Video games may seem innocent, but the truth is they can be as addictive as drugs or gambling. Addiction to gaming can have severe consequences on a person’s life, including family, academic, and work commitments.
The good news is that online gaming addiction can be prevented. Studies show that meeting basic psychological needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness in real life can reduce gaming addiction.
Dopamine
Gaming provides instant gratification, which stimulates an abnormal surge of dopamine in the brain’s reward pathway. Gamers who play excessively can become addicted to this sensation of pleasure.
Competitive games especially can trigger a rush of dopamine because they are fast-paced and full of action. This can be particularly problematic for young people who may already have a difficult time distinguishing real life from video game fantasy.
To combat this addiction, it is important for https://147.139.167.101/ gamers to find other sources of enjoyment in their lives. Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is a great way to do this. A therapist or psychologist can help gamers understand the negative emotions they may be experiencing and teach them techniques to reduce gaming time and practice positive self-talk. One of the most common types of talk therapy for video game addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy helps a person examine their thoughts and behaviors, then replace them with healthier ones.
Competition
Video games have captivated the imaginations of children and adults alike since their initial introduction in the 1970s. Today, these immersive virtual worlds offer a plethora of rewards and social interactions that can lead to compulsive playing and the neglect of real-life responsibilities. Some games also include elements of gambling, such as the use of real-world currency or in-game items to gain an advantage. The rush of winning may become one of the primary motivations for a gamer’s addiction to online gaming.
Researchers and psychologists have compared Internet gaming addiction to cardiovascular diseases or adult-onset diabetes, conditions where lifestyles and experiences can reshape the body through repeated habits. Gaming addiction has a similar impact, resulting in deteriorating relationships with loved ones, loss of employment and schooling opportunities, financial collapse, and the emergence of psychological problems like depression and anxiety. Attempts to regulate gaming time can fail, and gamers may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or a lack of energy.
Socialization
Video game addiction can lead to a decrease in in-person social interaction and, for some, this leads to a decline in school performance. It can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with a variety of health problems.
The gaming experience itself can create feelings of alienation for some people, particularly when they become addicted to online games where friendships are formed through the in-game chat system. This can lead to strained familial relationships as parents and adolescents sacrifice other important aspects of their lives, such as parenting and spousal duties, to spend time gaming.
In addition to a lack of in-person social interaction, video game addiction can cause an increase in other addictive behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse. It is also linked to eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia. Some studies have found that young gamers are more likely to engage in sexual activity, and others find that they are more likely to attempt self-harm.
Escapism
Escapism is a common way to cope with adversity and uncertainty. While it is normal to engage in some form of escapism, such as scrolling through social media or daydreaming, online gaming can be dangerous if used excessively.
Excessive gameplay can lead to a lack of sleep, eating and other activities that are necessary for one’s wellbeing. This can strain relationships with family and friends. It also can cause a person to isolate from others and withdraw from life in general.
UB School of Management doctoral https://68.183.15.14/ alumni Xunyi Wang and Mohamed Abdelhamid conducted this longitudinal study on online gaming addiction. They used multilevel regression analyses with hybrid models to capture both within-person effects and between-person effects. Their analysis showed that escapism was a strong predictor of excessive gambling, excessive gaming and excessive internet use over time. This suggests that escapism is a significant factor driving these excessive online behaviors, which can have real-life consequences. It also highlights the need to focus prevention efforts on healthy coping methods.
