Video Game Addiction: The Comprehensive Guide (Trigger warning)
What is Video Game Addiction?
“Video game addiction is different from other addictions such as alcoholism and substance abuse addictions. While video games can affect your brain, they do not have the same kind of effects as alcohol. Video game addiction is a behavioral addiction, which means it has different triggers, manifestations, and underlying causes. The World Health Organization defined “gaming disorder”, also referred to as video game addiction, in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as:
A pattern of gaming behavior characterized by a lack of control over gaming.
Prioritizing gaming over other, more important activities.
Continuing to play games despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
In this article, we will explore the signs of video game addiction, how it affects your brain, and how you can start to overcome it.
Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Video Game Addiction
One of the most common questions we get is: how much gaming is too much? The simple answer is that if it causes a problem, then it is a problem. If the amount of time you spend gaming prevents you from doing the things that you need to do in life, then it is a problem. Here are some of the common signs of video game addiction.
Preoccupation with video games.
Being unable to stop playing video games when needed.
Being unable to cut back on time spent playing games.
Prioritizing gaming over other parts of your life.
Problems with daily functioning.
Compromised physical or mental health.
Deteriorating relationships as a result of too much gaming.
Inability to move forward in life due to time spent gaming.
Read the complete article available at HealthyGamer
#Addiction #Gaming #Disorder
Reflection: Have you, or someone you know, struggled with video game addiction? Tell me your thoughts!
Here is a link to a really good and informative documentary about video game addiction that is really worth watching: Lost Boys | Gaming Addiction Documentary | CTV W5 (Trigger warning-Suicide attempt)
@professionalVision2624
Parents should take time out to communicate with their children in a simple way, and share each other's fun and troubles; take their children to do some parent-child sports, such as running, playing table tennis, etc.; organize family outdoor trips or picnics during holidays, and guide children to get out of games and immerse themselves in nature. Help them divert their attention.
@SYC1223
Yes I agree! Parents do need to take more initiative if they are noticing signs of video game addiction in their children to moderate it before it goes out of hands. And it's also a perfect oppurtunity for kids to find another hobby they can enjoy alongside (or replace) video gaming to the point of addiction
@professionalVision2624
This is a really great comprehensive summary of what video game addiction is, when I was younger I was clearly addicted to video games to the point that it would affect my relationships with my family and friends. It clearly wasn't healthy and it often ruined a lot of aspects of my life including sleep, exercise, etc.
@sunnyWriting4806
Thank you! I have also struggled with video game addiction when I was a teenager and it also did ruin aspects of my life, it's like a "silent addiction" that just creeps up on people and the ones around us might not recognize it the same way as someone can see substance abuse/addiction. Thank you so much for sharing!
@professionalVision2624
This is interesting to learn!
I wasn't aware video games could become an addiction!
Thanks for the insightful article.💛✨
@innateJoy9602
I'm happy you found the article intersting! <3