Yes, yes it can. Did you know, many gamers across the world have a dangerous relationship with video games that is considered just as serious as gambling addiction? According to the American Medical Association, video game addiction is defined as any computer, video game console, or handheld device that interferes with a person's relationships or their pursuit of other goals and can result in psychological strain as well as physical detriment. Some experts estimate that as many as 10% of gamers exhibit addictive behavior.
Video game addiction is gaining more awareness to the general public due to media reports of the most severe cases. Have you ever attempted to play Halo for 19 hours straight? Probably not, but there are documented cases of those who have. Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) get a bad rep for their addictive qualities and yes games such as World of Warcraft, Everquest, and Starcraft claim many of the gaming community's addicts. One of the most infamous cases of gaming addiction took place in South Korea where a man died after a 50 hour session of his game of choice, Starcraft. There are numerous tradgedies related to this sort of consumed behavior and unfortunately this man is not the only one who has died.
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As is with any form of addiction, certain individuals are more prone to its effects than others. Video games offer a world of infinite possibilities and safety from the "real world". Being able to battle aliens, blow up cars, and play as someone else is seductive to young people who feel powerless in their daily lives. For boys and girls finding it difficult to make friends and interact in reality, video games offer a stress-free outlet to communicate with others without the distress of face-to-face interactions.
The symptoms of gaming addiction can range from preoccupation to misuse of money and can appear in both teens and adults. Do you or someone you know spend too much time playing video or computer games or going online? Here are some ways to tell if you need to ask for help:
1. You feel really happy when you're online or when you're playing games, but as soon as you have to stop you get angry or upset.
2. You think about going online or playing when you are supposed to be focusing on other things, like doing school work or having dinner with your family.
3. You spend more time with your keyboard or controller than physically hanging out with your friends.
4. Your friends or parents ask what you spend all your time doing, and you lie about it or laugh it off, but inside you know they have a point.
5. You get up in the middle of the night to check you email or your Facebook because you're having trouble sleeping.
Gaming addiction can have serious consequences, more than some would expect. Socially, hardcore gamers find it very challenging to manage real world relationships in between playing sprees. The social awkwardness exhibited by addicts isolates the individual making communication in the real world much more daunting. An obsessive gamer neglects not only friends and family but very often him or herself. This can lead to serious physical conditions. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, migraines and sleep disturbances are several of the physical effects video game addiction can cause. Playing for 10-15 hours a day can cause backaches, eating irregularities, and poor personal hygiene for individuals young and old.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. For more information, click here
