Videogame Addiction
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Technology is constantly progressing and with it come numerous new and more immersive ways to entertain ourselves. In the last few decades video games have moved out of the arcade and into our homes, with the global market value expected to reach $108.9 billion by the end of 2017. There are around 32.4 million gamers in the UK to make it the fifth largest market in the world. These video game lovers play across multiple platform options, from PlayStations to PCs, and are spending an average of around 8.9 hours every week absorbed in these interactive worlds. It's a booming industry that is only set to get bigger as the technology improves and can provide a great amount of entertainment for the average user. For some people, however, the use of video games moves beyond a simple past time and becomes and addiction.
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Adam was featured on the BBC as their addiction expert:
Adam spoke about video game addiction on LBC:
Video game addiction has yet to be officially classified as a diagnosable problem but the scientific community is examining the subject to determine whether it can be classed in the same way as other compulsive disorders, such as gambling. It is thought that, as with other dependence issues, an interest in video games becomes a gaming addiction when it begins to seriously impact the individual's life. While there are many different types of video game, many researchers believe that the common mechanics within them are what cause the addictive behaviour. Many online games utilise a random reward system which research has shown encourages compulsive playing and stimulates the reward responses in the brain. The need to get these rewards, and the positive feelings associated with doing so, reinforces regular gameplay and can lead to addictive behaviours among some gamers.
Prevalence
The popularity of the video gaming industry in the UK is constantly growing but research shows that somewhere between 38 and 50% of the population play games regularly. Males between 15 and 24 make up the largest demographic at 16% of total players but the split between male and female players is lessening. Apps, due to their easy accessibility, are the most popular gaming platform, being used by around 23% of gamers, but disk-based games are a close second at 22%.
As video game addiction has yet to be given an official classification, the number of gamers affected is hard to pin down. This is also compounded by the social acceptability of gaming and a lack of clear agreement among the scientific community as to when an interest in gaming crosses the line into addiction. A study by the University of Mexico found that as many as 15% of all gamers show signs of some level of gaming dependence and increased media awareness has shown that it is perhaps more common than previously thought.
The popularity of the video gaming industry in the UK is constantly growing but research shows that somewhere between 38 and 50% of the population play games regularly. Males between 15 and 24 make up the largest demographic at 16% of total players but the split between male and female players is lessening. Apps, due to their easy accessibility, are the most popular gaming platform, being used by around 23% of gamers, but disk-based games are a close second at 22%.
As video game addiction has yet to be given an official classification, the number of gamers affected is hard to pin down. This is also compounded by the social acceptability of gaming and a lack of clear agreement among the scientific community as to when an interest in gaming crosses the line into addiction. A study by the University of Mexico found that as many as 15% of all gamers show signs of some level of gaming dependence and increased media awareness has shown that it is perhaps more common than previously thought.
Dangers and Risks
As with anyone who repeatedly completes similar actions in the same way, video game addicts are at risk of developing a Repetitive Strain Injury. Nicknamed “Gamer's Grip”, the player develops aching pain, stiffness, and sometimes even blisters because of their gaming habit and there is further risk of this developing into significant joint and musculature injuries. As many compulsive gamers fail to take adequate breaks where they stretch and correct their posture, back pain is a common issue and research suggests that just two hours of playing daily can increase the risk of pain. Eye strain and headaches are also commonly reported among those addicted to video games.
A gaming addiction encourages a sedentary lifestyle as the player feels compelled to stay playing their game rather than engaging in physical activity. A compulsive gamer is also more likely to reach for convenience foods that generally have low nutritional benefits, greatly increasing the likelihood of obesity among video game addicts. This problem comes with the expected risks of obesity, which range from bad skin to cardiovascular problems.
The mental health of an individual can be hugely impacted by their video game addiction. While there is some debate among the research community as to whether it is a case of correlation or causation, it is clear that video game addicts are more likely to feel isolated, suffer from depression, and experience anxiety issues. Compulsive gamers are also likely to keep playing without paying attention to the time, often resulting in a severe lack of sleep, and it is common for them to experience sleep issues when they do eventually go to bed. This can cause further detriment to their overall health and negatively impact their mental health.
While the behaviours themselves are rarely considered the primary cause of death, gaming addiction has appeared more and more frequently in the media for its part in the unexpected ending of a life. Heart attacks due to the sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of death among video game addicts but blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), caused by long period spent sitting in the same position, is another significant risk. There are also numerous reports of suicide within the gaming community, attributed to the individual's dependency on games.
A 2010 study found that children with a video game addiction – which in the case of this study was defined as those who could not regulate gameplay time and would become angry if play was interrupted – displayed lower social interaction skills than their non-gaming peers. They were shown to be less assertive, engaged, and far less likely to act cooperatively. While many gaming platforms do encourage some communication with other players, much of the research that has been completed suggests that a video game addiction negatively impacts overall social skills in both children and adults.
