Video game addiction is one of the issues that has concerned many researchers in recent years, as there are different opinions on the subject. Let's look at some of the most popular ones.
Video games are a favorite pastime for a large percentage of people. Over 2 billion people around the world play video games.
The first video games began to appear in the 1950s in scientists' research laboratories. They gradually evolved and began to be released on the market.
Americans have been involved in video games since the 1970s.
It soon became apparent that people were spending a lot of time playing video games. This is still true today and things are even worse because games are now available everywhere.
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Many gamers spend too much time playing, resulting in gaming sometimes turning into a harmful habit.
Video game addiction becomes problematic when it begins to affect a person's relationships and functioning.
This happens when the person begins to become addicted and excessively involved in gaming, to the point that their daily activities are left behind.
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The World Health Organization has classified gaming addiction as a disease in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
Definition
According to the definition given by the organization, gaming disorder is a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by reduced control over gaming, prioritization of gaming to a degree that overrides other interests and daily activities, and continued or escalated gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
Although billions of people play video games, the World Health Organization estimates that only 3-4% could be considered addicted.
The issue is also mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), as a condition that needs to be studied further.
In general, there are different opinions about whether continuous involvement with video games is an addiction or not.
The American Psychiatric Association defines addiction as “a brain disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.” This definition essentially excludes behavioral addictions, which include gaming.
For this reason, some scientists and researchers believe that excessive involvement in video games is more of a habit or even a symptom of another disorder.
Due to these different opinions, more and more researchers are studying this issue to reach a conclusion.
Let's look at some of the most popular opinions on the subject.
First of all, why are video games addictive?
- They are designed in such a way that they attract gamers and make them want to keep playing. They are designed to create challenges to keep players playing, but they are not so difficult that they make them give up.
- Many games do not have a final goal or definitive ending, which allows players to continue playing them indefinitely.
- They encourage people to connect with each other electronically, which can promote continuous play.
- They use reinforcement and reward to increase the chances of continuing the game.
- They create a completely different world and transport individuals to a different and perhaps more pleasant reality.
Biological factor
Some researchers have suggested that the process of playing and winning can trigger the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that boosts mood and gives energy. Dopamine is powerful.
It helps maintain interest and attention, which is why it can be extremely difficult for someone to pull away from video gaming.
Dopamine is the same neurotransmitter involved in other addictive activities, such as alcohol or drug abuse.
Symptoms and warning signs
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has suggested some symptoms, although it has not officially classified gaming as a disorder.
These symptoms include:
- Continuous engagement with the game
- Symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety , and irritability when there is no access to the game
- Need to dedicate more time to gaming
- Inability to reduce gaming time and unsuccessful attempts to stop gaming
- Abandonment of other activities and loss of interest in activities that were previously important
- Continuing to play despite problems
- Deceiving family members or others about the time spent playing games
- Using play to relieve negative emotions
- Risk of losing a job or relationship due to gaming
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, five or more of these symptoms over the course of a year to be considered a gamer addicted.
Other warning signs include:
- Poor performance at school, work, or home
- Reducing involvement in personal hygiene and grooming
- Physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms , such as loss of appetite, insomnia, agitation, or emotional outbursts
Consequences
Short-term: insomnia and sleep disorders in general, fatigue, improper diet and skipping meals, alienation from family and friends.
Long-term: academic, work or financial problems, problems with concentration and attention, antisocial behavior, musculoskeletal problems and other physical and mental issues.
What are the most addictive video games according to statistics?
- Fortnite: a shooter game, where one person plays against 99 other players with the goal of being the last one standing.
- League of Legends: a multiplayer game where a group of people fights against another group.
- World of Warcraft: a person controls an avatar to explore lands, fight monsters, conquer quests, and interact with other players.
- Call of Duty: another shooter game series with many users.
- Assassin's Creed: an adventure and action game, where individuals fight, explore and complete missions.
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Prevention
Preventive measures include:
- Setting limits on time spent playing games
- Removing phones and computers from the room
- Engaging in other activities, including exercise
Treatment/Treatment
Studies on the treatment of video game addiction are also in their early stages, but treatment could be similar to that applied to other behavioral addictions.
Individual and family counseling , along with behavior modification, is probably the best option.
In the same context is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a counseling process that helps individuals change their thoughts about gambling so that they can change their behavior.
Unlike other types of addictions, it is difficult to stay at a distance when computers and phones are an integral part of life for the majority of people.
Because of this, treatment may focus on controlling time and computer use rather than avoiding it completely.
But the most important thing is to change the way the person thinks and feels so that they don't need the game.
For some people, it may not be an easy process.
The family and friendly environment must help and be on the gamer's side.
