Video Game
Addiction
Worldwide
Author James W Miller
Copyright 2010 E.N.D. Youth Violence
Introduction
As we see the rapid increase on the amount of money being spent on video games, we
also see the financial impact which video game addition is having on global economies.
From an increase of missed work days by adults and lower school performance by
children and youth as a result of the addiction to games such as Halo and World of
Warcraft to name just a few.
With the billions of dollars spent on video games combines with the ease of access to
games through consoles, portable devices and cell phones, this problem is going to get
much worse before it gets better. Combine this issue with the fact that people are less
active and sit for hours and in some cases days at a time in front of the computer or TV
playing games, the health effects are going to increase as well. Obesity is an international
epidemic which is going to be increasing as a result of video games and decreased
physical activity.
As this addiction is fairly new in society, there is much more to be done in terms of
research and understanding of this new epidemic. Although the traditional addiction
principals used in recovery for alcohol and substance abuse can be applied, there is much
deeper problems with video game addition.
With certain addiction you can remove yourself or limit your exposure to the substance.
For example if you are addicted to gambling you do not go to Casinos and limit exposure
to other places which have gambling. For alcohol you reduce your exposure through not
going into bars and pubs in addition to limiting your time around those consuming
alcohol until you have a firm hold on your recovery as the same can be said for drug
addiction.
With video game addiction you are constantly exposed to cell phones, computers and
other triggers no matter where you go. At work you need to be in front of a computer, on
the bus, streets or even just in a local store you have people constantly using cell phones
to play games, text and other triggers which make video game addiction much harder to
beat than other addictions.
Although this book covers video game addiction, much more research and recovery
development is needed. In addition it is not seen as a major addiction and health issue as
of yet. This means that we are a far was from gathering proper funding for creating
effective recovery for addicts.
There is no formal diagnosis of video game addiction in current medical or psychological
literature. Inclusion of it as a psychological disorder has been proposed and rejected for
the next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Anyone who has experienced it knows all too well – video game addiction is real.
Although gaming addiction is not yet officially recognized as a diagnosable disorder by
the American Medical Association, there is increasing evidence that people of all ages,
especially teens and pre-teens, are facing very real, sometimes severe consequences
associated with compulsive use of video and computer games.
Video games are becoming increasingly complex, detailed, and compelling to a growing
international audience of players. With better graphics, more realistic characters, and
greater strategic challenges, it‘s not surprising that some teens would rather play the latest
video game than hang out with friends, play sports, or even watch television.
Of course, all gamers are not addicts – many teens can play video games a few hours a
week, successfully balancing school activities, grades, friends, and family obligations.
But for some, gaming has become an uncontrollable compulsion. Studies estimate that 10
percent to 15 percent of gamers exhibit signs that meet the World Health Organization‘s
criteria for addiction. Just like gambling and other compulsive behaviors, teens can
become so enthralled in the fantasy world of gaming that they neglect their family,
friends, work, and school.
If you or a loved one shows signs of computer or video game addiction, this website is
for you. Here, you will find up-to-date information and resources that will help you
assess whether gaming has gone from an entertaining pastime to a full-blown obsession.
From signs and symptoms to advice for parents and treatment options, this site offers
advice and solutions to help bring compulsive gamers back to real life.
The following is a collection of articles from www.video-game-addiction.org
The Internet May Be Causing More Harm to Your Children Than You Think
By Leslie Davis
It used to be that your teens would go online only to research an assignment or play a
game. These days, your teens are practically attached to their computers, checking
Facebook, adding music to their iPods and streaming YouTube clips. Even if they have
friends over, it's not uncommon to see all of them huddled around the computer doing
something online.
You've probably heard that increased Internet use is associated with poor eating habits,
lessened physical activity and behavioral issues. A new study published in the journal
Injury Prevention shows that Internet addiction can also lead teens to cause themselves
harm through pulling their own hair or hitting, pinching or burning themselves.
A survey of more than 1,600 teenagers in China found that teens who were moderately
addicted to the Internet were 2.4 times more likely to have self-injured themselves in the
past six months than those with normal Internet habits. Teens who were severely addicted
to the Internet were nearly five times as likely to injure themselves.
Though self-injurious behavior can be attributed to many different factors, such as
depression, stressful life events or family problems, the study found that Internet
addiction on its own can lead to teens harming themselves.
