Video Game Addiction

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Video Game Addiction

[vid-ee-oh geym uh-dik-shun]

What Is Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction is a behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive and excessive video game playing that significantly interferes with daily life, relationships, and responsibilities. It's when gaming stops being just fun entertainment and becomes an uncontrollable need that takes priority over everything else.

Word Origins:

The term combines "video game" (first used in the 1970s for electronic games displayed on screens) with "addiction" (from Latin "addictus," meaning "devoted to"). The condition was officially recognized by the World Health Organization in 2018 as "Gaming Disorder."

Signs and Symptoms

Loss of control over gaming time

Choosing gaming over important activities

Continuing despite negative consequences

Withdrawal symptoms when not gaming

Needing more gaming time to feel satisfied

Using gaming to escape problems

Lying about gaming habits

Impact on Digital Wellness

Gaming addiction can severely impact physical and mental health:

Disrupted sleep patterns

Poor physical health from sedentary behavior

Decreased academic or work performance

Strained relationships

Financial problems from in-game purchases

Increased anxiety and depression

Behavioral Addiction: Pattern of compulsive behavior despite negative consequences

Digital Wellness: Healthy relationship with technology and digital media

Screen Addiction: Compulsive use of screen-based devices

Digital Boundaries: Setting limits on digital device usage

Video Game Addiction