Video game addiction is no longer something that happens on the fringes.
As gaming participation continues to grow and online gaming communities flourish, gaming addiction is now estimated to affect more than 3% of all gamers.
In what is a telling indictment, video game addiction was recently classified in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
What is video game addiction?
Video game addiction, otherwise known as its ICD classification of “gaming disorder” is a pattern of escalating participation in online gaming typically defined by a loss of control over gaming.
Affected individuals typically feel an increasing pull towards gaming activities over “real life” activities and daily tasks which typically escalates to the point where participation in gaming can have a negative effect on mental wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, and work or school performance.
Video game addiction can happen on a gaming console, PC, mobile device, or any other type of device that is compatible with gaming. It is not console or game specific, however, it is widely acknowledged that individuals participating in online gaming are more likely to display behaviour that is consistent with gaming addiction disorder. Those who game primarily on mobile should also be aware that gaming addiction and phone addiction frequently overlap.
There is a common misconception that habitual gaming is harmless because unlike addictions such as masturbation, gambling, or pornography, it does not directly impact those around you. However, just like any other type of addiction, gaming addiction can cause significant health, wellbeing, and social issues that can have negative outcomes for those affected.
What causes video game addiction?
Video games are designed to be addictive.
As the revenue model for gaming companies has shifted away from one-time purchases and towards in-game purchases, video game designers and developers are incentivised to make games addictive and drive higher revenue through in-game purchases.
As technology enables more immersive gaming experiences that stimulate the user and provide a high level of dopamine, gaming addiction has become a growing concern. A statistical analysis published by ScienceDirect of 641,000 gamers found an increasing trend of gaming disorder prevalence. The data showed a statistical correlation between the growing impact of immersive gaming communities affecting vulnerable communities – particularly adolescents.
Common signs and symptoms of video game addiction
Not all gaming is unhealthy. Participating in casual or even regular video games, in moderation, can have positive outcomes on our mental and social wellbeing. As online communities flourish, these virtual worlds have become an increasingly popular place to meet and socialise.
So, when does a “healthy” amount of casual or even semi-regular gaming become an addiction?
The crossover from regular gaming participation into gaming addiction is characterised by a loss of control over participation. Some of the signs that regular gamers may notice when gaming becomes an addiction, include:
1. Escalating participation
Escalating frequency and duration of video games is a common sign of addiction.
What started as casual participation is now a habitual participation that occurs on an increasingly regular basis. Individuals affected by gaming addiction will typically need to play more frequently and for longer periods to feel the same sense of enjoyment as they once felt.
2. Impacted relationships
Gaming disorder is often noticed by loved ones before the person affected recognises there is a problem. Over time, excessive gaming can start to damage real-world relationships and affect the wellbeing of the people around you.
3. Loss of control
Just like all types of addiction, gaming addiction is characterised by a loss of control. Being unable to reduce frequency, duration, or intensity in-spite of attempts to do so are all signs that an individual has become dependent on gaming.
4. Changes to mood
Gaming addiction can have a direct impact on mood and feelings of self-worth. As moods are increasingly tied to gaming outcomes, mood swings can become a frequent occurrence.
5. Decline in physical or mental health
Declining physical or mental health (or both) is a well-documented outcome of video game addiction. As video game participation escalates, it can result in withdrawal and overall health decline.
A research piece published by the University of Michigan found that individual predisposition, rather than type of game, was the strongest indicator of addictive video game consumption. In other words, while certain games may have a higher number of addicted gamers, individual factors continue to be the strongest indicator of whether or not an individual will become a habitual gamer.
Treatment for gaming addiction
Talking therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is widely regarded as the most effective treatment method for gaming addiction.
Mental health professionals who specialise in treating addictions are best equipped to treat individuals affected by gaming addiction. Some of the most common types of psychotherapy that is used in treating gaming addiction, includes:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT is widely recognised as the most effective way to treat individuals to manage addiction triggers, address problem behaviours, and focus on solutions to overcome addictive gaming patterns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is intended to identify the underlying causes behind gaming addictions, manage associated anxieties, and provide coping mechanisms to overcome addiction.
Group therapy
Group therapy is typically used in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat gaming addiction disorders. These support groups create a supportive environment for individuals to address similar compulsive behaviours while providing accountability and a positive feedback loop to recognise and overcome addiction.