Recognizing Signs of Internet Addiction
An Internet addiction is classified the same as other addictions, such as those to drugs,
alcohol or gambling. If your teen simply goes on the Internet frequently, it is unlikely you
have anything to worry about. But if your teen is exhibiting any of the following signs of
an Internet addiction, you may want to take action:
. Excessive time spent devoted to using the Internet
. Depression, moodiness or nervousness when not online
. Fantasizing about or being preoccupied with being online
. A change in sleeping patterns or habits
. Sudden weight loss or weight gain
. Lying about time spent on the Internet or denying use
. Neglecting family, friends or activities they used to enjoy
. Using the Internet to avoid problems
Internet addicts can also experience physical symptoms such as dry eyes, backaches,
migraine headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What to Do if Your Teen Has an Internet Addiction
If you are concerned that your teen does have an Internet addiction, especially if they are
causing self-harm, there are some things you can do:
. Limit time spent online. With unlimited access to the Internet 24 hours a day,
stopping an addiction is nearly impossible. Set limits on the amount of time your
teen is allowed to go online. If necessary, log them on and off the computer so
that you make sure the time limits are followed.
. Take the computer out of their rooms. If your teen has a computer in their
bedroom, it's easy for them to get online when you're not around. Move the
computer to a shared room so that you can see how much time they are spending
online and better monitor their habits.
. Ask them about it. Though there's a good chance your teen will deny having an
Internet addiction, and may not even be aware they have one, ask them about it.
Find out why they are going online and what their Internet habits are to help
determine if there is an addiction to be broken.
. Get them help. Much like any other addiction, an Internet addiction likely
requires professional treatment. Therapy can help your teen address the addiction,
any underlying issues causing the addiction and issues related to self-injury. If
outpatient therapy is not enough to break your teen's addiction, you may want to
seek help through a residential treatment center or therapeutic boarding school,
where your teen will have a supportive environment in which to break their
addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
Don't think that your teen's Internet addiction will just go away on its own. With the
increasing use of the Internet in every facet of life, your teen will need to learn to have a
healthy relationship with the computer. And if an Internet addiction is causing your teen
to injure themselves, taking steps now can help them better learn to manage any stress or
anxiety that is causing them to do so.
Increased Media Consumption Among Teens Contributing to Poor Health
By Anne Watkins
If you're worried that your teenager has been gaining weight lately, and if you think
television, video games and Internet use may be playing a role, you're not alone.
According to a recent study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids between
the ages of 8 and 18 now consume an average of seven hours and 38 minutes of media
per day. If you're doing the math, this adds up to around 53 hours -- or more than two
days -- per week.
In this light, it's no surprise that teen obesity is on the rise. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, one- third of all American kids between the ages of 12
and 19 were overweight in 2003-2006, with 17.6 percent being obese. This represents a
startling threefold increase over the previous 25 years.
There are two main causes for this obesity epidemic:
1. Poor eating habits
2. Lack of physical activity, which may be closely tied to kids' amount of media
consumption
Teen Media Use
In addition to finding that teenagers spend upwards of eight hours a day consuming
media, the study found several other interesting facts about teen media use:
. Multitasking: With media multitasking, teens actually consume nearly 11 hours
of raw media content packed into those seven hours and 38 minutes. This comes
from, for example, watching TV and using the Internet at the same time.
. Parental limitations: Only three out of 10 young people have parent-enforced
limitations on daily TV, video game and Internet use. Kids who have media rules
consume far less media per day – fewer than three hours, on average.
. Media at home: Nearly two-thirds of the kids surveyed said that the TV is
typically on during meals. Around half said that the TV is on "most of the time" at
home. Seven out of 10 kids have televisions in their bedrooms, and half have
video game consoles in their rooms. Kids with a combination of these factors
consume on average far more than peers who do not.
. Ethnicity: Hispanic and black children consume about two more hours of media
than white children.
. School: As a general trend, the more media kids consume, the lower their grades.
About half of the kids surveyed say they watch TV while doing their homework.
. Reading: On average, kids spend less than 30 minutes per day reading books,
including school-related books.
How Much Exercise Do Teens Need?
All this media use greatly cuts into the time that kids spend exercising, which partially
explains why over three times as many kids are obese now compared to 30 years ago.
Adding to this problem is the unfortunate fact that many physical education programs
across the country have been cut.
