Nowadays, video game addiction is becoming a growing concern. This primarily affects children and teens. No doubt that gaming is a fun hobby. However, it turns into a serious problem in some cases. How? Once someone becomes addicted to video games, it can affect many relationships and studies. The solution to addressing this issue is to be aware of the signs and risks, and then protect your teens in the early stages.
According to the WHO, there’s a study. It conveys that around 3–4% of gamers show addiction-like symptoms. It can be loss of control and neglect of daily life duties. To save your kids or even yourself from this addiction, you should read this blog. We will educate you on video game addiction.
What is video game addiction?
The term video game addiction refers to something that harms daily life. It happens when someone plays games so much. You may think they are enjoying the game. But it’s not the truth. A game addiction is a harmful condition. Actually, it may impact aspects such as school, relationships, or health. And when it does this, it becomes a problem. Even the WHO has recognized “gaming disorder” as a real mental health condition.
This addiction is completely different from normal gaming. If someone plays to relax or enjoy, that’s normal. However, an addiction makes a person out of control. They can’t control how long to play. Whether they feel restless or upset, they continue playing. Many doctors use a specific technique for diagnosing this problem. They recognize this addiction by noticing:
- If there is a lack of control over gaming time. When gaming takes precedence over other daily activities.
- If someone refuses to leave the game despite knowing it harms their health or interferes with their work.
- If these patterns last for at least 12 months, doctors will know that it is a gaming disorder.
Signs and symptoms of video game addiction
How to recognize video game addiction?
1. Preoccupation with gaming:
When someone is playing video games so much, and you want to know whether they are addicted or not, you just have to notice what they are occupied with. A person who is addicted has their thoughts always centered around gaming.
Sometimes, they are not even playing, but still they think about their next session. Also, thoughts about strategies and upcoming levels are constantly on their mind. You may also notice that this trait is reflected in their conversations. They may feel more excited whenever they talk about playing.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms
The next is withdrawal symptoms. This is a common sign of video game addiction. What happens is that people who are addicted may feel angry and restless. Additionally, they may experience feelings of sadness or anxiety. These feelings arise when gaming is kept away for too long.
These feelings make it difficult to relax. Also, it may become an obstacle to enjoying other activities. In many cases, addicted people may show frustration toward others who try to stop them. Hence, this shows that gaming has become more than just a hobby for them.
3. Neglect of responsibilities
Another indication that a person is addicted to video games is their neglect of responsibilities. The example is about students. They may leave homework unfinished. Instead of doing their homework, they get engaged in playing video games. The other example is about adults.
They may delay their office work and continue playing games. Over time, neglecting responsibilities can lead to serious problems. It can be poor grades or workplace issues. What we mean to say is, if someone is neglecting their duties and playing games, it simply means they are addicted.
How can excessive gaming affect you?
In simple terms, playing video games excessively can disrupt the balance of your life. Even simple tasks may get overlooked. For example, you may not eat on time or get enough sleep. Additionally, you may not be able to finish your household chores. This all happens because you start thinking that gaming is more important than anything.
This addiction doesn’t just disturb your balance of life. It also affects your relationships. Your family or friends may feel left out. This leads to arguments and distance. Over time, this constant focus on gaming may lead to stress and hinder your personal growth.
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Causes and risk factors of video game addiction
Factors contributing to video game addiction:
Psychological factors
The first thing that contributes to gaming addiction is the psychological factor. Many people start playing video games as they think it is an escape from stress. Actually, games offer them excitement and a feeling of achievement. It is a sense of control for them. This control is usually missing in their real life.
Over time, this escaping from stress by playing games becomes a habit. There are many chances that people with depression or low self-esteem are more vulnerable to this addiction.
Social influences
The next factor is social influences. In today’s times, many games are created with the intention of engaging online communities. In such communities, players team up, chat, or compete with one another. This makes gaming very appealing. It offers social connections and friendships. This is mainly attractive for people who are shy or feel lonely in real life.
With such games, they can interact while feeling comfortable and safe. But this constant connection can create pressure on players. It asks them to play longer and not miss out. Over time, this becomes a major reason why people face video game addiction.
