Only if you consider losing all the time as a negative effect but it usually just makes you want to learn more about winning the game. I think the relaxation and thinking about the game keeps your mind sharp and is great for your well being. Keeps my attitude up just fine.
Rarely. There have been occasional cases where people have become so deeply absorbed in the game that they lost their way. Two of the all-time greatest American chess players (Paul Morphy and Bobby Fischer) shared that fate. There have been a handful of others among the world's leading players.
For most of us it's just an entertaining game that most certainly helps to keep the brain working. (Together with things like cryptic crosswords and Sudoko chess has been recommended as a way to keep aging brains active in the battle against senile dementia and Alzheimer's.)
It's a fascinating game and a great leveller. If you take it seriously and begin to play in tournaments you'll meet people from any countries and from all walks of life. It's a great equaliser and you don't need to be a genius to play it well.
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