In fact, several studies over the past few years have found that a large percentage of
teenagers barely get any exercise at all. Between school, media consumption and
homework, exercise simply doesn't get a spot in the daily routine.
But, in order to be healthy, it's very important for kids to exercise most days, if not every
day. According to U.S. government recommendations, everyone, including teenagers,
needs at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. However, this is just a
minimum, and 60 to 90 minutes a day is preferable, especially for individuals who are
trying to lose weight. Even in top-notch physical education programs, kids rarely get this
much, which is why it's so important for parents to do what they can to encourage
children of all ages to get outside and be active.
Even Without Obesity, Excessive Media Consumption Is Unhealthy
All of that being said, there are other factors besides weight to take into consideration.
After all, teenagers usually have fairly robust metabolisms, and it tends to take a lot for
them to become obese. It's not unheard of for a young person to barely exercise and eat
heartily without being overweight.
Even when a child is not overweight, lack of exercise and excessive media consumption
can be unhealthy. For one thing, the inactive child misses out on all the health benefits of
regular exercise. Exercise helps kids sleep better, which makes it easier for them to
concentrate on school and homework. It also gives them energy, elevates their mood and
gets them into patterns of health that will be essential during adulthood.
It's also been found that excessive media consumption can lead to mental problems in
children. It can interfere with their ability to concentrate on tasks even when no media is
on, and it can correlate with depression, anxiety and social problems.
What Can Parents Do?
On average, the healthiest children are those who use Internet, television and video
games for less than two hours per day. This may be unheard of in this day and age, but
it's important to remember that, in past generations, young people had no trouble
entertaining themselves without these things. If you want your child to work toward this
goal, here is what needs to be emphasized:
. Outdoor activity: Every minute that your child spends outside is a minute away
from unhealthy media consumption. Encourage your child to play sports, have
outdoor hobbies, and enjoy the neighborhood and local parks.
. Focused study time: For your child's health and school performance, it's
important to set a time during which he or she will focus on nothing but
homework.
. Books: Reading is a wholesome and healthy alternative to media consumption.
And unlike television and the Internet, books actually enhance a child's
concentration and cognitive abilities.
. Quality family time: To help break the media habit, turn the television off during
dinner times, and place a high value on having a quiet, non-media-dependent
household.
How to Protect Your Teens From Cyberbullies
By Leslie Davis
In this digital age, bullying is no longer relegated to the schoolyard. Bullies can now
attack in the place kids should feel the safest -- their homes.
Instead of physically harming or verbally attacking their victims, cyberbullies use the
Internet, cell phones and other technology to hurt, threaten and embarrass others. Because
it is done online, the effect of cyberbullying is more far-reaching and enduring than
bullying that occurs at school.
Cyberbullies can victimize their targets in a variety of ways, including the following:
. Creating websites that make fun of or criticize another person
. Sending mean or threatening emails, instant messages or text messages
. Pretending to be someone else to trick their victim into revealing personal
information
. Lying about their victim online
. Breaking into their victim's email or instant messages
. Posting unflattering or offensive pictures online, without permission
. Using websites to rate their peers
In most instances, the victims of cyberbullying know their attackers. They are often
classmates, friends or online acquaintances. One study showed that only 23 percent of
victims were bullied by someone they didn't know.
With the availability of cell phones and computers, cyberbullying is becoming more
common. A 2007 study by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) found that 43
percent of teens experienced some form of cyberbullying in the previous year. Among the
population most likely to be victims (teens ages 15 to 16), more than 50 percent were the
victims of at least one incident in the previous year.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Kids who experience cyberbullying are unlikely to tell their parents about it. According
to the NCPC, only 11 percent of teens talked to their parents about incidents of
cyberbullying.
But the effects of cyberbullying can be even more emotionally destructive than bullying
experienced in school. Cyberbullies may be more aggressive because they are able to say
things online that they wouldn't say in person, and their threats and actions can be shared
with an entire school at the click of a button. Kids who are cyberbullied may be
constantly victimized in what should be the safety of their own homes.
The effects of cyberbullying are similar to those experienced by kids who are the victims
of bullying:
. Low self-esteem
. A drop in grades
. Depression
. Anxiety
. A disinterest in activities they used to enjoy
. Insecurity
. Withdrawal from friends
. Avoidance of school or group outings
. Changes in mood, behavior, sleep and appetite
Teens who are cyberbullied may also exhibit nervousness after interfacing with
technology and social isolation.
