What is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction is an obsessive, uncontrollable need to play video games that interferes with daily life It occurs when a person is unable to control their gaming activities and has difficulty ignoring the lure of video games when it is time to move on to other activities. While video games can be a fun and engaging way to spend time, individuals with video game addiction will often prioritize their gaming activities above all else and will often spend excessive amounts of time playing games.
Video game addiction can be caused by a number of factors including the use of rewards, the sense of personal accomplishment from mastering a game, and the feelings of escapism that come from playing games. It can also be caused by psychological or emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. People with video game addiction may also have difficulty managing their emotions, so they may turn to gaming as a form of coping.
The best way to prevent or treat video game addiction is to have a healthy balance between gaming and other activities. Parents should also stay informed about their child’s gaming habits and set proper boundaries and expectations when it comes to playing video games.
Examples of Video Game Addiction
1. An individual may become so addicted to a particular game that they become isolated from social interactions, preferring to spend all of their free time playing the game.
2. Someone with video game addiction may experience difficulty managing their emotions and turning to gaming as a coping mechanism instead of addressing their issues.
3. An individual may become so obsessed with collecting in-game rewards and achievements that they forget to maintain their real-life responsibilities.
4. Playing video games for excessive amounts of time can lead to physical health problems such as repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain.
5. Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, restlessness, and headaches, can occur when an individual tries to quit their gaming habit and no longer receives the same dopamine release that they did when they were gaming.