Gaming addiction

Gaming addiction

risks
November 09, 2024•3 min read

Gaming Addiction

Internet gaming addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is a behavioral condition where an individual becomes excessively engaged with online gaming, leading to significant impairment or distress in daily life. It is characterized by an inability to control the amount of time spent gaming, often prioritizing gaming over essential activities like school, work, relationships, or self-care. This condition is now recognized by both the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the DSM-5 as a condition warranting further study and by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "Gaming Disorder" in the ICD-11.

Research on gaming addiction (or Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD) indicates a significant prevalence among children and adolescents, particularly within the 8- to 18-year-old range. Approximately 8.5% of children and teenagers worldwide are considered to exhibit addictive gaming behaviors. This prevalence can vary depending on country, age, and other demographic factors​.

Age and Gender Distribution: Gaming addiction tends to be more common in adolescents, with the highest risk seen in teenagers aged 12-17 years. According to research published by Addiction Group, Approximately 8.5% of Children and adolescents (8-18) in the United States exhibit symptoms of gaming disorder. Studies consistently show that males are more likely to develop gaming addiction than females. For instance, males are about 2.5 times more likely to be affected by gaming disorder compared to females.

How Gaming Addiction Manifests in Daily Life

  • Routine Disruptions: Those with IGD often have irregular sleep patterns, frequently playing into the night and experiencing chronic fatigue.

  • Isolation and Social Withdrawal: Individuals may prefer the company of online communities over real-life interactions, leading to social isolation.

  • Decline in Physical Health: Sedentary habits from prolonged gaming can result in obesity, poor posture, eye strain, and other health issues.

  • Financial Strain: In some cases, gaming addiction may lead to excessive spending on in-game purchases, impacting personal or family finances.

Main Causes of Gaming Addiction

  1. Game Design and Reward Mechanisms: Many online games are designed with features that encourage repeated play, such as rewards, achievements, and social interactions within games. These mechanisms make games highly engaging and can contribute to compulsive use. More about this topic can be found here. 

  2. Psychological Factors: Traits like impulsiveness, stress, low self-esteem, and the need for social validation are linked to increased gaming use. Gaming often provides a sense of accomplishment or social belonging that children may not find elsewhere. 

  3. Environmental Influences: Accessibility to personal devices and parental leniency regarding screen time are significant factors that allow children to play games for extended periods​.

Effects of Gaming Addiction on Children and Adolescents

  1. Mental Health Impact: Excessive gaming is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. Prolonged gaming sessions may also affect children’s ability to manage stress and emotions effectively.

  2. Academic and Social Consequences: Addicted gamers often experience a decline in academic performance, as they may neglect studies, skip classes, or perform poorly on assignments. Social isolation is common, leading to strained relationships with family and friends​

  3. Physical Health Risks: Gaming addiction can lead to physical health issues such as sleep disorders, eye strain, and increased risk of obesity due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits.

References: 

Na'ama Moran

Na'ama is a parent and former tech entrepreneur who is interested in conscious parenting and community living.

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