Spending too much time in front of a screen has always been a health concern. However, since the WHO determined a few years ago that video game addiction can be considered a disease, awareness of the issue has increased considerably. As have concerning cases of behavioral disorders due to abuse of this activity. Today we explain what it consists of, its symptoms, and what its underlying causes are.
Video games are one of the major entertainment activities that exist today in our society. Although they attract a large number of individuals, a significant portion of them tend to be minors. This is why many parents are sometimes excessively concerned about the attitude their children adopt toward these products.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of parents concerned about the time their children spend playing video games. It is an interactive form of leisure that is so engaging that it predisposes them to need a longer period of time than with other recreational activities. This very frequently leads to the belief that there may be abuse of these products or that a dependency is developing.
Although gaming addiction also exists, it is not comparable to other behavioral disorders. Such as, for example, drugs or gambling addiction. But it is also real, and that means it can affect people’s health and lifestyle.
Below we explain what gaming addiction consists of and how to differentiate it from abuse or irresponsible behavior.
What Is Video Game Addiction
Video games have existed for many years, and gradually they have become a hobby like any other. It should be noted that, in their origin, they were very poorly regarded and started with very bad press. But today they are socially accepted and considered an entire new subculture that moves millions of euros annually.
In the current era, the population and many societies are trying to move toward a healthier lifestyle free of bad habits. This is why, increasingly, attempts are being made to correct abuses and excesses to avoid suffering harm or anything that could negatively affect health. Spending too much time playing video games is one of these situations. And, furthermore, it can be a symptom of the development of a dependency, like any other behavioral disorder.
To know if a person suffers from video game addiction, it is necessary to pay attention to their behavior. When responsibilities are set aside and vital needs are frequently neglected, then one can speak of addiction. Subsequently, symptoms of dependency may manifest.
Symptoms of Video Game Addiction
Although gaming addiction is considered a recent disease, like any other condition, it involves symptoms. Such conditions modify the individual’s behavior, harm their health, and alter their usual routine.
As it is a behavioral disorder, the symptoms are mostly psychological. Therefore, the most common are:
Social isolation
Playing video games for a long time can create addiction, and therefore, the need to keep playing or to finish a game. Consequently, addicts isolate themselves from society and social relationships with friends, colleagues, and family members are gradually lost if no remedy is applied. On the other hand, gaming addiction can also be a means to interact with other people online.
Loss of Productivity
The time dedicated to playing video games takes a toll on academic performance and/or work performance. Affected individuals stop studying or fulfilling their responsibilities and then learning and the acquisition of new skills are halted.
The Reward Factor
Many people with psychological problems use video games to escape from their reality. Daily problems, anxiety, stress, or arguments with loved ones affect them emotionally and they are unable to find a solution. Consequently, gaming addiction helps them escape to a more pleasant environment free of conflicts. One of the mechanics they use most is the compensatory factor once an achievement is obtained. This drives them to dedicate more time to it.
Loss of Sense of Time
The enthusiasm and the need to finish a game cause the player to lose track of time and not know how many hours they have invested. Subsequently, they must postpone any activity they needed to perform after their gaming time.
Physical Pain
Spending so much time playing in front of a screen causes the person to always remain in the same posture. Consequently, it can cause muscle pain, problems in the bones, joints, and even circulation.
Mood swings
In some situations, the player loses patience, ends the game, or things do not turn out as he or she expects. Then, an unpleasant sensation occurs that quickly triggers their anger. If this fact is repeated, it can favor sudden mood changes toward negativity.
Treatment for Video Game Addiction
Before gaming addiction becomes an exceptional case and professional help must be sought from addiction therapists, measures can be taken. This series of rules can help limit abuses and correct the behavior of the affected person.
- Help Them Understand Their Situation with Trust
- Limit the Purchase of New Games
- Try to Convince Them to Seek Other Hobbies
- Set a Limit on Gaming Time
- Use Gaming as a Reward for Fulfilling Their Responsibilities
CCAdicciones can help you with your condition. Our addiction specialists can provide you with support for any type of addiction, dependency, or behavioral disorder. Contact us!
