Though not a traditional Addiction, Symptoms of Video Game Addiction in Teens
Although it has never received a diagnosis by known institutes of medical and psychological studies, addiction-like behaviors with computer, cell phone usage, video and Internet gaming have increased in both teenagers and adults. There are signs to look for if you suspect you or your teen may have a "digital addiction".
Off to La-La Land
A teen may become distracted, irritable, or disinterested. Treating the game environment as he would real life, where in the past this type of behavior was closely associated with role-playing games that would have the game user become the character and behave as such for best results. In the Digital world, games have evolved into scenarios without imagination and provide a vast fantasy world where teens often lose sight of reality and life goals in order to achieve game set goals.
Loss of time during usage
Someone who plays addictively will downplay the amount of time spent playing in front of their TV or computer. Reasons for accessing their accounts, cell phones or digital worlds will vary; when addiction is brought to light by a concerned party, emails or work related updates are excuses which may be used to in fact lie about playing.
Teens are especially adept at procuring other ways to satisfy digital needs with friends or portable devices.
Self Control Issues
A person who is addicted, or at risk of becoming addicted to gaming, is unable to control the amount of time they spend on their computer or gaming platform, putting off chores, work or other activities to add to their gaming time. Noticeable life changes can be seen as personal hygiene, home cleanliness and typical behavior is altered in place of more gaming.
Time Management
Scheduling for work, bills or even family time will disappear for the Addicted Gamer, they may sit at their computer to pay bills or wrap up reports for work only to find themselves again drawn to their digital world for extended periods of time. In fact, they completely lose track of time and suddenly find that they played for several hours or through the night.
Other aspects of Life affected:
When someone spends so much time on their computer or console, other areas of life become neglected. They generally grow distant from friends and family who do not play and who had previously been close. Homework goes unfinished, grades slip, friends change (from non-players to players), moods are dependant of gaming outcome and in extreme cases, the teen may even neglect personal hygiene, shun friends and eventually choose play video games instead of Life.
A world of their own
Some people become addicted to gaming because of the erred reasoning that it relieves stress or helps with dexterity. Although there have been noted relations between mental development and some gaming, the stimuli provided can easily be provided by running, exercise, sports or other physical activities. Situations like sadness, defensive & absurd arguments, or bad grades in school or work performance, are generally avoided as the addict will actually hide in the game; the fantastical world there providing better shelter than life itself.
Motion sensors on gaming consoles has made it even harder for us all to venture outside and instead find ourselves consumed with violent or dimwitted games.
The good news is that unlike a true addiction, gaming or digital addictions are cured by simply disconnecting from electronic devices of all kinds and replacing those hours of activities with other mental or physical distractions. Returning to simple cell phone service, limiting PC activity to only work or school related issues and planning around the boredom is primary in beating out a digital addiction.
Author Resource:
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