Understanding Video Game Addiction: Causes, Impacts, and Pathways to Recovery
Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, has become an increasingly recognized issue in the digital age, and this phenomenon is characterized by the compulsive use of video games to the extent that it interferes with an individual’s daily life. Indeed, this article derives into the causes, impacts, and general solutions for video game addiction, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic based on video game addiction.
Causes of Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction arises from different factors, making it a complex issue to understand and address. Firstly, the psychological aspect of gaming is significant because games are meticulously designed to be immersive and rewarding, engaging players through unlimited reward cycles that stimulate dopamine release. This kind of dopamine release reinforces the gaming behavior, which encourages the players to continue engaging with the game to achieve similar rewarding experiences (Griffiths, Mark D., 2009).
Secondly, the social dimension of gaming cannot be overlooked. Online gaming platforms provide a sense of community and belonging that may be lacking in a player’s real-life interactions. For example, Kuss and Griffiths emphasize that these virtual communities offer a space where individuals can form meaningful connections and feel accepted, which makes the imagination of the gaming world stronger for those seeking social interaction (Kuss, Daria J., and Mark D. Griffiths, 2012).
Lastly, biological predispositions play a role in the likelihood of developing a gaming addiction. As Weinstein and Lejoyeux suggest, certain individuals may have a genetic or neurobiological inclination towards addictive behaviors, making them more susceptible to the compulsive use of video games. This predisposition that is combined with the psychological and social factors, creates a scenario where gaming can become an addictive behavior for the people(Weinstein, Aviv, and Michel Lejoyeux, 2010).
These elements, which are psychological engagement, social connection, and biological susceptibility, intertwine to contribute to video game addiction. The challenge lies in addressing these multifaceted causes to effectively support individuals struggling with gaming addiction, and therefore, this balances the need for engaging entertainment with the risks of excessive use.
Impacts of Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction can have serious effects on different parts of a person’s life, such as touching on their physical health, mental well-being, and how they connect with others. When someone plays games for a very long time without taking breaks, it can lead to health problems. For example, sitting in one place for too long can cause weight gain, pain in the wrists from repetitive movements, and trouble sleeping (Anderson, Craig A., and Karen E. Dill, 2000).
On the mental health side, spending too much time gaming can make feelings of sadness, worry, or stress worse, and it can also lead to problems with focusing and staying still, which are signs of ADHD. These issues can make it hard for someone to feel joyful or calm (Gentile, Douglas A, 2009).
In terms of social life, being addicted to video games can make someone feel lonely because they spend a lot of time away from friends and family, and it can also cause arguments with loved ones or problems at school or work because the addiction takes up so much time and energy (Gentile, Douglas A, 2009).
Overall, the impact of gaming too much can reach far into a person’s life, affecting their health, happiness, and relationships with others. It is important to find a balance between enjoying video games and taking care of oneself in all aspects of life.
Solutions and Treatments
Treating video game addiction often needs varieties of different methods, including help from psychologists, support from family, and medicine. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that has been really helpful, as it works by helping people notice and change the thoughts and behaviors that make them play games too much (King, Daniel L., et al, 2012).
Family support is also really important since families can help by setting rules about how long to play games and encouraging other fun activities that don’t involve looking at screens. This helps the person struggling with addiction to find other ways to enjoy their time and connect with people offline (Han, Doug Hyun, and Perry F. Renshaw, 2011).
Sometimes, if the person is also dealing with other issues like feeling very depressed or having trouble focusing, doctors might suggest medication, as these medicines can help treat those other conditions, which might make it easier for the person to control their gaming habits (Han, Doug Hyun, and Perry F. Renshaw, 2011).
Overall, getting better from video game addiction usually means looking at the problem from different aspects and using a variety of strategies to help the person build a healthier life.
Conclusion
Video game addiction is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of its causes, impacts, and treatment options. By recognizing the signs of addiction and seeking appropriate help, individuals can find balance and regain control over their gaming habits. Overall, it is crucial for society to create supportive environments that encourage healthy gaming practices and provide resources for those struggling with addiction.
works cited:
- Griffiths, Mark D. “The Role of Context in Online Gaming Excess and Addiction: Some Case Study Evidence.” International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, vol. 8, no. 1, July 2009, pp. 119–25. https://link.s-pringer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-009-9229-x. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
- Kuss, Daria J., and Mark D. Griffiths. “Online Gaming Addiction in Children and Adolescents: A Review of Empirical Research.” Journal of Behavioral Addictions, vol. 1, no. 1, Mar. 2012, pp. 3–22. https://akjo-urnals.com/view/journals/2006/1/1/article-p3.xml. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
- Weinstein, Aviv, and Michel Lejoyeux. “Internet Addiction or Excessive Internet Use.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, vol. 36, no. 5, June 2010, pp. 277–83. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/-full/10.3109/00952990.2010.491880. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
- Anderson, Craig A., and Karen E. Dill. “Video Games and Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior in the Laboratory and in Life.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 78, no. 4, Apr. 2000, pp. 772–90. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp784772.pdf. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
- Gentile, Douglas A. “Pathological Video-Game Use Among Youth Ages 8 to 18.” Psychological Science, vol. 20, no. 5, May 2009, pp. 594–602. https://-www.drdouglas.org/drdpdfs/Gentile_Pathological_VG_Use_2009e.pdf. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
- King, Daniel L., et al. “Cognitive‐Behavioral Approaches to Outpatient Treatment of Internet Addiction in Children and Adolescents.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 68, no. 11, Sept. 2012, pp. 1185–95. https://online-library.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jclp.21918. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
- Han, Doug Hyun, and Perry F. Renshaw. “Bupropion in the Treatment of Problematic Online Game Play in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.” Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol. 26, no. 5, Mar. 2011, pp. 689–96. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881111400647. Accessed Feb 9, 2024.
