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Video Game Addiction

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By gamergirl

Video games, whether played on the internet using your computer, or on a console such as the Xbox or Playstation, have the ability of entertaining our minds while drawing in the whole of our attention away from what may be a stressful or boring world around us.

The allure of video games begins at a young age, just think about the screaming child who wants to visit the arcade at the mall so badly, often to the great displeasure of the adults who have other plans. So where does this impulse control disorder get its roots?

Video Game Addict
Video Game Addict


The Facts

Fact: Video game addiction is just like any other impulse control disorder. Treatment of video game addiction depends on the severity of the case. For mild cases, such as a child who plays too much Xbox or Playstation, simply provide alternative means by which they may entertain themselves. More radical solutions include complete restriction from extended use of the computer/console, instituting a schedule within which the child may pursue electronic entertainment, and removal of these devices from the home. More intense cases of video game addiction should be treated by a professional before any life-changing choices are made by loved ones.

Fact: Video game addiction is a real issue, with real consequences. Ask any gamer if they've ever heard about someone being divorced or falling seriously ill due to spending too much time on the computer or console. The answer will, for the most part, be yes.

Fact: Producers and Developers of video games WANT people to become addicted. Just like tobacco companies, game makers produce and design games which are tailored to draw the attention of the player in further and further. The more a player plays a game, the more likely they are to purchase other games by the same company or in the same series of games. Just look at Final Fantasy, Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto and games like them. Each of these games is basically endless and offers hours of entertainment to the player, easily hooking people and creating a devoted fanbase of people willing to spend hundreds of dollars and thousands of hours playing these games.

Possible Causes of Video Game Addiction

Video games are fun and come in all flavors and varieties. There really is a game to entertain anyone out there, and if you've ever played a game on the internet, you know that there are lots of places to play a free game. Console gaming may be a little more pricey, but offers nearly endless opportunities for gameplaying also.

So, with a universe of gaming at your disposal, the likelihood of becoming addicted, whether you know it or not, is pretty high. Here are some causes of addiction as relates to video games:

  • Change of pace - Video games take us away from our real life for a while, replacing a stressful or boring environment with a digital world where we are regaled with sights and sounds we could only imagine before.
  • Control - While playing video games of any type, there is one aspect of play that is undisputable fact: The player controls the game. This may be a balm on the spirit of a troubled person, and while not necessarily a bad thing, this is one cause of video game addiction that cannot be changed.
  • Living a fantasy - Video games come in all shapes and colors. There are console and computer games fitting every genre imaginable, and this means that anyone can find a game which suits their personal preference. That being said, finding a game you can lose yourself in for hours and hours is not difficult - but it may be pricey.

Video Game Addiction Documentary


Share your experiences with video game addiction. Leave a comment here!

RSS for comments on this Hub

G-Ma Johnson profile image

G-Ma Johnson  says:
2 years ago

Just can't seem to get into video games....interesting hub ..thanks I liked it. G-Ma :o) hugs

Eileen Hughes profile image

Eileen Hughes  says:
2 years ago

Video games are addictive. I found that out when I turned 60, our grandkids played them and eventually got me to try one. That was a BIG mistake. As soon as my husband went to work. on went the computer and I would sit there trying to get to the next level.

Soon as he came home I raced out to pull weeds out or something similar to make it look good. Now I am additcted to Hub pages. And still do not get all the housework done Oh well I'm a having lots of fun. Thanks for great topic

donnaleemason profile image

donnaleemason  says:
2 years ago

I get addicted for a wee bit, then when I get a handle on it, I leave it. But I could see how some people just have to play.

Donna

WeddingConsultant profile image

WeddingConsultant  says:
2 years ago

Thanks gamergirl for the response hub. Glad to hear your opinion on it. I've got a few questions, though. Are you implying that video game addiction is plausible amongst adults as well? I ask this because I noticed that most of your comments were geared toward kids. Also, is there much difference between multiplayer games online and massively multiplayer online (MMO) games?

jonixk profile image

jonixk  says:
2 years ago

good points gamegirl. In the past i suffered from video game addiction, specially with games like simcity. When we become addicted, it's not easy to achieve the "cure"

compu-smart profile image

compu-smart  says:
2 years ago

Gamegirl. You have brought back so many memorys...bad one's!! This article is one i should have read ages ago!. im sure it wil help others before it's too late!

I used to be an addict and im glad i have found more ways more better things to do with my time like reading "hubbing" and socializing more! I feel much better for it!,, no more nightmares of being chased by zombies and other too graphic details to write here!!

Great hub;)

Raven King profile image

Raven King  says:
2 years ago

I earned a couple of badges playing Chuzzle game on MSN.com. Serious game consisting of colorful pompoms and googly eyes. Yes, they reward you for playing the same game for hours! LOL!!!

But I needed to play because I got so frustrated when I couldn't get my google gadget to work and my computer didn't let me see the photos or what I recorded on cd! Oh well.

Fun hub!

Sibaire profile image

Sibaire  says:
2 years ago

Very interesting hub. Good tips that would help anyone with computer game addictions. Keep these great hubs coming.

FinancePortal profile image

FinancePortal  says:
2 years ago

Really nice hub that approaches the problem sensibly.

I think video games provide a powerful escape from reality - which is what drug users are seeking from their high - and this is seductive and powerful. On top of that many people who are succesful at RPGs or complex games are able to narrowly focus on something for long periods of time (it's how they get so good!) which can sometimes be seen as being 'addicted'.

It's easy to get lured in and keep on coming out with the excuse of 'just one more game' - but then I think that's a symptom of people wanting an escape from the stress and mundanity of every day life, as opposed to a problem with video games per se.

senfunn profile image

senfunn  says:
18 months ago

I Play PC games for entertainment and its great FUN, atleast better than watching TV.

I would never regret along as it doesnt affect others and my health.

dave272727 profile image

dave272727  says:
5 weeks ago

Just came across this hub. I didnt know that there was a term for us that spend countless hours with COD 4.

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