'Birdwatching saved me from my gaming addiction'
Summary
Edward Bartlett, a university student, overcame his video game addiction by taking up birdwatching. He found this new hobby helped him focus on the real world and improved his mental health.Key Facts
- Edward Bartlett used to play video games up to 20 hours a day.
- He felt addicted and isolated, avoiding real-life interactions with friends.
- Mental health challenges, including depression, were part of his struggle.
- A hospital stay and a holiday in nature helped him shift his focus to birdwatching.
- Bartlett joined the University of Sheffield Birdwatching Society, which grew from 10 members in 2025 to over 50 in 2026.
- Birdwatching is now the second fastest growing hobby among people in Gen Z.
- Members enjoy watching local birds like peregrine falcons nesting on a church.
- Many young people seek hobbies like birdwatching to reduce screen time and relax.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
