INTRODUCTION

Believe it or not, children and young adults are becoming addicted to video
games all over the country. Anger issues, having a short temper, and feeling the
need to play a game are all highly discussed signs of this addiction. Most
people find it hard to believe someone can really get addicted to a video game.
This topic is about the video game addiction in teens, we know that the video
game addiction is a problem in this days, because we can see children and
teens spending time in the video games. I choose this topic because I know
people that I think are addicts. In my classroom there are partners that play
games in the internet and other types of videogames for hours.
In the present topic we are going to see, the question what is Video-game
addiction? Also why Video Games Are So Addictive? , effects, Symptoms and
some tips about how Parents Can Control or Limit Risk of Gaming Addiction.

VIDEO GAME ADDICTION IN TEENS

1. What is Video-game addiction?
Video game addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does
not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological
gambling.

Video game addiction has also been referred to as video game

overuse, pathological or compulsive/excessive use of computer games and/or

video games.
Those suffering from video game addiction may use the Internet to access
massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and multi-user
domain games (MUDs). MMORPGs are networks of people, all interacting with
one another to play a game to achieve goals, accomplish missions, and reach
high scores in a fantasy world. MUDs combine elements of role-playing games,
fighting, and killing in a social chat channel with limited graphics. Some of the
most popular on-line games include EverQuest, Asheron Call, Ultima Online,
World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Vanguard, and City of Heroes.

Most

MMORPGs charge monthly subscription fee.

Similar to other addictions, individuals suffering from video game addiction use
the virtual fantasy world to connect with real people through the Internet, as a
substitution for real-life human connection, which they are unable to achieve
normally. Some suffering from video game addiction may develop an emotional
attachment to on-line friends and activities they create on their computer
screens. Those suffering from video game addiction may enjoy aspects of the
on-line games that allow them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through
games. Because some games requires a large number of players to log on
simultaneously, for long durations of time, to accomplish a games task, players
may feel an obligation and loyalty to other players. This may further the
individuals justification of his/her use and sense of relationship with other
players, that are otherwise strangers.
Statistics show that men and boys are more likely to become addicted to video
games versus women and girls. Recent research has found that nearly one in
10 youth gamers (ages 8-18) can be classified as pathological gamers or
addicted to video-gaming.
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2. Why Video Games Are So Addictive?

No one has ever been officially diagnosed with video game addiction.
The reason? Video game addiction is not (yet) recognized as a psychological or
mental health condition. The term is used quite frequently to describe those who
have difficulty controlling their gaming habits, but this is a convenient informal
description not an official diagnosis.
However, if you talk to the parents of a child or a teen who obsessively plays
video games at every opportunity and shows no interest in any other activities,
they will certainly argue that video game addiction is very real.
When video gamers ignore their interpersonal relationships, their health, their
academic performance, their careers, and other important responsibilities in
favor of continued gaming, this is a very good sign of video game addiction. Of
course, the signs of and symptoms of video game addiction are not identical for
everyone. However, if progress in a video game is clearly the most important
part of someones life, it really is time to for an honest evaluation of ones
priorities.
It is important to note that some video game genres are clearly more likely to
encourage excessive play than others. Most studies have found that massively
multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs or MMOs) and first person
shooters (FPS) are more addictive than other categories of video games.
3. Immersed in the Digital World of Video Games

In some of the more addictive video games (such as first person shooters and
online role playing games), players immerse themselves in very detailed online
digital universes while they temporarily assume the identity of their in-game
character. Often this character / avatar will have personality characteristics,
physical attributes, and powers that the gamer may believe that he/ she would
like in real life.
For example, a very shy person may feel much more confident and assertive
when in the role of his favourite video game character. A person who feels
powerless or inadequate in real life can play with a character that is very
influential, powerful, and respected in the virtual world of the game. The
possibility of escaping to an online world in which one can assume virtually any
identity is one of the most appealing components of modern video games.

4. Symptoms of Video Game Addiction in Teens

Although it hasn't been given an "official" diagnosis, addiction-like behaviors
with computer, video, and Internet gaming have noticeably increased among
both teenagers and adults. Like any addictive behavior, there are signs to look
for if you suspect your teen might have a gaming addiction. Your teen need only
exhibit two or three of these symptoms for his behavior to be considered
"addictive."

Preoccupation

Someone who is addicted to computer, video, or Internet gaming often exhibits

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

Lack of Control

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. She may go online
with the intent to spend 15 or 20 minutes, but will keep extending the time until
several hours have passed.

Loss of Time

Along the same lines, a person may sit down at his computer, again with the
intent to spend only a few minutes, but completely lose track of time and
suddenly find that several hours have passed. It is not unusual for someone
with a gaming addiction to play through the night and only realize how much
time has passed when the sun begins to rise.

