Video game addiction and How to prevent Video games -

Video games have become a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages, offering immersive experiences and interactive challenges. However, the increasing prevalence of gaming has led to concerns about video game addiction. Video game addiction is a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive or compulsive use of video games, leading to negative impacts on various aspects of an individual’s life, including physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing its signs and implementing effective interventions.

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How to avoid addiction to video games

Currently, video games are very popular among the population under thirty-five years. Although it is associated with youth in general, it is increasingly affecting adolescents. This is a segment of the population that is between two very different age stages and it is difficult to pinpoint its identity. Video games are so varied and the product of a sector that evolves so quickly that it makes minors an ideal group to make a dent in their vulnerabilities and create addiction.

Video game addiction Overview

Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition that can significantly impair an individual’s personal, social, educational, and occupational functioning. Key symptoms include a lack of control over gaming, prioritizing gaming over other activities, and continuing to play despite negative

Consequences: This addiction can affect anyone, but it is most commonly observed in adolescents and young adults. Addressing video game addiction involves a combination of awareness, prevention strategies, and treatment options to help individuals regain balance in their lives.

What is video game addiction disorder and How to avoid

Video game addiction disorder occurs when a person ends up spending much of their time connected to them. Whether due to lifestyle or abuse, a psychological bond is created that can generate emotional dependence.

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If limits are not set, progressively more time is spent on the activity, leaving aside responsibilities and daily needs. Thus, the individual deviates from normal habits and affects how he develops in his normal life and his psychological stability.

How to avoid addiction to video games

Know what your children play: Don’t be afraid of not knowing enough. Just be interested. Just look at the cover to see the age rating, check the PEGI code, or ask your kids and even other parents. Video games appear all over YouTube and are designed to be simple and intuitive.

Be demanding with the times: Your child will enjoy it more if it is dosed, so teach him to alternate the game with other activities. Negotiate study time, video game time, and non-digital leisure time. Everything must have its space and, in the future, it will thank you.

Propose alternatives: Not only from video games can your child live. In case you begin to notice an excess of dedication to video games or online time, always have alternatives of your choice ready. The best ones are those that allow you to be creative or that favor personal relationships, or outdoor activities. Be interested in the alternatives that you like and promote them.

What are the signs and symptoms of video game addiction?

Common signs of video game addiction include:

Preoccupation with gaming
Withdrawal symptoms when not playing (e.g., irritability, anxiety)
Increasing amounts of time spent gaming
Neglect of personal, social, or academic responsibilities
Continued gaming despite negative consequences
Deceptiveness about gaming habits
Using gaming as a way to escape problems or negative emotions

Promotes reading: Reading is essential for the brain of all ages. Even if they are novels or fantasy literature, reading of any kind is great for the brain. Get it.

Minimize the use of screens

If your child has a mobile, laptop, desktop computer, console, tablet and television, it will be difficult for them not to be looking at a screen or playing video games all the time. With a mobile you have access to thousands of games that you can take with you wherever you go. Negotiate the use of screens inside and outside the home.

Pay attention to economic spending: Video games are expensive, and few of them are 100% free. The micropayment system of mobile video games or “free to play” convert a mobile or console into a potential slot machine.

Who is most at risk for developing video game addiction?

While anyone can develop video game addiction, certain groups are more at risk, including:

Adolescents and young adults, particularly males
Individuals with underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety
Those with limited social interactions or support systems
People who use gaming as a primary means of coping with stress or negative emotions

Talk to your child

The concept of “playing too much” or the use of age-inappropriate video games can be difficult topics to address. Instead of arguing, give him your opinion about the content of questionable morality or if you think he plays too much. Let’s turn lemon into lemonade: A violent game can give you an invaluable opportunity to talk to your child about violence, drugs, or any dangerous or inappropriate behavior.

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Worry, but not too much: As much as your child plays video games, he will not get sick or need clinical treatment for techno addiction, as long as he does something more in his life than just play video games, such as going to school and learning, playing sports, etc. Worrying too much will only make you suspicious and create unnecessary tension at home.

How can video game addiction impact an individual’s life?

Video game addiction can have several negative impacts, including:

Decline in academic or work performance
Strained relationships with family and friends
Physical health issues, such as poor posture, eye strain, and sleep disturbances
Increased risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety
Financial problems due to in-game purchases or neglecting work

Ask for professional help

When in doubt… ask. Consumer associations endorsed by official bodies such as the Learning to Watch Foundation are specifically dedicated to researching and keeping abreast of what is happening in the world of video games to anticipate all your questions. In addition, there are guides and books written by psychologists and pedagogues aimed at parents and educators in which you can solve most of your doubts.

Remember that they are just games; Behaviors or situations within a video game are not imitable in real life. Playing violent video games is not going to turn your child into a violent person. If you respect the age rating and the obvious minimums of common sense, you should not fear for your child’s emotional or mental health.

Symptoms of video game addiction

Loss of control: It arrives when the boy says that she is going to play for an hour and they end up being six or more.

Anxiety: He spends more and more time in front of the screen or is always thinking about the video game even if it is not in front of him.

antisocial: She spends a lot of time in her room because she prefers to be alone while playing; his friends go into the background. He does not do other leisure activities such as sports.

Bad character: Aggressive responses towards parents or close relatives, irritability…

Tiredness: The stress of the games is also noticeable at night, when they can’t sleep. They are sleepy and tired at all hours.

What strategies can help prevent video game addiction?

Preventive strategies include:

Setting time limits for gaming
Encouraging a balanced lifestyle with diverse activities
Monitoring the content and time spent on gaming
Promoting open communication about gaming habits within families
Seeking alternative ways to manage stress and emotions, such as physical exercise or hobbies

Social isolation: Video games are a type of entertainment that requires more attention and concentration than any other type of leisure activity. For this reason, the games that are played become very intense to test the stimuli and cognitive abilities. A person who habitually abuses them, not only can become addicted, but over time will pay less attention to their environment, and especially to their social relationships. On the other hand, in the loneliest people it can be a means to keep in touch with other individuals or to alleviate the pain of loneliness.

Conclusion

Video game addiction is a growing concern that can have significant repercussions on an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Recognizing the signs and understanding the risks associated with excessive gaming are crucial steps in addressing this issue. By implementing preventive measures and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can regain control over their gaming habits and lead a more balanced, fulfilling life. As video games continue to be a central part of modern entertainment, raising awareness and fostering healthy gaming practices are essential for mitigating the risks of addiction.

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What treatment options are available for video game addiction?

Treatment options for video game addiction may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the underlying causes and develop healthier coping mechanisms
Family therapy to improve communication and support systems
Support groups and peer counseling
Setting structured routines and boundaries around gaming
In severe cases, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs

World Health Organization formally accepted the inclusion of video game abuse as a mental disorder . It is a form of leisure that has a great following by a multitude of young and middle-aged people. According to this new approach, spending too much time on this content is a health risk and can be considered a mental illness such as addiction.