What is video game addiction?
Addiction to video games, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder, is defined by a loss of control over gaming behaviour that has detrimental consequences for many aspects of life.
Internet gaming is the most common source of problem gambling, while it can affect players of any electronic device.
Some experts believe that increased dopamine levels contribute significantly to the problem of video game addiction. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that functions in the brain’s reward system.
Addiction is seen by therapists as operating similarly across the board. The behaviour itself serves as a substitute for the substance in the case of addictions to sex, gambling, and video games.
Because the addict associates the activity with positive emotions, he or she will want to engage in it as much as possible.
Experts in the field of video game addiction agree that the problem likely has a psychological basis. They argue that compulsive gamers use their virtual worlds as an escape from their real-life problems and emotions. Recent research found that 41% of online gamers play to disconnect from the real world.
The professionals working in rehabs for video game addiction are trained to identify the root reasons of their patients’ struggles and work with them to find lasting solutions.
Signs and symptoms of video gaming addiction
A few of the tell-tale signs of video game addiction are: • Negative effects on academics, productivity at work, and ability to handle household chores as a direct result of too much time spent playing video games. • The appearance of negative emotions like depression, anxiety, or anger when access to video games is suddenly cut off. • An ever-increasing time commitment required to achieve the same degree of gaming satisfaction. • Allowing gaming take the place of other interests or friendships. • Being unable to cut back on gaming or stop playing altogether despite the detrimental effects it has on one’s life. • Deceptively downplaying video game time in conversations with loved ones. • Excessive gaming has led to a deterioration in personal hygiene and/or grooming. • Playing video games as a distraction from tense personal or professional situations or to avoid arguments at home. • Playing video games can help lift depressing emotions like regret or despair.
