Addictions involve more than the world of substances such as alcohol or hallucinogens. There is also behavioral addiction, known as drug-free addiction, which gives a loss of control of a behavior and like substance addictions produce dependence.
According to WHO, video game-use disorder is suffered by all those with “a persistent or recurrent pattern of gaming behavior that can be online or offline.”
In this sense, the addiction to video games causes the user the uncontrollable need to play permanently and compulsively, unable to control their desire to be on the console or the means that he uses to connect.
“In the case of video games, if it constitutes an addiction when this habit does not allow the person to develop in other aspects, that is, you spend many hours dedicated to this activity, they start to generate emotions in relation to this, they produce a lot of frustration, a lot of anger at not being able to win or not being able to enter,” said Nora Maier Psychologist of Psyalive.com.
These behaviors are not unique to children or adolescents, so it can be observed in adults, reaching such extremes that losing a game can produce impulses as the player is hurt by the fury that produces this.
Personality plays a key role in these cases, the reasons that can affect each individual to a greater or lesser degree and that drive them to play consistently are: difficulty managing feelings, low tolerance for frustration, belief of superiority, work, school or home problems that make them seek refuge in a fantasy world.
Pandemic effect
The pandemic has been an increase in addictions in many areas and video games are not left behind. “Yes, we can say that in the last time because of the pandemic, children, teenagers and adults who used to play have increased their playing hours,” Maier said.
Lockdown and lack of interaction with other people of the same age has led to a longer time in video games in children, adolescents and young people. According to an eSports study by the specialized group AcuityAds, game consumption increased by 75% online quarantine in Spain, Italy, China and the US.
It’s not like games are totally harmful. According to the expert users should self-administer rules setting clear rules regarding the number of hours of use, they should vary their activities during the day, it takes other kinds of stimuli such as outdoors or artistic activities, so that not only stimulate the brain through a screen.
That’s why it’s recommended to set clear limits on time and look for alternative ways to keep children active. In fact, the World Health Organization recommended helping with active video games and online exercise classes to stay healthy at home.
