Computers and Technology – Article Flash

Games Addiction in Context Recognize the risks and be safe.

Problem or Not? We take a responsible look at Computer Game Addiction

The Good News

“Computer Gaming” is a generic term applicable to any gaming played on computers.  Firstly there is a difference between “Online Gaming” and “Video Gaming”. “Online Gaming” can be likened to competing in a virtual arena, involving several, possibly hundreds of competitors, most of whom will often be total strangers.  Such games are referred to as MMORPGs – Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games. Video Gaming is usually played in private at home, perhaps on your own or maybe with family or friends on a totally local basis, playing video games bought from your local video games retailer or on eBay or perhaps downloaded or swapped with your friends. A great many of you will have played a Video Game at some time in your life but several will not yet have experienced MMORPGs. The wider social contact of MMORPGs seems to be a factor more likely to push people to addiction according to research; but not always!

Keith Bakker, founder and chief of Europe��s first clinic to treat gaming addicts is of the opinion that ninety percent of young people looking for treatment are not in fact addicts at all, according to BBC News.

The Smith & Jones Centre in Amsterdam has treated hundreds of young gamers from all over the world since the clinic opened in 2006; but has changed its treatment methods since realizing that compulsive computer gaming is not a psychological illness but a social one.

Research was carried out in 2007 by The American Psychological Association to find out if computer video game addiction should be recognized as a disorder for inclusion in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders due for publication in 2012.  They concluded that there was insufficient evidence to show that video game addiction is a disorder.

This is one of three concise articles, looking at the thorny matter of Computer Gaming Addicition. The articles have been researched and written by a site dedicated to Video and Online Gaming with the purpose of presenting a balanced and proportionate view of this important topic.

Gaming Addiction Debunked Recognize the risks and be safe.

Problem or Not? We take a responsible look at Computer Game Addiction

There are many potential benefits to be derived from Computer gaming, as we have seen in Parts 1 and 2 of this article and there will be frequent instances where one might encourage the use of gaming to improve one's own life and that of family and friends. In spite of this, it would be foolhardy to totally disregard the possibility of the risks, however improbable it may be that they concern you personally or indeed those for whom you might be regarded as responsible.

Some hard facts follow although we do finish on a positive and optimistic note.

Computer gaming addiction is increasingly identified as the cause of social tragedies and there is a rising trend of reported and anecdotal evidence of how gaming addiction can lead to job losses, family break-ups, marriage failure and even deaths

You may remember the 2005 headline case of the South Korean gentleman Lee Seung Seop, who played Starcraft near enough solidly for fifty hours at an Internet cafe.  He suffered a heart attack and died shortly afterwards at a local hospital. The police told Reuters news agency they understood the man had not slept and had eaten little during his marathon gaming session. The police commented that they did not know if the deceased had been suffering from any prior health conditions and mentioned that the man had been fired from his job for repeated tardiness and missing work to indulge in his computer gaming addiction.

One of Lee's friends said: “…he was a game addict. We all knew about it. He couldn't stop himself.”

South Korea appears to be a world hot-spot for online gaming as apparently some 15 million people, that's 30% of its population, are registered for online gaming.   Unsuprisingly, it is a South Korean corporation that runs the World Cyber Games, an annual event backed amongst others by A-list corporations Samsung and Microsoft.

Such extreme consequences of Computer Game Addiction are thankfully rare but the circumstances concerning Lee's death are perhaps all too familiar

So, Computer Gaming Addiction; what's the bottom line?

Print off the following questions and write “Yes” or “No” against them to see if you might be addicted to Computer Gaming Addiction:

#  Are you finding you need to play increasing amount of time in order to achieve the desired amount of excitement? 
#  When you are away from your computer, are you able to concentrate on non-gaming things or do you find you are constantly thinking about gaming?
#  Have you ever had to lie to friends and family members to hide the extent of your computer gaming?
#  Do you feel restless or tetchy when trying to cut back on or stop computer  gaming?
#  Have you made repeated attempts to control, cut down, or stop computer gaming?
#  Do you ever use computer gaming to take your mind off of personal problems, feelings of helplessness, guilt anxiety or even depression?
#  Have you ever risked endangering your marriage or another important relationship in order to indulge in your computer gaming?
#  Have you ever endangered or lost a job, educational or career opportunity because of your computer gaming?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you may be addicted to computer gaming. You can see for yourself the indications that you may have lost control. If the signs apply to you, it is sensible to consider seeking help; and don't rule out self-help.

Most of us will know in our hearts if we are spending too much time at computer gaming even before doing the tests. According to research, MMORPGs and online gaming are more likely to become addictive than home-based Video games.  Occasionally, rather than going online to compete, think about playing home-based video games with your friends and family.

Go for variety in your gaming rather than sticking to one form or another and this could go a long way to keeping you content and happy!

This concise article is one of three looking at the thorny matter of Computer Gaming Addicition. The articles have been researched and written by a site dedicated to Video and Online Gaming and seek to present a balanced and responsible view of Gaming Addiction.

A Balanced View of Games Addiction Recognize the risks and be safe.

Is Computer Game addiction a problem? We take a responsible look.

Family bonding has been found by research to be a positive advantage flowing from the presence of computer games in the home.  Other benefits that have been supported by research are that parents have found their children frequently exhibit improved hand-eye co-ordination and manual motor functions, enhanced memory, opportunities for learning and cognitive exercise, stress relief,  relaxation and improved self-confidence. Physical fitness can be added to the list of any family owning a Nintendo Wii!

Psychologist Professor Mark Griffiths, author of several in-depth studies into online gaming and gambling addiction, has told news stations that according to his research, playing excessively was not problematic in any shape or form for the majority of gamers.

He did say however that: “It does seem to be the case that online gaming addiction for a small minority is a real phenomenon and people suffer the same symptoms as traditional addictions.” {“But the good news is that it is a small minority.”}

Professor Griffiths explained that MMORPGs – Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games – are social and immersive so require long periods of play. “If you are going to take it seriously, you have to spend time doing it,” he said.

Professor Griffith and his team conducted an in-depth survey of 540 gamers and found that four players; that is just under 0.75%, were playing an excessive 80 hours or more a week. So, is this a case of “I can handle it?” Professor Griffiths warned there was a difference between “healthy enthusiasm” and “unhealthy addiction.” People who sacrificed jobs, partners and loved ones were considered “extreme players” and most likely to be at risk of affecting their health.

He advised anyone worried about gaming addictions should contact their doctor and get referred to a psychologist.

Computer game addiction can be defined as “excessive or compulsive use of computer and video games that interferes with daily life”. Compulsive computer gaming is now generally recognized as a condition to watch for and if necessary to treat. This article only sets out to air the potential risks of addiction and as detailed earlier and in Part 1 and as will be seen in the conclusion, there is a great deal about which to be positive.

This is one of a trilogy of concise articles looking at the thorny matter of Computer Gaming Addicition. Submitted by a site dedicated to computer video and online gaming with the purpose of presenting a balanced and proportionate view of this important topic.