Environmental factors
A person’s environment plays a big role in gaming addiction. If you have easy access to computers and mobile phones, it becomes easy to play games at any time. This happens because there is no lack of supervision. Mainly, it’s for young people. Teens and children with no supervision may increase the risk of game addiction.
The chances increase if games are the only source of entertainment in their life. Also, many advertisements and game designs keep players hooked. Such things show bright graphics. It makes it difficult for them to step away.
The role of game design in promoting addictive behavior
Reward systems
What game design does to promote addictive behavior is to feature reward systems. There are many games that use rewards. It can be points or achievements. Also, it can unlock new levels. With such rewards, they keep the player motivated. While playing the game, each small win gives a feeling of accomplishment.
It makes the player want to continue. This cycle of getting rewards activates the brain’s pleasure system. It is just like how gambling works. Players usually get motivated to play just one more round.
Social connectivity
You may notice that many video games offer a feature that allows players to team up and communicate with each other. This creates a strong social pull. This is mainly appealing to people who enjoy connecting with others.
The game design includes group events and team missions. It also has online friendships. What happens is that players don’t want to miss any event or mission. This makes them play for longer hours.
Endless gameplay design
In past times, many games had fixed endings. However, modern video games are different from them. They are created to never truly end. They offer features such as continuous updates and seasonal challenges.
This keeps players coming back to the game. In short, new game designs create a feeling of always getting something new. And it makes it hard for game addicts to stop early.
Impact of video game addiction on children and teens
The effects of video game addiction on mental health
Increased anxiety
One of the main effects of video games on a child’s mental health is increased anxiety. You may notice that they have started worrying about missing out on game progress. Over time, this worry creates stress and makes them nervous. Even if they are outside the game, they feel the same. Also, their school tasks and social activities may trigger their worry. It happens because their mind is focused on the game.
Risk of depression
If your children spend too much time playing video games, they may increase the risk of depression. They may start isolating themselves from real-life activities. Additionally, they may miss out on opportunities to enjoy their hobbies. Moreover, your kids may stop interacting with friends or spending quality time with family. All of this may lead to sadness. They may become increasingly emotionally dependent on screens.
Potential impacts on physical health
Sleep deprivation
The physical impact of a video game addiction your child may experience is sleep deprivation. What happens is that many children and teens stay up late at night just to play games. This reduces their rest time. And if they don’t get proper rest, they may feel constant tiredness.
Also, it lowers their energy. Over time, this lack of proper sleep may begin to affect their memory. Therefore, this is the physical impact they experience due to excessive video game play.
Sedentary lifestyle
The next is a sedentary lifestyle. When kids play online excessively, it means they spend long hours sitting in front of a screen. This reduces physical activity. It leads to weight gain and poor fitness. Also, it may weaken their muscles. It is essential to know that children and teens require regular physical activity to maintain their health.
However, if they get addicted to games, it keeps them indoors. Also, they become lazy. And this lack of activity doesn’t just affect their body. It also increases the risks of other health problems.
What parents should do: Prevention strategies for video game addiction
Set clear limits on screen time
To help save your kids from video game addiction, consider setting clear limits on their screen time. When you set such boundaries, it helps kids learn to strike a balance between their needs and those of others. This balance lies between gaming and other activities.
For example, clear limits allow gaming only after homework is completed. Also, it may avoid late-night plays. If you stay consistent with these limits, you can ensure games remain a fun activity for your children.
Encourage alternative activities
To let you know that children may not be overly engaged in video games if they have other fun options. As a parent, it’s your duty to introduce them to different hobbies. It can be sports, reading, or art.
Additionally, you can encourage them to participate in outdoor activities. The options do not just end here. You can also encourage them to join family outings and board games. This encouragement let them explore their interests. It builds their skills and confidence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video game addiction is not just about playing too much. Actually, it may deeply affect your mental health and physical well-being. Today, gaming has become a significant part of people’s lives. Majorly, children and teens are addicted to video games.
Due to this, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs early. Additionally, parents should establish healthy boundaries and keep their children engaged in other activities to maintain a balanced lifestyle. By doing so, they can successfully avoid this addiction. Remember that everything is good when kept in limits.
