TM Contest

Entry 20 – Video Gaming Disorder: The Life Destroying Addiction

TM Contest | 217 | 49 | ,

In the world today, youths of nowadays now convene in certain game-conducive location, more than ten of them carrying game enabled devices such as PlayStation, Xbox One etc. settling down to play mind blowing games. Some rather setup a Local Area Network (LAN) connecting several Laptops, PCs and smartphones for multiplayer gaming. Video games such as Call of Duty (COD), Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), FIFA, Naruto and other interactive games such as the famous awesome car-racing game: blur! They become so engrossed that they are oblivious of their surroundings, skip meals, leave home works undone, just to take down an eight-headed and four-handed centaur in a 3D-game.

Recently, a case was reported in which 17-year old Carson keeps logging 12 hours a day on the video game Fortnite, searching for weapons and resources in an imaginative world where the goal is to be the last man standing after countless 3D-battle. Teachers complain he falls asleep in class and his grades have gone from bad to very awful.

Video game addiction is a distinct behavioral addiction characterized by excessive use of computer or video games that interferes with a person’s everyday life. It has been investigated that by the medical community that the built-in reward system of the games explains their potentially addictive nature. The anticipation of such rewards such as coins, power-ups, weapons upgrade, extra lives and so on. This creates a neurological reaction that releases dopamine into the body, so that once the reward is obtained, the person will remember it as a pleasurable feeling. The reaction is similar to the one believed to be associated with gambling addiction.

Although, video gameplay has many cognitive benefits including: improved coordination, better problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, sharper attention and concentration, It is also known as a brain’s speed improver. Despite the above advantages, excessive playing of video games makes the player become more concerned with their interactions in games than in their broader lives. Players may play for many hours, hereby neglecting personal hygiene, gain weight (due to lack of exercise) or lose weight (being underfed). Disrupted sleep patterns result in sleep deprivation, loss of concentration at school or work. Sometimes players are so much into gaming that they avoid phone calls hereby isolating themselves from family and friends.

However, the solution to this life-shattering addiction is simple. You must first admit to be addicted for any repair to be done. Then, refrain from buying or downloading games. You have to realize that that playing games is not productive and that after four or five years, your game collection will be useless. Do not try to finish games in a hurry as most video games require several hours. Limiting the number of hours you spend gaming per week can also be helpful. Buy video games as reward for doing well at school or work. Video games are fun and interesting, you just have to play responsibly.

 

This article was written by Sansa Ariyo; connect with him on Instagram here

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49 thoughts on “Entry 20 – Video Gaming Disorder: The Life Destroying Addiction”

  3. Salaudeen Afeez · Edit

    What a helpful write up, I just hope that nowadays youths have it set the back of their minds that too much of everything is bad, not that playing games is bad though, but the most essential thing is knowing when it’s meant to be played and when not.

    Reply
    1. Sansa Ariyo · Edit

      Exactly! You understand what I am driving at. Not that gameplay is bad, it is spending several hours playing video games that’s irresponsible.

      Reply
  12. Kaosara Salami · Edit

    Wow. This is an inspiring and educative write up. Knowing the consequences of excessive concentration on video games will really help in playing responsibly.

    Reply
    1. Sansa Ariyo · Edit

      For the fact that it makes individuals lose track of their daily life due to excess gaming, it needs to be minimized. I happy you found it beneficial…

      Reply
  15. Alhassan Abdulrasaq · Edit

    Nice one bro…but I believe it still comes down to the person in question.. I av a game at home and on my laptop but I know when to play them. The thing is that as one grows up he/she tends to advance with the age..I know what is expected of me so playing games will be of limit to me…so in a nutshell, it voice down to the entity…nice write up…

    Reply
    1. Sansa Ariyo · Edit

      Thanks for the compliment. Actually, as you said, it depends on the individual. You can observe a matured 16yr old who know when to play games and when not to. Likewise, there might also be an irresponsible 22yr old who logs in to the gaming world about 8hrs per day!

      Reply
  25. Sansa Ariyo · Edit

    For the fact that it makes individuals lose track of their daily life due to excess gaming, it needs to be minimized. I am happy you found it beneficial…

    Reply
    1. Sansa Ariyo · Edit

      @Opeyemi femi-francis I hope u have reduced ur gaming hours?! Because some guys advance in gaming & increase their game hours as grow older. Thanx 4 d praise.

      Reply

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