Protecting Your Teens
For the victims of cyberbullying, the threats and attacks may seem inescapable and they
may feel helpless to do anything about it. While technology may make it easier for bullies
to reach their targets, there are some things you can do as a parent to lessen the chances
that your teens will be victimized:
. Teach your teens about cyberbullying so that they know how to spot it if it
happens to them. Also explain to them what behaviors are inappropriate online so
that they don't become bullies themselves.
. Encourage them to never give out their personal information or passwords online.
. Keep an eye on what your teens are doing online and what sites they frequent.
. Create rules about Internet use and enforce those rules with consequences.
According to the NCPC, about 80 percent of teens said they either don't have
parental rules about the Internet or can find ways around them. Make sure you're
creating rules that can be enforced.
. Instruct your teens to not respond to cyberbullies, no matter how angry they are,
and to instead block threatening emails or instant messages.
. Let them know that they should tell you if they ever get cyberbullied, and that you
will help them figure out how to handle the situation.
. Tell them to keep a record of any cyberbullying they experience, including any
photographs that were sent.
. Inform them that bullying incidents can be reported to Internet service providers
and website moderators. If the cyberbullying involves threats of violence,
extortion, harassment, stalking, obscene text messages or child pornography, the
incidents can also be reported to the police.
What to Do if Your Teen Is a Cyberbully
Harder than finding out your teen is being bullied is finding out that your teen is actually
the one doing the bullying. If it comes to your attention that your teen is engaging in
cyberbullying, it is a good idea to tackle the issue immediately before it becomes a
regular behavior.
Let your teen know that bullying of any sort is unacceptable, and what the effects are on
the victims of bullying. Explain to them what types of jokes and emails are acceptable,
and those that others may find offensive or mean.
It may be necessary to seek professional help for your teen if they are bullying. A
therapist will be able to help your teen understand their behavior and develop empathy
for others. If your teen is unable to stop their bullying behaviors or is not responding to
therapy, it may be necessary to enroll your teen in a residential treatment center or
wilderness camp for troubled teens that can help them address their behavior and learn
more productive ways to interact with their peers.
Risk of Internet Addiction Higher in Teens with ADHD and Depression
By Leslie Davis
Between school, work, home and cell phones, it is hard to escape the Internet. As society
becomes more reliant on the World Wide Web, the risk of Internet addiction increases.
For one segment of the population, that is especially true.
Children and teens who are diagnosed with one of several emotional and behavioral
disorders are more likely than their peers to become addicted to the Internet, according to
a recent study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine:
. Boys diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or
hostility are more likely to become addicted to the Internet.
. Girls diagnosed with depression or social phobia are more likely to develop an
addiction to the Internet.
For children and teens with ADHD, the constant stimulation offered by the Internet
(including social networking sites that are constantly updated and fast-paced video
games) offers the perfect outlet. For those with depression, social phobia or hostility, the
Internet has a therapeutic effect, permitting them to create their own online identity
without having to function .normally. in the real world.
.If you have a child that is hyperactive, the Internet can move at their pace,. Michael
Gilbert, a senior fellow at the Center for the Digital Future at the University of Southern
California, said in an Oct. 6 HealthDay News article. .If you have a child that is
depressed or has social phobia, they can get in touch with other kids dealing with the
same kinds of issues. They can go into artificial worlds, like =Second Life,‘ where they
can live out fantasies or take on different personas. For kids who have anger or hostility,
the Internet gives them a chance to play out their aggression there..
Internet Addiction and ADHD
Researchers from the study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent
Medicine determined that teens with significant ADHD symptoms are at high risk for
becoming addicted to the Internet. The researchers say this is because of several factors:
. Children and teens with ADHD are easily bored and have an aversion to delayed
reward.
. Internet behavior is characterized by rapid response, immediate reward and
multiple windows with different activities, reducing feelings of boredom or
delayed aversion.
. While playing online games, striatal dopamine is released, possibly compensating
for the dopamine deficit in teens with ADHD.
. Children with ADHD have abnormal brain activities associated with impaired
inhibition. This lack of self-control may make it difficult for them to control their
Internet use, making them vulnerable to Internet addiction.
Internet Addiction and Hostility
The study indicated that male teens with significant hostility were more likely to become
addicted to the Internet than those teens not characterized as hostile. For teens considered
hostile, the Internet allows them to express their hostility and engage in violence through
such activities as online gaming.
