Video Game Addiction

By; Meghan Kraakman

• Video game addiction, also known as video game overuse, is extreme use of computer and video games that interferes with daily life. Instances have been reported in which users play compulsively, isolating themselves from family and friends or from other forms of social contact, and focus almost entirely on in-game achievements rather than other life events, also lack of imagination and will be very moody.

;Example of video gaming getting out of control;The press has reported concerns over online gaming since at least 1994, when wired magazine mentioned a college student who was playing a “mud” for 12 hours a day instead of attending class.

• there is increasing evidence that people of all ages, especially teens and pre-teens, are facing very real, sometimes severe consequences with compulsive use of video and computer games. Studies estimate that 10 percent to 15 percent of gamers exhibit signs that meet the World Health Organization’s criteria for addiction.

Symptoms of video game addiction• Someone who is addicted to computer, video, or Internet gaming

often shows an unusual preoccupation with the game or computer when he is away from it. The person could seem distracted, or disinterested and may talk about the game almost constantly.

• A person who is addicted, or at risk of becoming addicted to gaming, is unable to control the amount of time she spends on the computer.

• Someone who is addicted to video, computer, or Internet gaming will spend a lot of money on computer-related items.

• Also when confronted on how much time you have spent on the computer or game the person may become defensive.

• The person needs more and more of a substance or behavior to keep him going.

• If the person does not get more of the substance or behavior, he becomes irritable and miserable.

• Some signs are ominous: teens up in their rooms, ignoring friends, family, even food and a shower, while grades are going down.

• Over 9.8 billion dollars were spent on video games in the United States during 2001 alone, and video game consoles are in 36 million homes in the United States.

• Video games are starting top take over peoples lives, and its now starting at a very young age.

To stop video game addiction;

• Maybe join a hobby or sport such as – Swimming, Basketball, lacrosse, soccer or dance.

• Talk too someone about your problem and maybe they can help.

• Identify the problem.• Identify the triggers• Plan out your recovery • Carry out your plan.

Bibliography• Websites-• http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-beat-video-game-addiction/• http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-beat-video-game-addiction/• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_addiction• http://

www.video-game-addiction.org/symptoms-computer-addiction-teens.html

• http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19354827/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/video-game-addiction-mental-disorder/

• http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/video-game-addiction-no-fun

• http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1719