The new report ‘Online Games Addiction – What You Should Know’ from Game Addiction Institute, and Entertainment Media Research highlights the need to take a closer look at online games and their addictive nature. The report provides insight into current knowledge of online game addiction and highlights the need for further research.
There is a new craze sweeping through the internet: online games. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll, 74% of Americans play video games.
The problem is that some people spend a lot of time playing them, sometimes for hours. As the addiction worsens, it becomes increasingly difficult to break away from the computer screen.
It’s called “online gaming addiction,” an epidemic in the United States. According to the American Psychiatric Association, this type of behavior is classified as a condition that needs treatment.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait until you’re addicted to finding the answers. There are several signs that you may already be addicted.
The most common online games in our time are social networking games, like Facebook. These games need players to connect with others through their social media accounts (Facebook), share their achievements with friends, and play together with their friends. And the most addictive types of online games are games that require a lot of interaction from other players. These games have become increasingly popular among adults and teenagers and have caused many problems in these people’s lives. This article will discuss online game addiction and why it’s a real problem.
What is an online game addiction?
An online game addiction, also known as “gaming addiction,” is a condition in which individuals are addicted to playing video games or other computerized games.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), gaming addiction is a behavior pattern that causes problems in an individual’s life. It involves spending a lot of time playing a video game or other computerized game and feeling that it is necessary to continue playing the game.
The symptoms of an online game addiction include an overwhelming desire to play computerized games. You may also find yourself spending more and more time playing video games or other automated games. You may also experience nausea, sleep deprivation, and irritability when you cannot play games.
Types of online games addiction
There are two types of video game addiction: behavioral and psychological. Behavioral addiction is when you lose control of your life and manifests in things like gambling, sex, drugs, and shopping.
Psychological addiction is when your body and mind get so caught up in the game that you lose touch with reality.
Behavioral addiction symptoms are similar to substance abuse, but instead of drugs, you’re addicted to video games.
Why online game addiction is harmful
When people become addicted to online games, they often lose touch with the real world. Their real-life relationships suffer, and they often lose a sense of purpose in life.
Some players also develop anxiety and depression. It’s not uncommon for a person to start thinking about suicide when their addiction escalates.
It’s also not uncommon for addicted people to use drugs and alcohol to cope with their problems.
In short, an addicted person is more likely to engage in criminal activity, drop out of school, and experience health issues.
Symptoms of an online game addiction
The symptoms are similar to other addictions, such as gambling, substance abuse, and overeating.
A common sign of online game addiction is playing for more than eight hours daily or five days weekly.
You may have also lost control of your finances. Playing online games makes it very easy to lose track of your spending.
Your sleep patterns have changed. People who suffer from video game addiction tend to have erratic sleeping patterns.
You may have stopped hanging out with your friends. If you have an online game addiction, you’ll often spend time playing instead of interacting with your friends. If you recognize yourself in any of these behaviors, it’s time to start talking to someone.
How to manage online game addiction?
Addiction can be described as an uncontrollable urge to do something. It’s a compulsive habit that can be extremely hard to overcome.
In the case of online games, this can lead to a complete lack of control over your life. You may spend hours playing, even if you don’t feel like it.
As you’re playing, you might find yourself wasting time, money, and even sleep. You may also become increasingly dissatisfied with your life and feel like missing out on essential things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most common Online Game Addiction?
A: Most online games are social. Some people enjoy their social aspect, but if the addiction starts getting nasty, it can lead to depression and other mental disorders.
Q: Do online games cause physical or mental damage?
A: Some physical health issues, like eye strain, can arise from playing video games for too long. You can pay less and use good screen-saving technology if this is a problem.
Q: Does Online Gaming Cause Social Anxiety?
A: Many people feel insecure when playing online games, which can lead to feelings of loneliness.
Q: Does Online Gaming Cause Mental Health Issues?
A: Yes. When you play online games, you may become obsessed with getting higher in the rankings or beating others. This may affect your real-life interactions.
Top Myth about online game addiction
1. That all online games are addictive
2. That they cause a lot of damage to your health
3. That you should just quit them
4. That it is impossible to quit
Conclusion
As you probably guessed, there are many different types of online games. Some of these include casino games, sports games, board games, and others.
These are mostly games that you play on your phone or tablet. They can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. There are also available mobile apps.
One of the most popular genres is card games. These are played with a deck of cards. The rules can be different, but they are all played similarly.
Other online games are very much like video games. They require a controller to play. You plug the controller into your PC or Mac and then start playing.
The best part about online games is that you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is a computer and a web connection. That’s it.