Because they are able to get out their aggression via the Internet, hostile teens may be
more prone to spending more time online than in the real world.
Internet Addiction and Depression
Females with depression were found to have a higher risk of Internet addiction. The
study‘s researchers determined that this was likely because the Internet can be used to
alleviate depression through social support, achievement, the pleasure of control and a
virtual world in which to escape from emotional difficulties.
However, too much Internet use can worsen the symptoms of depression and make
depressed teens particularly vulnerable to developing an Internet addiction.
Internet Addiction and Social Phobia
As with depression, females with social phobia are more likely to become addicted to the
Internet. Researchers believe this is because the Internet can provide social support in a
non-face-to-face setting, allowing teens with social phobia to feel more relaxed and
engaged.
The researchers warned, however, that becoming too reliant on the Internet for social
support could result in an online addiction.
What Constitutes Internet Addiction?
If your child or teen is excessively using the Internet to the detriment of grades, family
relationships and emotional health, an Internet addiction may be to blame. No set
definition of Internet addiction exists, but the diagnosis is being considered for inclusion
in the 2012 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Any of the following may indicate an Internet addiction:
. A preoccupation with the Internet
. Excessive time and effort spent online
. Falling asleep in school, not keeping up with assignments and worsening grades
. Lying about computer or Internet use
. Choosing to use the Internet rather than see friends
. No longer engaging in social activities
. An inability to cut back on usage
. Symptoms of withdrawal (such as irritability, anxiety and boredom) when not
online
. An impairment of decision-making ability
Physical symptoms of an Internet addiction can include headaches, dry eyes, weight loss,
neglected personal hygiene and sleep disturbances.
Treatment for Internet Addiction, Underlying Disorders
Previous reports found that anywhere between 1.4 percent and 18 percent of children and
teens are addicted to the Internet. Among those teens, a large percentage likely suffers
from ADHD, depression, social phobia or hostility.
If you have determined that your child or teen is addicted to the Internet, it is important to
get help immediately. Doing so can also help you identify any disorders that are
underlying your teen‘s addiction, such as ADHD or depression. If necessary, an
adolescent residential treatment center can help teens overcome both their addiction and
any underlying disorder.
Don‘t let the Internet take over your teen‘s life. If you are worried that your teen has an
Internet addiction, or undiagnosed ADHD, depression, social phobia or hostility, seek
treatment today.
When (and How) to Pull the Plug: Six Tips for Protecting Your Child from Internet
Addiction
By Hugh C. McBride
Video games have been compared to .kiddie crack,. online messaging has been blamed
for increasing the reach of childhood bullies, and youth Internet addiction has been
identified as one of the primary culprits behind the epidemic of childhood obesity.
So any good parent should chuck the computer out with the evening‘s trash, place a non-
negotiable ban on any online activities, and start searching the attic for that old Monopoly
set, right?
Wrong.
The secret to ensuring that your children have a healthy relationship with the Internet and
video games (and, yes, there is such a thing as a healthy relationship with the Internet and
video games) doesn‘t involve outright prohibition. Rather, it means effectively managing
where, what and when your children play.
In other words, if you can help your children learn to game and navigate the online world
responsibly, you‘ll have gained an essential point of entry into their lives. Attempt to
assert a heavy-handed prohibition on the virtually ubiquitous devices, and you‘ll forfeit
any opportunity to influence their behavior.
Easier said than done? Depending on the unique dynamics of your family, maybe so,
maybe not. But read on to find out how you can transform your tech-obsessed offspring
into healthy, well-rounded (and contributing) members of your family.
1. Spend Some Time Online
If you're like the majority of today's parents, your childhood probably occurred in a pre-
Pong environment. This means that when it comes to youth and technology, you're going
to be playing a perpetual game of catch-up -- so you'd better get started.
If you haven't already done so, sign up for a MySpace account, create a Facebook profile,
spend some time watching videos on YouTube, and play a few games online. Depending
upon your relationship with computers, this may sound like a waste of time or even an
intimidating proposition. But the more familiar you are with the online world, the better
you'll be able to understand what your children should (and shouldn't) be doing there.
2. Educate Yourself
Your online experiences will provide you with a number of insights, but you need to
enhance your understanding of the dangers and benefits of Internet use by young people.
Read the research, talk to friends and consult with experts.
