Online games are played on the computer by the accessibility of the internet. Our world's most popular games like 'World of Warcraft' and 'Counter-strike' are successful because players can interact with each other. Research as of 2008 indicates that 70% of the young aged 9-19 years have played online games before.
With the constant ever-changing world of new media, anything is possible. In cyber-space, time and distance are a no problem, and cultural barriers are broken down. Players can meet each other in unreal places from around the world which gives a strong sense of community. New friends are made and enemies are just trashed that quick. Furthermore, anybody can be whoever they want to be! Research (at Brunel University) also indicates that players can gain vital social and cultural skills, which will come in handy in life later.
Online Gaming Addiction Video
What is online gaming addiction?
Do you know? Online gaming addiction is the most common form of internet addiction where gamers spend hours online which makes them neglect important areas of their lives, including their health, education, work and family. An addict usually spends over 4 hours gaming and will most likely throw tantrums when this isn't possible. However, gaming addiction isn't widely known like smoking, alcohol or gambling addictions. Although mental health professionals agree that this addiction exists, there is no official diagnosis. Sadly, gaming addiction has no criteria of its own. Gamaholics’ are found in different age, cultural and social groups especially male teenagers.
What are the causes of the addiction?
Addictions simply means when one action becomes the central focus of a person’s life. Similarly, low self esteem, depression, problems in the home environment and poor social skills are common causes of gaming addiction. Gamers often rely too heavily on games to provide relief and distraction from the 'real world' which makes quitting a no easy task. The social and competitive nature of gaming also makes it hard to quit.
What are the effects?
Definitely there are many people who know how to play in moderation. Gaming becomes a problem only when it takes control of the person. The problems posed would be:
- Self-neglect
- Poor posture/back problems
- Health issues like busted wrists and dry eyes
- Avoid eating, washing and sleeping
- Strain on relationships where break-ups occur because players choose gaming over their partners and families
- Death, which is extreme and rare, gaming has been blamed for a number of deaths
Example on point 6, an infant died because his father was too busy gaming to care for him. Some people complained that there should definitely be a warning on the box in stores. However, gaming companies claim it is up to the players to be responsible.
Any cure for gaming addiction?
A rehab gaming clinic (The Smith & Jones GAMESTERDAM clinic) has opened in Amsterdam. It is the world's first treatment centre for obsessive gamers which includes 'gamaholics' camping, so that patients can experience a thrill in other healthy activities.
Just for your information: In China, new laws have been introduced to restrict teenagers from playing too much. Do read on the article at http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-07-17-china-limits-teen-game-time_N.htm
Discussion
- Do share if you have any experience in addiction of online gaming or know some other people who do.
- Do you think there will be an official diagnosis for online gaming addiction?
- What are ways that you can do to avoid being too reliable on online games during your free time?
FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS! :)
Special thanks to http://www.netaddiction.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=84, http://hubpages.com/hub/Computer-Gaming-Addiction, yahoo.com, google.com and youtube.com for great references, images and video.
