Gaming addiction is a real thing. Like most things in life, too much of it can be harmful. Gaming has a whole lot of benefits, many more or less obvious depending on your worldview, but that doesn’t mean things can’t go awry if you don’t keep yourself in check.
The gaming industry is a global phenomenon. From adult games to the more vanilla stuff, gaming has widespread influence. There’s a deep dive when it comes to the psychological implications of gaming. Why is gaming addicting for some and less for others? It’s a question we ask with almost all things considered addictive.
Benefits of Gaming
We’d be remiss to not begin by discussing the benefits of gaming. The news sometimes makes it feel as though gaming has no beneficial qualities and only serves to degrade our brains. But this isn’t true at all.
Gaming is well-known for it’s cognitive benefits. It helps enhance memory and problem solving skills as well as spatial awareness. There’s also a known link between strategy games and cognitive improvement.
But that’s not all. There’s also vital emotional and social benefits. Gaming, due to its worldwide connectivity, helps strengthen social connections. It’s also considered a virtual escape that helps us find relief from daily stressors, such as work.
There are therapeutic uses, including for physical rehabilitation and mental health.
But like most things in life, its not all roses.
The Downsides
The World Health Organization calls gaming addiction Gaming Disorder. They believe the factors which lead to gaming disorder are immersive game designs, social pressures, and personal vulnerabilities.
Gaming disorder has negative impacts on sleep, promotes a sedentary lifestyle, and can result in mental health issues.
Currently, there is help available for people suffering from gaming disorder, including counseling and rehabilitation centers.
Much of this is due to the immersive nature of gaming. And that’s getting more intense every day.
The Immersive Nature of VR and AR Gaming
Both virtual reality and augmented reality are changing the game. Pun intended.
VR/AR by way of their powerful alterations of reality are encouraging much more intense emotional connections to games. And some may find it difficult to balance real world awareness. VR and AR gaming is serving to transform gaming in a way that remains highly futuristic. Years ago, VR/AR was plot lines in fictional sci-fi movie storylines. Now its real.
What To Do When You Suspect Gaming Addiction
If you suspect gaming addiction in yourself, here are some things you can do to help.
- Recognition: Accept that there might be a problem.
- Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or professionals about your concerns.
- Limit Playtime: Set specific days or hours during which you won’t play at all.
- Take Regular Breaks: Use alarms or apps to remind yourself to step away every hour.
- Engage in Other Activities: Explore hobbies outside of gaming.
- Physical Activity: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
- Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough rest; avoid gaming right before bed.
- Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet; avoid excessive caffeine or junk food during gaming sessions.
- Social Connections: Spend face-to-face time with friends and family.
- Avoid Isolation: Play in shared spaces at home, not secluded.
- Seek Therapy: Consider counseling or therapy specific to addictive behaviors.
- Educate Yourself: Understand the signs and consequences of gaming disorder.
- Gaming Locks: Use parental control features to limit gaming access.
- Join a Support Group: Engage with others who are facing similar challenges.
- Avoid “Chasing”: Don’t try to win back losses, especially in gambling-like games.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with new research and findings on gaming addiction.
- Remember Priorities: Ensure that gaming doesn’t interfere with work, school, or other responsibilities.
Conclusion
While gaming is a transformative art that provides numerous benefits to our society, it does pose psychological challenges we can’t ignore. Encouraging responsible gaming is critical.