Regardless of your level of expertise, there's always more to learn. The Internet is a
dynamic, ever-changing environment, and you need to stay active in order to remain up-
to-date about the important issues facing your children.
3. Talk to Your Children
Your kids won't have any idea what your expectations are unless you communicate with
them -- and in the case of parent-child communication, it's always wise to err on the side
of too much talking.
Even if your children are too young to be interested in the Internet, you can still start the
conversation by talking about following rules and staying within limits. And if they're
already online experts, talk about what they like and don't like about being on the
Internet.
4. Listen to Your Children
For communication to be effective, it has to be a two-way exchange of information. And
for you to be in the best position to monitor what your children are doing, enjoying,
worrying about or otherwise contemplating, you need to establish an environment in
which they feel comfortable opening up to you.
When it comes to curtailing excessive online activity or steering your children in a
healthier direction in their web-surfing, communication isn't about having a formal talk --
it's about starting a discussion before there's a problem, and continuing to listen, listen,
listen.
5. Monitor Their Computer Activity
As the saying goes, trust but verify. The following suggestions can help you control your
children's Internet use:
. Ensure that their online activities take place where you can see what's going on,
such as a desk in the living room. Don't let your children spend time on the
Internet behind closed doors.
. Set daily limits on acceptable amounts of screen time -- and make sure that these
limits aren't exceeded.
. Take the TVs and video game consoles out of your children's rooms. As with
Internet use, limit your children's gaming to times and places that you can
observe.
. Know your children's screen names and passwords. If they are active on social
networking sites like MySpace or Facebook, check their accounts.
. Learn how to check the computer's history files to confirm what your children
have been doing on the Internet.
6. Get Help if You Need It
Many cases of Internet overuse can be curtailed by setting rules and remaining vigilant.
But for some young people, using the Internet or playing video games becomes a
compulsion that they are unable to resist.
If your child is showing signs of Internet addiction or compulsive video gaming, this
behavior may be beyond your ability to influence -- but professional help can provide the
answers you're looking for.
Depending upon the nature of your child's computer compulsions, treatment options can
range from limited outpatient therapy to a more intensive intervention in a residential
boarding school or teen wilderness program.
At first, these options may sound like drastic measures for what looks like just "typical
teen misbehavior." But as mental health experts gain greater insights into the nature of
compulsive and obsessive behaviors -- and as awareness increases about the dangers and
damages associated with Internet addiction -- the potential severity of the situation
becomes clear.
If you are concerned about your child's video game use or Internet activities, talk to a
school counselor, consult with your family physician or contact a mental health services
organization.
Help is available, and a return to a healthy, moderate level of Internet use is definitely
within reach -- but nothing can happen until you take that first important step.
Never Too Old for Video Games?
By Staff Writer
Video games and computer games are heavily marketed toward teens and young adults,
but recent studies show the average video game addict is 35 years old. The research also
shows that compulsive gamers are fatter and more depressed than the general population.
The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory
University and Andrews University, analyzed data from more than 500 adults ranging in
age from 19 to 90 in the Seattle-Tacoma area. The researchers found significant
correlations between playing video and computer games and a variety of health risks:
. Female gamers reported greater depression and lower health status than non-
players.
. Male gamers reported higher body mass index and more Internet usage than non-
players.
. Both male and female gamers demonstrated greater reliance on the Internet for
social support.
Like teen video game addicts, adult gamers were more likely to be socially withdrawn,
sacrificing real-life social activities to play video games, and were more likely to lead a
sedentary lifestyle and be overweight.
Teen Gamers vs. Adult Gamers
According to a 2007 Pew Internet & American Life Project Survey, more than half (53
percent) of American adults play video games, and about one in five adults (21%) play
every day or almost every day. Adolescents and young adults tend to dominate the
gaming scene, but adults tend to be more avid players, playing more frequently and thus
sometimes falling prey to video game addiction.
These findings were echoed in a 2008 consumer survey from Entertainment Software
Association, which found that 75 percent of video game players are over the age of 18,
and the average game player is 35 years old.
Although adults tend to have more social and professional responsibilities than teens,
roughly one-third of adult gamers still find time to spend 10 hours or more playing video
games every week compared to 11 percent of teens, according to a report by the
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
The statistics show that adults are less likely than teens to play online games or on video
game consoles, preferring instead to play on the computer, and are less attracted to
massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs) like World of Warcraft than teens.
