Not long ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) first included video game addiction in its list of mental disorders. And recently, in a latest announcement, WHO has officially confirmed that game addiction is a disease. This disease is characterized by gamers forcing themselves to play video games leading to degradation of life, neglect of other hobbies and activities. Game addiction is considered a disorder only if it severely affects the individual, family, social, educational, occupational or other areas for at least 12 months.
Studies show that gaming disorder affects only a small percentage of the population that engages in digitally active gaming activities. However, “gamers should be wary of the amount of time they spend on their gaming activities. Especially when there are changes in their physical or psychological health and social functioning.” The organization says it may be related to a player’s pattern of gaming behavior.
Depending on the severity of the addictive behavior and the co-occurrence of other health or mental conditions, gaming addiction can be treated as inpatient or outpatient.
A study by Frontiers in Psychology found a moderate association between video game addiction affecting poor psychological functioning, negative emergence in romantic relationships, low self-esteem, and liking her. simple, as well as reduced academic performance.
Research also shows that gaming can relieve individuals from the complexities of everyday life and can lead to positive effects when playing and feeling connected with like-minded people, all are all elements with immediate reinforcement value. “However, in the long run, spending many hours a day in front of a computer screen can prevent a person from developing physically and psychologically, finding friends and social relationships, and being unable to have have good academic and work achievements. Alternatively, it may also be tied to a sedentary lifestyle, avoidance of self-development, increased aggression, violence, or stress-induced trauma.”