An individual in the grips of a video game addiction is likely to prioritise their gaming needs above other aspects of life, leading to a disproportionate amount of time being allocated to gameplay over social, academic, and employment needs. Statistics show that gaming addicted youths are likely to achieve worse grades than their non-addicted peers and there have been numerous media reports of compulsive gamers losing jobs or places at university due to their addiction.
Video game addictions can also have a significant impact on family life. In 2011, a study by Divorce Online found that around 15% of divorce proceedings filed through their company were a result of video game addiction. The media has also reported a number of cases of child neglect or abuse due to compulsive gaming behaviours, including one instance in 2014 where a Floridian man admitted that he had suffocated his baby so that he could continue playing a game.
Like many addictions, a dependence on video gaming is expensive. The cost of the games themselves, upgrades, and platform maintenance can be difficult to afford, and this can be exacerbated by the fact that some video game addicts are unable to hold down a reliable job due to the time spent on gaming. These money issues can make it tempting for compulsive gamers to turn to other ways of acquiring what they need, whether this be through theft of money from loved ones to purchase the items necessary or by pirating the games themselves to fuel the gaming habit.
Though the scientific community has yet to name video game addiction as a specific influence on violent crimes, there have been a number of instances where it could be considered a contributing factor. The problem is so extensive that death by video game addiction has its own Wikipedia page, and most of these relate to a crime committed by the addicted individual rather than a compulsive gamer's death due to their addiction. A number of those listed involve the neglect of a child due to immersion in a gaming world but assault and manslaughter are also listed among the entries.
- Health:
As with anyone who repeatedly completes similar actions in the same way, video game addicts are at risk of developing a Repetitive Strain Injury. Nicknamed “Gamer's Grip”, the player develops aching pain, stiffness, and sometimes even blisters because of their gaming habit and there is further risk of this developing into significant joint and musculature injuries. As many compulsive gamers fail to take adequate breaks where they stretch and correct their posture, back pain is a common issue and research suggests that just two hours of playing daily can increase the risk of pain. Eye strain and headaches are also commonly reported among those addicted to video games.
A gaming addiction encourages a sedentary lifestyle as the player feels compelled to stay playing their game rather than engaging in physical activity. A compulsive gamer is also more likely to reach for convenience foods that generally have low nutritional benefits, greatly increasing the likelihood of obesity among video game addicts. This problem comes with the expected risks of obesity, which range from bad skin to cardiovascular problems.
The mental health of an individual can be hugely impacted by their video game addiction. While there is some debate among the research community as to whether it is a case of correlation or causation, it is clear that video game addicts are more likely to feel isolated, suffer from depression, and experience anxiety issues. Compulsive gamers are also likely to keep playing without paying attention to the time, often resulting in a severe lack of sleep, and it is common for them to experience sleep issues when they do eventually go to bed. This can cause further detriment to their overall health and negatively impact their mental health.
While the behaviours themselves are rarely considered the primary cause of death, gaming addiction has appeared more and more frequently in the media for its part in the unexpected ending of a life. Heart attacks due to the sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of death among video game addicts but blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), caused by long period spent sitting in the same position, is another significant risk. There are also numerous reports of suicide within the gaming community, attributed to the individual's dependency on games.
- Social:
A 2010 study found that children with a video game addiction – which in the case of this study was defined as those who could not regulate gameplay time and would become angry if play was interrupted – displayed lower social interaction skills than their non-gaming peers. They were shown to be less assertive, engaged, and far less likely to act cooperatively. While many gaming platforms do encourage some communication with other players, much of the research that has been completed suggests that a video game addiction negatively impacts overall social skills in both children and adults.
An individual in the grips of a video game addiction is likely to prioritise their gaming needs above other aspects of life, leading to a disproportionate amount of time being allocated to gameplay over social, academic, and employment needs. Statistics show that gaming addicted youths are likely to achieve worse grades than their non-addicted peers and there have been numerous media reports of compulsive gamers losing jobs or places at university due to their addiction.
Video game addictions can also have a significant impact on family life. In 2011, a study by Divorce Online found that around 15% of divorce proceedings filed through their company were a result of video game addiction. The media has also reported a number of cases of child neglect or abuse due to compulsive gaming behaviours, including one instance in 2014 where a Floridian man admitted that he had suffocated his baby so that he could continue playing a game.
- Criminal:
Like many addictions, a dependence on video gaming is expensive. The cost of the games themselves, upgrades, and platform maintenance can be difficult to afford, and this can be exacerbated by the fact that some video game addicts are unable to hold down a reliable job due to the time spent on gaming. These money issues can make it tempting for compulsive gamers to turn to other ways of acquiring what they need, whether this be through theft of money from loved ones to purchase the items necessary or by pirating the games themselves to fuel the gaming habit.
Though the scientific community has yet to name video game addiction as a specific influence on violent crimes, there have been a number of instances where it could be considered a contributing factor. The problem is so extensive that death by video game addiction has its own Wikipedia page, and most of these relate to a crime committed by the addicted individual rather than a compulsive gamer's death due to their addiction. A number of those listed involve the neglect of a child due to immersion in a gaming world but assault and manslaughter are also listed among the entries.