Negative Impact on Other Areas of Life

Because the person spends so much time on the computer or video game
console, other areas of life are neglected. He may grow distant from friends and
family who had previously been close. Homework may go unfinished, causing
grades to slip. In more extreme cases, the teen may even neglect personal
hygiene, choosing to play video games rather than taking a shower.

Misuse of Money

Someone who is addicted to video, computer, or Internet gaming will spend a

disproportionate amount of money on computer-related items. The person will
seem to be continually upgrading hardware, software packages, and
accessories. This becomes an even greater problem if the person spends
money that should be used for bills, groceries, and other necessities.

Mixed Feelings

As with any addiction, use of the "substance" in this case, the video game
initially causes euphoric feelings, but that euphoria is quickly followed by guilt.

Guilt may be felt either over what the person is doing while online or simply the
amount of time he is spending at the computer.
Though this list is not exhaustive, it provides warning signs for parents, friends,
and other family members to look for if they are concerned about someone's
use of video, computer, or Internet games. This list can also be used as a selfdiagnosis tool for those who believe they may have a problem.

5. What are the effects?

Gaming addictions result in personal, family, academic, financial, and
occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions. Impairments
of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the Game.
Those suffering from video game addiction spend more time in solitary
seclusion, spend less time with real people in their lives, and are often viewed
as socially awkward. They may attempt to conceal the amount of time spent
playing, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable
relationships. Additionally, gaming can become very costly, resorting in financial
consequences. Much of the equipment needed to play video games designed
for prolonged use can be quite costly and many MMORPGs charge monthly
subscription fees.
Some individuals may create on-line personas or "Avatars" where he/she are
able to alter his/her identities and pretend to be someone other than himself or
herself. Those at highest risk for creation of a secret life are those who suffer

from low-self-esteem feelings of inadequacy, and fear of disapproval. Such

negative self-concepts lead to clinical problems of depression and anxiety.
Many persons who attempt to quit their Game use experience withdrawal
including: anger, depression, relief, fantasies about the game, mood swings,
anxiety,

fear,

irritability,

sadness,

loneliness,

boredom,

restlessness,

procrastination, and upset stomach. Being addicted to video-gaming can also

cause physical discomfort or medical problems such as: Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome, dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches, eating irregularities, such
as skipping meals, failure to attend to personal hygiene, and sleep disturbance.
6. How Parents Can Control or Limit Risk of Gaming Addiction
Many steps can be taken to control a child or teens access to video games.
These steps can help to limit the risk that appears when an individual plays
video games. For instance, many games are intelligent and imaginative and
these games tend to be more educational and appropriate for younger children.
Additionally, even games that are educational should be limited and restrictions
should be placed on the number of hours a child may play a game, the number
of game play days each week and other aspects.
Some steps you can take to prevent video game addiction in your child or teen
include:

Limiting time to one hour or less per day. Just like television, video
games should not consume a childs fun time. Place a limitation on the
amount of time that a child may play a video game down to one hour per

day. After one hour, a break should be taken and active play ensued.
Keep track of game playing time. You should keep careful track of the
amount of time that your child does play on the video game and also pay
close attention to the times when the child is playing. By keeping a video
game log, you may realize that your child plays games more often when

they are bored, sad, depressed or in another state of mind.

Pay attention to problems that result from the gaming. If you notice that
a certain game causes your child to react poorly, have a negative attitude or
otherwise show signs of problems when playing the game, consider taking
their privilege of playing that particular game away.
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Tantrums after time limits. If your child has temper tantrums, shows signs
of anger or depression after their video game time limit is up, consider
placing even stricter limitations on their use.

CONCLUSION

Video game addiction is something we must come to terms with as a society.

Whether it is decided to be a full-fledged addiction, or just a compulsive
behavior, it can still cause trouble in people's lives. The problem will not go
away either, it will probably only get worse, as designers get a better
understanding of what makes consumers want their games. On the other hand,
the problem is not as bad as it sounds at first.
For many people these games are a social outlet, not an addiction. Video
games are an integral part of many people's lives now, and they're here to stay.
Let's learn to use them responsibly.

REFERENCES

Unit Point Health Illinois Institute addiction recovery Video Games

obtained from : http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/?AID=45

CRC Health Group Video Game Addiction obtained from

http://www.video-game-addiction.org/
Addictions.com. All rights reserved Video Game Addiction obtained

from : http://www.addictions.com/video-games/
Hauge, Marny R. & Gentile, Douglas A. "Video Game Addiction Among

Adolescents: Associations with Academic Performance and Aggression"

http://www.psychology.iastate.edu/FACULTY/dgentile/SRCD%20Video

%20Game%20Addiction.pdf
Center for Internet Addiction Recovery Are You an Obsessive Online

Gamer? http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/online_trading.htm#
Rob Wright mmORPGs and Game Addiction. August 8, 2006.
http://www.twitchguru.com/2006/08/08/world_of_warcraft_players_addict
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