be refuted based on the empirical literature. In addition, digital gaming as one so-called problematic screen-time behavior consists of a failed assumption that all games proffer equivalent physical affordances. We argue that these assumptions should be revisited, in which a reconceptualization of screen-time activities (with specific reference to gaming) and its link with inactivity and/or SB should be a key agenda. Within this, we introduce a conceptual model of how this may be realized, with the intention that this may offer a practical guide for researchers, and indeed for health professionals in this field.