Modern life has officially got game – specifically, video games that seduce desk potatoes, console devotees, the curious seeing their partners play, and mobile dabblers alike. Games like Call of Duty, Animal Crossing, Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate, Fallout, Stardew Valley, Persona, The Sims, Mario Party & Mario Kart, Final Fantasy, Jackbox, and Super Smash Bros., provide a diverse range of experiences that appeal to various tastes and preferences. Step into our ecosystem of the gaming world, where every individual can curate their own journey from a palette of exploratory experiences that speak to their soul. With gaming on the rise, an essential question starts to nag: when does a hobby become an addiction?
The Line Between Hobby and Addiction
Understanding Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction, or gaming disorder, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) also includes Internet Gaming Disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a condition warranting more clinical research and experience.
Signs of Gaming Addiction
- Preoccupation with Games: Constantly thinking about gaming, even when not playing.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when unable to play.
- Tolerance: Needing to spend more time gaming to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
- Loss of Interest: Reduced interest in other hobbies and activities.
- Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to play games despite experiencing problems such as poor grades, strained relationships, or financial issues.
- Deception: Lying to family members or others about the amount of gaming.
- Escape: Using gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt, anxiety, or hopelessness.
- Risk of Losing Opportunities: Risking or losing significant relationships, jobs, or education due to gaming.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring school, work, or household chores to play games.
- Money Use: Some games provide incentives of using real world money to buy perks and custom moves, characters, stages, or weapons/armors. Some of them may even have a bit of a gambling feel in which you are sending in loads of money for that particular game. Be wary of your spending habits with games and if you are using your money, savings, and paychecks to pay for these games and perks.
Myths About Video Games
Myth 1: Video Games Are Just for Kids
Fact: The average gamer is 34 years old, and 72% of gamers are 18 or older (Entertainment Software Association, 2021). From young children to seasoned adults, people of all ages have a blast gaming. Many people take part in gaming whether they start in childhood or as an adult, it’s a good time for everyone no matter the age.
Myth 2: Video Games Cause Violence
Fact: Studies have found no conclusive evidence that playing violent video games leads to violent behavior. The APA states that while there is a small link between video game violence and aggressive behavior, it is not strong enough to suggest that video games are a significant factor in real-world violence.
Myth 3: All Video Games Are a Waste of Time
Fact: Video games can have various benefits, such as improving cognitive functions, enhancing social skills, and providing a sense of achievement and relaxation. To those who don’t “understand” or “get” gaming they see it as a waste of time and not being productive or even “someone who hasn’t grown up”, however there are many hobbies that exist that could fit in that category, but does not mean that hobby is less than another just because it is not what you would consider fun.
Myth 4: All Gamers Are Addicted
Fact: Not everyone who enjoys playing video games is addicted. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only a small percentage of gamers develop gaming disorder, which is characterized by impaired control over gaming, increased priority given to gaming over other activities, and continued gaming despite negative consequences. There are individuals who do get so enthralled with a game that they play for several hours or into the late evening or early morning hours, this does not mean someone is addicted. As with many things it comes with balance and seeing how it is affecting or taking away from other areas of your life such as school/work, relationships, friendships, and eating and sleeping habits.
Mental Health Benefits of Video Games
Cognitive Benefits
- Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Games like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate require players to solve complex puzzles and battles, and make strategic decisions.
- Enhanced Memory: Role-playing games (RPGs) like Persona and Final Fantasy involve memorizing characters, quests, complex storylines, character interactions, and lore, which can improve memory. Let’s be real – remembering an onslaught of characters, quests, and tangled storylines is no walk in the park. However, this mental juggling act reaps rewards, namely, a more formidable memory.
- Increased Focus and Attention: Action games like Call of Duty enhance players’ ability to focus and process information quickly. Even The Sims games can aide in multitasking and creativity.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Action games like Call of Duty and Elden Ring improve reaction times and hand-eye coordination.
Emotional Benefits
- Stress Relief: Similar titles that get your attention like The charming virtual village of Animal Crossing lets players cultivate a serene slice of digital tranquility, where worries fade with the sun and responsibilities simmer down to catching fish and gardening. Within the tranquility of Stardew Valley, dusty old novels take precedence over Facebook feeds, and meaningful connections flourish as players rebuild their new rural home. Slow down, breathe deeply, and let calming settings and pastimes quiet your mind and soothe your nerves.