Men aren‘t the only ones getting hooked on video games. The CEA survey found female
gamers outnumber male gamers in the 25-34 age category.
Symptoms of Video Game Addiction in Adults
Although most of us picture a teenage boy at the helm of the video game console, the
research shows that many adults enjoy playing video games just as much as teens. As a
result, some adults will find themselves addicted to gaming.
Here are a few warning signs of video game addiction in adults:
. Obsession or preoccupation with computer games or playing video games
. Neglecting personal relationships to spend more time playing video games
. Difficulty keeping up with personal or professional responsibilities due to
increased play time (e.g., calling in sick to play your favorite game)
. Lying to cover up your computer or video game use (e.g., playing late at night,
spending less time with a spouse or loved one to play games)
. Feeling angry, irritable or depressed when not playing video games
. Losing interest in other leisure activities you once enjoyed, choosing to spend all
of your free time playing computer games
. Becoming so enthralled in the game that you forget to eat, sleep or bathe
. Physical ailments such as backaches, dry eyes, headaches or carpal tunnel from
playing video games
Treating Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction affects teens and adults all over the world, and though the U.S. has
been slower than countries like China, South Korea and the Netherlands to develop
gaming addiction treatment programs, effective interventions are now available all over
the country.
For adolescents and young adults, wilderness therapy programs and residential treatment
centers tend to be the most effective at pulling youth away from the computer or video
game console and helping them reconnect with friends, family and healthy pastimes.
Adults suffering from video game addiction often benefit from 12-Step addiction
treatment programs and centers designed to treat a wide range of compulsive behaviors.
Adults have a lot to lose when video games begin to consume their lives. Getting help
will ensure that you not only come back to reality but that you create a reality that you‘re
happy to be in.
Study Documents Prevalence of Pathological Behavior among Young Video Gamers
By Hugh C. McBride
Many enthusiasts mistakenly employ the term .addiction. when discussing their passion
for a certain object, activity, or event. Sports fans say they are addicted to their favorite
game or team, gourmets claim to be addicted to fine food, and music lovers proclaim
addiction to a certain band or genre.
In most cases, people who make these assertions are merely trying to emphasize the
extent of their extreme (but ultimately not unhealthy) enthusiasm. But a recent study has
added scientific support to claims of addiction among one notoriously dedicated group:
Young video game players may actually suffer from video game addiction.
As reported in the May 2009 edition of the journal Psychological Science, a study by
Iowa State University Assistant Professor of Psychology Douglas Gentile has revealed
that more than 8 percent of gamers between the ages of 8 and 18 exhibit symptoms of
video game addiction (or what he terms "pathological behavior").
"Although the general public uses the word 'addiction,' clinicians often report [the
behavior] as pathological use," Gentile said in an April 21 article on the ScienceDaily
website. "What we mean by pathological use is that something someone is doing -- in this
case, playing video games -- is damaging to their functioning. It's not simply doing it a
lot."
About the Study
Prof. Gentile reached his conclusions about the prevalence of video game addiction after
analyzing data that had been collected during a 2007 survey of 1,178 American young
people (boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18).
In an April 21 article on the TimesOnline website, technology correspondent Mike
Harvey reported that Prof. Gentile's research had yielded the following statistics:
. Just under 90 percent of survey respondents reported playing video games.
. The average boy in the survey spent 16.4 hours a week playing games, while the
average for girls was just over nine hours every week.
. The average "addicted" gamer played 24 hours a week -- twice as much as casual
gamers.
. 8.5 percent of the young gamers exhibited "pathological patterns of play," which
was described as the presence of at least six of the 11 clinical symptoms (as
defined by the American Psychiatric Association).
. One-fourth of the surveyed gamers reported turning to video games in an attempt
to escape problems, and nearly as many said they played instead of doing
homework.
. Twenty percent of the young video game enthusiasts said that their schoolwork
had suffered because of the time they spent playing the games.
ScienceDaily noted that the young people whose behavior rose to the level of video game
addiction were more likely than were non-pathological players to report the following:
. Having game systems in their bedrooms
. Receiving poor grades in school
. Feeling "addicted" to game systems
. Experiencing a higher than normal number of health problems
. Stealing to support their video game habit
"While the medical community currently does not recognize video game addiction as a
mental disorder, hopefully this study will be one of many that allow us to have an
educated conversation on the positive and negative effects of video games," Prof. Gentile
said in the TimesOnline article.