Video games are nowadays very popular and have gained hype due to the increase in technology. There are many machines that are available in the market that run games with high graphics, like real. So, games nowadays also have a high level of programming, which can increase the emotions of a person to a high level. Many gamers get feelings about those games and connect their feelings. Excessive use of these games can be addictive and harmful for users.
As we know, anything that stimulates our dopamine centers. Because dopamine is released when we get rewarded. Many games are based on reward systems. So it can directly trigger our brain reward system which makes it difficult to resist playing these games.
Reading this article, we will explore the causes and effects of Video Game Addiction on health. Moreover, we will also discuss some dangers of its addiction. And finally, we will discuss the ways to get rid of gaming addiction. So, without further waiting, let’s find out.
What is Video Game Addiction and Its Effects?
The continued and compulsive behavior of playing video games without considering its harm to your health. Also neglecting your important activities of daily tasks to play games is named as video game addiction. Video game addiction is very common nowadays. Because of the latest computing technologies and gaming devices, which give you high-definition graphics.
There are many games whose stories are real-life and give you full real experience. So you can enjoy virtual reality, but there are many harmful effects. If you are playing video games on a frequent basis, you cannot focus on your daily tasks, it leads to video game addiction.
Playing video games in a limit with a schedule set to 2 hours a day is okay. A healthy person can play video games for no more than 2 hours a day. Still, nowadays, video games are not modernized but also come with a more simulative reward system. This reward system makes the person play those games constantly beyond their limits. And the designers of these games especially get paid to make the game more addictive. So more users play their games which is good for their business i.e game owners.
What Are the Causes Of Video Game Addiction?
There are many causes for gaming addiction that make it irresistible for a person to play video games. Following are the causes:
Addictive personality
Because playing games stimulates the release of dopamine from your brain. And if you are addicted to something, it is easy for you to be addicted towards games. And it makes you a gaming addict.
Isolation
If you are isolated from the real world in your room, playing games will be a joyful activity for you. But many times, you start playing video games more than usual, which leads you to gambling addiction.
Escapism
Escapism from reality or problems like anxiety and depression can be a cause of gaming addiction. Because while playing games, we forget the pain from real-life problems. Gaming is a good escape, but escaping from the pain of the outside world, we fall into gaming addiction.
What Are the Damages Of Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction can cause some serious side effects on our physical and mental health. Following are some side effects:
Damaging eye health
Our eyes are sensitive organs, and while gaming, these organs face blue light from the screen. Eye strain and blurry vision are normal for people who are game addicts.
Lack of focus
If you are playing video games more than usual, all the abilities of the brain to focus waste their crucial energy on those activities. Now, your body is tired, and your brain runs out of glycogen to work properly, so your ability to focus is low and poor.
Irritation and Restlessness
If you are a video game addict, you surely feel irritation and restlessness in your body because of the high release of dopamine in your brain. So when you stop playing for a while, the brain makes you feel irritated to play that high dopamine-releasing game again and again.
How to Get Rid of Video Game Addiction?
Overcoming gaming addiction can be difficult, but with proper willpower and a strategic approach, it can be done easily. Here is a more comprehensive guide about how to end gaming addiction:
Focus on triggers
The most essential first step toward recovery from gaming addiction is realizing it exists within yourself and acknowledging it as such. Self-awareness will serve as the cornerstone for building it successfully.
Set Clear Goals
When setting goals to stop gaming entirely, have clear vision. Your goals will serve as motivators during this process. Be they physical health benefits, nurturing relationships or excelling at something else altogether – having clear purposes is paramount in reaching any success in life.
Limit your access to games.
Take practical measures to limit access to gaming. Uninstall games from devices. Use website blockers to block gaming-related websites. Or you may temporarily store gaming consoles out of easy reach of children or other adults.
Replace game hours with healthy activities.
Create a daily plan that allows time for activities other than gaming. It includes exercise, hobbies and socializing as well as work and studies. And replace your time with activities that provide you benefits in fitness. Doing this may help replace gaming hours with something better for yourself, like physical fitness and hobbies or work studies! Creating this structure may help replace gaming hours as you five the timings.
Take support from others
Reach out to friends and family by sharing your struggles and efforts towards beating gaming addiction with them. Their encouragement, understanding, and assistance may prove invaluable. Also, consider joining support groups or therapy sessions specifically targeted towards gaming addiction for professional guidance and advice.
Breaking free of gaming addiction takes dedication and work. In particular, replacing gaming with healthier activities such as exercise or therapy sessions with loved ones or professionals. Staying focused on goals is necessary in order to regain control of your life. Also, you should find an acceptable balance between gaming and other aspects of it.
