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Gaming addiction is increasing in prevalence as access to games expands and the hobby becomes increasingly popular. Many researchers consider gaming addiction to be very similar to gambling addiction.
According to some reports, between 1.7% and 10% of the U.S. population experience video game addiction. As this problem persists and becomes more common, it’s important to learn more about how this type of addiction works and how to manage and treat it. It’s also vital for people who enjoy video games — or whose dependent family members do — to be aware of the signs of gaming addiction and various risk factors.
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction (also known as gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder) is a type of addiction that causes a reliance on and preoccupation with video games to a degree that negatively impacts daily life. This addiction is characterized by the loss of control over gaming habits and accompanying changes in mood and behavior.
Gaming addiction differs from casual enjoyment of video games in the negative impacts that it causes to daily life, reliance on gaming, and withdrawal symptoms when the individual stops the behavior. It’s similar in nature to other addictions to modern entertainment platforms, such as smartphone addiction, and overlap can exist in the form of activities such as mobile gaming.
Factors Contributing To Gaming Addiction
Many different factors can contribute to the development or worsening of gaming addiction, although the specific influences will vary by person. Common factors that can contribute to gaming addiction include:
- Impulsiveness;
- Poor self-control;
- Anxiety;
- Low self-esteem;
- Problems with social interaction;
- History of addiction;
- Lack of support systems;
- Difficulties at school or work;
- Mood instability;
- Strong need for sensation-seeking behaviors;
- Various mental health disorders.
Certain personality traits may also make someone more at risk for developing gaming addiction. These include competitiveness, a strong drive toward achieving goals, and a tendency to seek escapism.
Certain types of games can also be more likely to contribute to addictive behaviors, such as those that feature reward systems like loot box mechanics, login bonuses, and daily quests. Additionally, games that allow you to pay for extra features such as skins, items, or additional downloadable content, known as DLC, can result in overspending among players experiencing gaming addiction. Though these games don’t always result in gaming addiction, it’s important to be wary of them if you may be susceptible to addictive behaviors.
Gaming Addiction Symptoms
Though the specific symptoms of gaming addiction can vary by the individual, there are some common signs, including:
- Poor performance at school;
- Disruption of sleep or changes in sleep patterns;
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or anxiety;
- Depression or low mood;
- Increasing reliance on or need to play video games;
- Diminishing returns in terms of enjoyment of video games;
- Difficulty reducing screen time despite negative consequences;
- Lying about or hiding gaming behaviors;
- Poor personal hygiene;
- Relying on video games for comfort or stress relief;
- Giving up other hobbies or interests.
In the long term, gaming addiction can also have negative physical effects, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s crucial to understand the signs and symptoms of gaming addiction to seek help before experiencing these negative impacts.
Gaming Addiction Treatment
Gaming addiction is a disorder recognized by the medical community — including institutions like the World Health Organization — and many treatment options have been identified and developed. Some of these can be pursued at home or through various support groups, while others can be pursued with the help of counselors or medical professionals.
Therapy for Gaming Addiction
Many types of therapy have shown promise in terms of managing gaming addiction. These include individual cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and family or couples counseling. In many cases, it can be useful to seek a combination of different types of therapy.
It’s best to seek out a therapist who specializes in addiction, if not gaming or technology addictions specifically. Further, there are many resources available to help people gain access to therapy.
Support Groups for Gaming Addiction
In addition, support groups for addiction can be helpful. There are groups specifically designed to help people with gaming addiction, such as Gaming Addicts Anonymous.
You can find support groups online or in your community. There are formal and informal support groups, and it will be beneficial to vet the groups and the credentials of those conducting them before joining. You can seek support groups by searching online, asking your family doctor, or asking a community counselor.
Taking Legal Action Against Gaming Addiction
Gaming addiction can result in serious consequences, such as financial loss, emotional distress, and strained relationships. This has resulted in some individuals taking legal action.
In fact, there has already been a lawsuit brought against a gaming company due to gaming addiction, although the plaintiff was not successful. However, more lawsuits are expected to emerge as a growing number of individuals seek compensation for emotional damage and financial losses related to gaming addiction.
Lawsuits are likely to allege that video game companies engage in predatory practices and false advertising that encourages gaming addiction for profit. Whether or not any such lawsuits succeed, the pressure from such legal action may encourage video game companies to improve their practices and protect themselves against liability.