- Mood Enhancement: Social games like Mario Party, Mario Kart, and Jackbox can improve mood by fostering social interactions and laughter (or a sense of friendly competition).
- Sense of Accomplishment: Completing challenging levels or missions in games like Fallout and Super Smash Bros. can provide a sense of accomplishment that can trigger a natural high, made all the sweeter by the lift it gives to your self-esteem.
Social Benefits
- Building Friendships: The social glue that holds multiplayer communities together isn’t just about winning or losing – it’s about sharing memorable moments, making inside jokes, and forming lasting relationships that continue long after the game is over. In this community, you’ll find your tribe and a reason to belong. Multiplayer frenzy reaches new heights when played with friends. Depending on your use even Character.Ai can be used as a role-playing text adventure game.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Games that require teamwork, such as Call of Duty and Baldur’s Gate, teach players how to work together towards common goals.
Gaming addiction – where’s the line between fun and fixation?
Balancing Gaming with Life
The key to maintaining a healthy relationship with gaming is balance. Game on without woes by following these simple yet powerful tips:
- Defining your limits means living intentionally. It’s about recognizing what matters most to you and creating a life that honors those values. Limit your gaming sessions to a set daily time frame and stick to it.
- Prioritize Responsibilities: Make sure that gaming does not interfere with your work, school, or personal responsibilities. Ensure you are still being intentional with other areas of your life to maintain balance to avoid just “going through the motions”. If your game involves perks for buying things with real world money, then set a budget of how much you will invest to not take away from other priorities and responsibilities. Often times those incentives provide lovely dopamine hits in the guise of perks rather than having to “grind” for it, but those dopamine hits can be addictive so important to be mindful of other priorities.
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks can help prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of addiction.
- Stay Active: Incorporate physical activities into your daily routine to balance sedentary gaming habits.
- Maintain Social Connections: Ensure that gaming does not replace all face-to-face interactions with friends and family.
- Set Goals: Set daily or weekly goals for non-gaming activities.
- Outdoor Activities: Spend time outdoors and engage in activities like walking, biking, or playing sports.
Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Gaming becomes an addiction when it starts to interfere with daily life and responsibilities. Red flags are popping up – is your gaming obsession getting the better of you? Gaming addiction can creep up on you, but recognizing the signs is half the battle – next, you need to muster the courage to reach out for guidance. Here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to a Professional: A therapist or counselor can help address gaming addiction and develop healthier habits.
- Support groups can be a lifeline. When you’re dealing with tough challenges, having a community that truly understands can make all the difference; support groups provide a safe haven for connection and support.
- Develop New Hobbies: Need a break from the same old routine? Picking up a new hobby or trying out a novel interest can be just the thing to inject some joy and excitement back into your life.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Gaming Habits
From marathon Twitch sessions to family gatherings around the console, COVID-19 invaded every aspect of our gaming habits.
Social distancing measures haven’t exactly ripped gamers from their consoles, but they have irreparably altered the interactive dynamics at play, forcing a makeover of the gaming experience as we know it. With social distancing measures and lockdowns, many turned to gaming as a source of entertainment and social connection. A study by Nielsen found that video game usage in the U.S. increased by 46% during the pandemic (Nielsen, 2020).
Pros and Cons of Increased Gaming
Pros:
- Social Connection: Multiplayer games provided a way for people to stay connected with friends and family.
- Mental Health Relief: Games offered a distraction from the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic.
Cons:
- Increased Risk of Addiction: The rise in gaming hours led to an increased risk of addiction for some individuals due to the social distancing and curfews that were set in place.
- Physical Health Concerns: More sedentary behavior contributed to potential physical health issues, such as weight gain and decreased physical fitness.
Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Gaming
Tips for Healthy Gaming
- Create a Schedule: Allocate specific times for gaming and stick to it. You don’t have to be rigid per se but be mindful of when an intended 2-hour gaming session turns into 5 hours. It’s easy to get sucked in in trying to beat the next level, get the high score, finish a dungeon, complete a quest, or try to win a series of matches for the championship. Be able to step away and be present in other areas and aspects of your life.
