Being addicted to video games isn’t the same as being addicted to alcohol or drugs. But playing video games can negatively impact your life just as much as alcohol or drugs, and it can take a toll on your relationships. To learn how to deal with gaming addiction, read on.
When kids get home from school, the last thing they want to do is stop what they are doing and turn on the computer. It’s not that they don’t love video games or that they hate being on the computer; it’s that they are tired from a long day at school and the last thing they want to do is sit down in front of a screen. As parents, you want your kids to enjoy their after-school time, but you also want them to get their homework done, prepare for the week ahead, and spend time with their friends. But what if your child isn’t interested in doing any of these things?
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video games are promoted as entertainment, a way to get exercise and socialize, and a way to relieve stress. But did you know that video games are causing people to become addicted? According to the World Health Organization, video game addiction is a real disorder that, in certain cases, can become just as serious and harmful as other substance use. While video game addiction is not recognized as a mental health disorder, those who spend hours a day playing games may develop an addictive personality. Parents need to keep tabs on how much time their kids are spending on video games, especially now that there is growing evidence that video games are an addictive activity.
Tips to Overcome Video Game Addiction
- Play in moderation – Many people who have never played online video games are surprised to find that they can be addictive. Playing games like World of Warcraft or Destiny can easily turn into daily activities, affecting your social life, family, job, and relationships. Not to mention it can turn into an addiction.
- Eliminate how many systems you own – The more addicting the gameplay is, the harder it becomes to control. Some games become extreme, to the point where players will spend their whole day logged onto their game and never leaving the house. It’s even possible to suffer from withdrawal symptoms when not playing a game.
- Avoid MMOs – If you’re a regular reader of Techipedia, you already know that MMOs are video games with online components. While these games are a lot of fun, they can also get a bit addictive. If you’re thinking of jumping in right away, don’t.
- Take a break every hour – When playing video games, especially online, it’s easy to get caught up in the game and forget to take care of yourself. Just like anything else, sitting for extended periods can strain your back, stiffen your legs, and make your eyes feel tired. So, take a break every hour while you’re gaming. Take a walk, and get some water. Do anything to keep your mind and body healthy. If you want to play video games all day, be sure to take breaks every so often to keep your health and gameplay intact.
- Limit how much money you spend on video games – Video games are fun, but many of us have a hard time saying no to the itch to spend more than our budget allows. What may start as a little fun can quickly become a costly habit. Video games can become an expensive hobby, but there are ways to avoid becoming another statistic. It’s important to set a budget before buying to know what you can spend. Remember to only buy in-game items that you feel are worth the price. There are many items such as the crest helm in d2r and others like it that you could buy in a sale from portals such as yesgamers or epic games. This is a great way to save money while still enjoying the game to its maximum.
- Choose games with physical activity – Computer games can be a source of entertainment, fun, and relaxation, but they can also be a great source of physical activity. Playing games improves the body’s ability to process information and improves memory and concentration. Games that involve physical movement, like jumping, running, or swimming can help further improve physical coordination, while games that require a lot of coordination, such as tennis or bridge, can help develop the brain and improve memory. When playing video games, be sure to get up and move around regularly.
Gaming is a hobby that has increasingly gained popularity over the years. Many people consider gaming to be a near addiction, which is why many people are suffering from gambling addiction. Gambling addiction is a serious issue, and people who suffer from this often neglect other responsibilities, such as school or work. But is there a way to deal with gaming discipline?