Excessive Online Gaming- A Negative Addiction
Nowadays, playing online games is becoming a norm for children and even adults. Spending time sitting near computers, playing games, for several hours straight, is affecting the mental state of humans. These people's behavior eventually shifts and they become annoyed by everything. Through the games and their attributes, they get hooked, which makes it impossible for them to shift their minds from the gaming universe.
The time utilized for gaming affects the academics and other studies of the person. At the age of focusing their mind on career development, excessive online gaming is ruining their state of mind by creating distractions. Putting 7-8 hours regularly for surfing in the virtual world, common changes can be seen with the person such as:
- isolation
- low self-esteem
- depression
- anxiety
Such disorders lead the person to more argument, tension, shame, and guilt gradually. It is the sign of self-destruction that makes the person do things according to their self-satisfaction rather than following other's instructions. Let's talk about the issue in-depth.
Types of Video Games
There are two types of Video games that can be addictive in nature, these are:
- Single-player game - In this, the main motive of playing the game is defined and the ending is not much complicated. Only one person can play this game at a time and complete the mission defined by the computer. It is less addictive in nature.
- Multi-player games - In this, more than one person can play together and the ending is defined by themselves. They can play in a group with their friends and can connect via call for taking action. It is very addictive in nature, as they create their own playing room where all the characters are controlled by a living person.
Cause of Addiction
The games are designed in such a manner that they attract people for playing them. The designers of the game are mainly focusing on the features of the game for earning profits. Online games create a fascination for achieving the targets that the games usually set for upgrading to the next level. The people start trying hard for upgrading the level of the game which makes them busy all-time for doing it. The addiction starts from here and results in changes in behavior in the person.
Symptoms of Addiction
- Getting irritated for not being able to play the game
- Constantly thinking about the game while doing something else
- Disagreeing with the fact that they spend lots of their time playing
- Isolation for playing game
- Headache due to playing constantly for hours and eye strains
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Not taking care of personal hygiene
- Fatigue
- Academic loss
- Financial spending on games for high-speed internet connection of purchasing expensive gaming equipment
- Distraction from the office work
These symptoms can be seen in many kids and adults. If it is minor or less in terms, then it is possible to cure by self-assessments. You can reduce your playing time and put your precious time on other work or making a new hobby. Distraction from the game can help you to get yourself under control by your own efforts. But, if it has become a serious problem and the symptoms are majorly affecting someone, then it is necessary for taking medical help.
Side effects of medical help
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Itching
- Fever
It is important to note that medical help can cure someone but it is not for everyone. You should consult medical professionals before taking any dose of medicine by yourself.
Real-Life Examples of Negative Addiction to Online games
- Pubg mobile took the life of a 16-year-old boy, as he stopped taking food and water because of the addiction to playing the game. He used to stay at home after lockdown and suffered from diarrhea which caused his death.
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- 13 year old committed suicide because of depression after he lost the battle in a pubg mobile game.
Source : visit
- 36 year old committed suicide because of losing lakhs of money on online games.
Source : visit
Conclusion
People should have control over themselves while playing online games. Excessive online games are very destructive in nature. For the sake of achieving a milestone in the virtual world, the real-life of the person gets affected unknowingly. Playing games is not a bad thing to pursue, but, one should always know the consequences and try not to get addicted to this over coated silver of the virtual world.