- Stay Mindful: Be aware of how gaming affects your mood and behavior. Some games are meant to be cozy and simple; others are meant to be challenging, and others are out right designed to make you rage, regardless of you may still enjoy the journey in completing the game or match. However, if you notice that your mood is consistently negatively impacted or notice a dependency on the game to provide you happiness that may be worth further exploration.
- Engage in Physical Activities: Balance gaming with regular exercise and outdoor activities.
- Socialize Offline: Maintain real-life social connections and engage in face-to-face interactions.
- Complete Tasks First: If you find yourself losing track of time or wanting a certain amount of time to play then ensure that responsibilities like work, school, and chores are completed before gaming.
Addressing Anxiety and Depression Through Gaming
Video games can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety and depression when used appropriately. Stardew Valley unfolds like a leisurely stroll through the countryside and provide a sense of comfort and accomplishment. Let the stresses of city living melt away as you revive a town and befriend the town’s endearing characters in Animal Crossing. With Fallout you start with next to nothing, but soon enough, you’re crafting DIY decor, weapons, planting gardens, and completing missions. Fighting in battles, defeating monsters, and saving the land such as in The Zelda game series can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Soft lighting, cozy nooks, and peaceful vibes – we craft spaces that soothe the soul and quiet the mind. Be honest with yourself: if gaming is becoming a substitute for getting the help you really need, it’s time to reassess.
The Role of Therapy in Managing Gaming Addiction
The thrill of gaming can easily spiral out of control. That’s where therapy comes in – to help gamers regain control over their lives. Gamers stuck in a rut may find counseling to be a potent tool for booting this unhealthy habit from their lives. Therapy is not meant to help you stop gaming but instead create a healthier relationship with gaming. Here are some therapeutic approaches that may be used:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to gaming. Building positive routines can really help you substitute healthy habits for negative coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
What if you could find a balance between embracing your emotions and changing harmful patterns? Imagine having the skills to recognize when you’re getting caught up in gaming marathons and knowing exactly how to reel yourself back in. That’s what DBT offers – a toolkit for staying grounded, centered, and in control, even when the urge to game is strong.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can help address any family dynamics that may be contributing to gaming addiction and improve communication and support within the family.
Individual Counseling
Sometimes, we all need someone to talk to, someone who can offer a fresh ear and valuable insight – individual counseling provides just that, a personalized space to air your concerns and gain clarity. Gaming addiction: it’s a secretive struggle, but one-on-one counseling offers a refuge to face the underlying issues head-on and unleash a personalized arsenal of coping mechanisms.
You may also find it useful to bring certain characters, themes, and storylines into your session due to how you relate or are inspired by them. It most definitely can be utilized to assist your therapeutic goals, as the purpose of therapy isn’t to tell you why gaming is bad or that “you need to grow up and act your age”, but instead help to translate the important parts of gaming that does get you hooked to an unhealthy level to more healthy ways to have a balance between both online and offline life.
Conclusion
Beyond the fun and excitement, video games offer a hidden bonus – they can help you develop mentally and emotionally, all while expanding your social circle. For gamers, knowing when to call it quits and take a break is just as important as know-how to throttle a Dragon Born in Skyrim. If you’re concerned about gaming taking over, establish a routine that includes activities beyond your screen. Allocate specific times for gaming, stay on top of your to-do list, get moving, and schedule time with friends and family.
To truly get the most out of video games, make it a point to monitor your own behavior and then set boundaries accordingly – this approach will allow you to relish the excitement without succumbing to addictive tendencies. Remember, gaming should be a source of joy and connection, not a cause of distress. Hit a snag? Let’s work through it together – we’re always happy to help.
If you’re concerned about your gaming habits or those of a loved one, professional help is available. We’re here to help if gaming has taken over your life – at Rethinking Me Therapy, we’re dedicated to supporting individuals who struggle with gaming addiction. With our therapists, you’ll craft a personalized roadmap to sustainability, ditching the habits that hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier relationship with gaming.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Gaming Disorder. Retrieved from WHO
- American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
- Entertainment Software Association (ESA). (2021). Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry. Retrieved from ESA
- (2020). COVID-19: Tracking the Impact on Media Consumption. Retrieved from Nielsen