When looking for the most popular way of recreation among youngsters, there is no better option than video games. Gaming has literally captivated the minds of many teens, consuming their time and drawing them into the world of fiction and deception. However, as some may oppose, video games cultivate cognitive skills and improve the decision-making process, and as such, boost the intellectual faculties of the younger generation. And cybersport in turn is a well-paid job which can bring millions of dollars in the short term perspective.
As you see, there is a fine line between video game addiction and recreation. Our mission today is to make this line more distinct, so that you know when people are “playing” themselves into oblivion and when they are just having fun.
Gaming and Gambling Addiction: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between gaming and gambling addiction lies in the age bracket. Video games are usually played by teenagers (who a priori aren’t completely aware of their deeds), whereas casino games are played by physically and mentally mature individuals (who should be 100% conscious of what they are doing). Hence, when you gamble, you should do it wisely, and for example, if you’re asking for bo vegas no deposit bonus codes, you should be aware of the risks and hazards gambling leads to.
Other than that, the cold turkey which people undergo when quitting their bad habit is primarily caused by the urge to recoup the losses, when the video game addiction entails the desire to stay in the virtual world.
Types of Video Game Addiction
While the concept of drugs and alcohol addiction is quite understandable, video game “predilection” is far more complicated. As of today, we have two types of video games: offline, where players are supposed to accomplish one main goal-mission, and online, where players compete with each other for something of value. The games of the latter type are endless and provide the players with interaction and daily tasks. Thus, people are dealing with two types of video game addiction: the first one pertains to completing the main goal of the game as fast as possible (or better than somebody else), and the second type is when players plunge into a virtual world and get stuck there.
Needless to say, online video games are extremely addictive, especially for individuals who do not feel comfortable in the real world. They are looking for ways to escape from reality, and video games are able to meet their needs.
How to Diagnose an Addiction to Video Game?
In an article published in September 2018, The World Health Organization recognizes video game addiction as “Gaming Disorder,” and defines it as impaired control over gaming. It is also said that people with gaming disorder have an increased priority to video games compared to other activities and tend to ignore the negative consequences that affect their daily activities.
Take a look at the symptoms of addiction identified by the American Psychiatric Association:
- Video games preoccupation. People who are subject to gaming addiction have their thoughts consumed only with the game they are playing. They tend to think about the previous gaming session and look forward to the next gaming activity. Video games become a daily duty.
- Deception is an integral part of gaming disorder, in particular for youngsters. They are liable to deceive their family members, friends, or others in order to play the game.
- No interest in other activities. There is no interest in other activities, especially when it comes to hobbies. People with gaming disorder abandon their previous hobbies, friends, family, etc.
- Experiencing withdrawal. People are going cold turkey when the game is taken away. They are usually anxious, furious, show outrageous behavior, irritable. Children are likely to be sad and bored; or even weep and groan.
- Video games as an incentive. The urge to spend huge amounts of time playing games is identified by the need to complete difficult tasks in order to experience satisfaction or/and diminish fears.
- Video games as a way out. Some gamers rely on gaming as a way to relieve negative emotions or escape from problems in reality.
- Loss of (or risk to lose) a relationship or job.
- Continue playing despite the awareness of the problem. People understand that they are undergoing gaming disorder, but continue to spend their time in video games.