The Dangers of Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is already a fact because thousands of people across the globe are experiencing this kind of behavior. Although there is no scientific evidence as to this issue being a mental disorder or disturbance, this trait results to a number of negative attributes. It is important to note that video game addiction occurs to people of all ages. However, the height of addiction is exhibited mostly on teenagers. With this being a societal problem, more serious troubles arise. Here is a list of what may happen:
- Individuals tend to be preoccupied with online gaming not knowing that there is a healthy environment surrounding them.
- They lose focus on important activities such as education, employment, daily household chores, personal hygiene and normal eating habits.
- Behavioral problems appear such as lying to family members, friends and relatives. Addiction also causes the individual to be irritable and restless due to inhibited behavior.
- Individual’s social skills become undeveloped due to prolonged periods of isolation caused by high concentration to gaming.
- In terms of physical characteristics, individual may suffer from Carpal tunnel syndrome, fatigue, excessive sweating, migraine and even vomiting.
Video game addiction is considered dangerous especially all these negative attributes appear on the individual. The sad truth is that video games are designed to be addictive so that gamers will invest their time, money and effort on it. On the brighter side, video gaming is entertaining and relaxing for other people. With all these facts provided, it is essential to learn about the different remedies, solutions and preventive measures to video game addiction.
- At the onset of holding a mouse, keyboard, joystick or game controller, it is necessary to instill in your brain that gaming is just a form of entertainment. You have to discipline yourself that you will have to retire from a game after a short period of time and then proceed with normal daily tasks.
- Put video gaming as your least priority. By coming up with a daily to-do-list, you can focus your attention on more important activities that will benefit yourself and your family. You can still insert some video gaming time but make sure that the time allocated is not greater than the time you need to spend for work, family responsibilities and personal wellness.
- Force yourself to play for just a few hours a day and gradually reduce the number of hours or minutes as time days pass by, If you are used to playing two hours a day, try to decrease this by 15 minutes per day until such time that you can perceive gaming as a recreational activity with no addiction involved.
- Spend more time with families and friends and enjoy outdoor activities. You can always use your device for gaming but it is much healthier to socialize with real people in the real world. Talk to your children about having personal interaction and a life outside of playing games.
Video game addiction can destroy all aspects of a person’s life. This habit can definitely be avoided at an early stage as long as you are surrounded with people who care about your well-being. Discipline starts from within. Take note that video gaming is closely related to gambling addiction therefore, just play for fun and use a site for just a leisurely game.
Lisa R says
I am honestly seeing that a phone is just as bad. Kids seem to interact more on the phone than the way kids in my day would go out and see the world
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
Jana Williams says
It Really is Sad How Kids Don’t Want tor Read Anymore or Play Outside Anymore! When I Was Little I Loved Playing Outside & Going on an Adventure; I Would Play with Friends or Alone but I Always had Fun Using My Imagination & Playing New Games! I Loved When My Mom Would Take Me to the Library & Read to Me in Those Cool Round Chairs! I Still Love to Read & Going to the Library; I Love the Way the Old Library Books Smell! My Niece & Nephews are Constantly Online or Playing Video Games & it Makes me Sad! I Long for the Good Ole Days and at 33 yrs Old I Never Thought I Would Hear Those Words Coming Out of My Mouth! I Don’t Want to Sound Harsh but I Believe that Because Kids are Not Getting Much Exercise That’s Why There is a High Rate of Child Obesity and I Know it isn’t the Whole Reason but it Plays a Big Part in it! Great Post & Good for You for Getting the Message Out There! Have a Great Blessed Day! Jana
Julie Wood says
Video game addiction is real and terrible as the child gets older. It keeps a person from progressing and getting things done that they need to. Nobody really talks about this serious problem. I had to get my son to stop playing this so much! It is almost like I wish he never had video games at all.
Terri S says
Video game addiction is very real. This is a great post about it. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Kimberly Spanton says
Its hard because its unrealistic to never allow them to play video games, or other kinds or visually stimulating media. Its everywhere. In our family we do like to set screen times. We use apps on phones or tablets that have those settings. And we also make sure to keep the games somewhat educational.
denise low says
I think this is so true that video games is not very good for our children. There are better things to do with there time.
Betsy Barnes says
When my son was younger, we monitored his time playing video games. What bothered me more, was the constant texting all the time, we had start limiting that too. He’s 21 now, doesn’t do either of these much, work is more important! 🙂
Linda Manns Linneman says
This is so true. Not only for young people but adults also. I find I have this problem with the computer and giveaways. Thank you so much for sharing this very useful information
Anne Marie Carter says
My son spends too much time on his phone…
I agree with this article regarding social skills being depressed due to this.
Nena Sinclair says
I think this is a huge problem! I see that it causes a lot of problems, with kids being able to get their homework done, too, and being able to get up for school, because so many kids are up late gaming. Actually, it interferes in the lives of many adults, as well!
Cheryl Johnson says
We need to get back to old way and go outside with our kids and take a walk or go to the park, ride bikes rather allow them so much video time. Happy Holidays.
rebretta says
My son is in this category for sure! He’s almost 21 now and all he does is work and computer game!
Sue M. says
It’s true, video games can be addictive (among both kids and adults as well), and you’re right about how the game developers make the game more addictive by offering great game rewards that require more time to play to achieve, so people keep playing for longer periods of time. I definitely agree to put a limit on game time and that people should play video games only after doing other things first (like homework, chores, outdoor activities, etc.)