Just like any other sport, negative effects may include addiction and gambling. With that said, the general impact on society is positive.
Esports teach players discipline, strategic thinking, and coordination. They encourage communication and cooperation and bring together people from all around the world. According to 835 gamers who were surveyed, 66% had made up to 5 friends while gaming and 37% had made more than 5.
Esports also create new professions, such as professional players and streamers of course, but also casters, game analysts, hosts and commentators, team managers and so on. Moreover, 33% say that gaming inspired future careers including history, art, and science.
In fact, professional players retire early, usually in their late 20s, and can choose to remain in the esports field and become coaches - or simply move on to their next challenge.
And for the romantics out there, here’s a cute story: you can even find love in the esports industry! A famous couple is two casters, ODPixel and Sheever, who met thanks to esports.