Financial Costs
The video game industry is worth a lot but it can also be expensive for the consumer, especially for one who is addicted to gaming. New games, particularly popular titles like Pokemon or Fifa, can cost upwards of £40 while the consoles themselves are constantly changing and costing money. The soon to be released Xbox One X starts at around £450 and the ever popular PlayStation 4 was released four years ago but still sits at around £250. Mobile and tablet apps can seem like the cheaper option, as many of them a free at the point of purchase, but in-app purchasing to keep up the compulsive clicking can mean that it actually works out to be just as expensive as other platform games.
Much of the focus on the effects of video game addiction have focused the psychological effects but, like other addictions, it can be assumed that there is a societal cost through health issues and lack of work. With obesity as one of the common health risks associated with internet addiction, it is likely that it plays a part in the £16 billion the NHS spends on treating the effects of obesity each year.
The video game industry is worth a lot but it can also be expensive for the consumer, especially for one who is addicted to gaming. New games, particularly popular titles like Pokemon or Fifa, can cost upwards of £40 while the consoles themselves are constantly changing and costing money. The soon to be released Xbox One X starts at around £450 and the ever popular PlayStation 4 was released four years ago but still sits at around £250. Mobile and tablet apps can seem like the cheaper option, as many of them a free at the point of purchase, but in-app purchasing to keep up the compulsive clicking can mean that it actually works out to be just as expensive as other platform games.
Much of the focus on the effects of video game addiction have focused the psychological effects but, like other addictions, it can be assumed that there is a societal cost through health issues and lack of work. With obesity as one of the common health risks associated with internet addiction, it is likely that it plays a part in the £16 billion the NHS spends on treating the effects of obesity each year.
Signs of Addiction
Those who are suffering from an addiction to video games will find that they are unable to moderate their gameplay and may find that they play for far longer than they had thought they were, including playing through the night or skipping meals to stay immersed in the game. They may find themselves thinking of their chosen game constantly, imagining the sounds and associated actions even when away from the screen. Choosing to engage in gameplay over other life essentials, like work, social events, and sleep, is another big indicator that their enjoyment of gaming has branched into a video game addiction.
The physical signs of a video game addiction can include dry, strained eyes thanks to too much screen time, sore joints and hands, headaches, and back pain due to bad posture while gaming. There may also be weight gain, as the sedentary lifestyle of compulsive gaming discourages getting active, but some individuals may conversely lose a lot of weight after being too absorbed in the game world to eat.
An individual with a video game addiction may seem low or anxious when apart from their gaming system. Their sociability may decrease, as their priorities shift to accommodate the compulsive gaming behaviours, and they may appear disconnected from the realities of everyday life. Some gaming addicts may also show signs of aggression, particularly towards someone who impedes their ability to indulge their addiction.
Those who are suffering from an addiction to video games will find that they are unable to moderate their gameplay and may find that they play for far longer than they had thought they were, including playing through the night or skipping meals to stay immersed in the game. They may find themselves thinking of their chosen game constantly, imagining the sounds and associated actions even when away from the screen. Choosing to engage in gameplay over other life essentials, like work, social events, and sleep, is another big indicator that their enjoyment of gaming has branched into a video game addiction.
The physical signs of a video game addiction can include dry, strained eyes thanks to too much screen time, sore joints and hands, headaches, and back pain due to bad posture while gaming. There may also be weight gain, as the sedentary lifestyle of compulsive gaming discourages getting active, but some individuals may conversely lose a lot of weight after being too absorbed in the game world to eat.
An individual with a video game addiction may seem low or anxious when apart from their gaming system. Their sociability may decrease, as their priorities shift to accommodate the compulsive gaming behaviours, and they may appear disconnected from the realities of everyday life. Some gaming addicts may also show signs of aggression, particularly towards someone who impedes their ability to indulge their addiction.
Treatment Options
As video game addiction has yet to be officially recognised, there are fewer treatments available when compared to a recognised substance abuse problem. There are numerous online forums devoted to helping compulsive gamers wean themselves off of their dependency, with advice about what to do instead of gaming and how to build more positive relationships in the real world.
Like many other forms of addiction, counselling options like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness can help the compulsive gamer process their dependency on video games and find ways to alleviate the anxiety they may feel when not gaming. There are various online platforms that allow the video game addict to move through the process themselves, or they may wish to see a professional to help them build a healthier relationship with gaming.
As video game addiction has yet to be officially recognised, there are fewer treatments available when compared to a recognised substance abuse problem. There are numerous online forums devoted to helping compulsive gamers wean themselves off of their dependency, with advice about what to do instead of gaming and how to build more positive relationships in the real world.
Like many other forms of addiction, counselling options like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness can help the compulsive gamer process their dependency on video games and find ways to alleviate the anxiety they may feel when not gaming. There are various online platforms that allow the video game addict to move through the process themselves, or they may wish to see a professional to help them build a healthier relationship with gaming.