What are the causes of gaming addiction?
An addiction is defined as a person’s inability to control the use of a substance or behavior, despite negative consequences. Those who are occupied with screen time or video games while neglecting other regular activities may be close to meeting this definition.
Dopamine is released by the reward center in the brain when a pleasurable experience or hyperarousal occurs. Video games cause the brain to associate the activity with dopamine when a person experiences hyperarousal. The individual develops a strong desire to seek out the same pleasure repeatedly.
The brain’s dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter. It helps sustain people’s interest and attention, which is why it can be hard for people to tear themselves away from a situation or behavior. Self-reinforcement is also a feature of it. The more times people experience the behavior, the more dopamine is released, and the more likely they are to return to it.
The High Score
Either you’ve experienced the newest version of Grand Theft Auto or haven’t played a video game since PacMan. One of the hooks that is easily recognizable is when it has a high score or completion percentage. Trying to beat the high score (even if the player is trying to beat their own score) can keep a player engrossed for hours.
Beating the Game
Although this ‘hook’ is not utilized in online role-playing games, it is present in almost every gaming system. The desire to beat the game is fueled by players who level up or discover hidden clues.
Discovery
Role-playing games frequently use the exploration or discovery tactic. One of the most popular online games of all time is World of Warcraft, and a good portion of the game involves exploring imaginary worlds. The thrill of discovering (even places that aren’t really there) can be very compelling.
Social Connection
Online multiplayer modes are available in many video games that allow players to connect with others. These games can offer some individuals a sense of community and social interaction that they may not be able to experience in real life. Making friends, joining teams, and competing against others from around the world are all possibilities for them. This social connection has the potential to lead to video game addiction. It’s possible for people to feel a sense of belonging and identity within their gaming communities, which can make it hard to leave the game.
A lack of other interests
People who lack other hobbies or interests may be at a higher risk of becoming addicted to video games. If gaming is the sole activity that brings them joy or excitement, they may continue to play more and more. This can cause a recurrence of neglecting other important aspects of their lives, such as school, work, or relationships. By developing a variety of interests and activities, video game addiction can be prevented by providing alternative sources of fulfillment and enjoyment.
Psychological and environmental factors
Video game addiction can also be caused by other factors. For the reasons mentioned above, individuals who have low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety may be more susceptible to becoming addicted to video games. In addition, individuals with ADHD or other impulse control disorders may have a harder time controlling their gaming habits. Finally, people who grow up in households or in friend groups where gaming is a common activity may be more likely to develop addictive behaviors. The treatment of video game addiction requires understanding and addressing these underlying psychological issues.
Losing interest in daily activities
The act of neglecting activities that are necessary or once pleasurable is called loss of interest. Losing interest in daily activities and hobbies is one of the significant signs and symptoms of video game addiction. Disconnection from social and recreational activities occurs because of this. Video games became the primary activity for gaming addicts after abandoning daily life activities.
Increased Tolerance
Increased tolerance or an urge to play more refers to playing games for a longer period to achieve a sense of satisfaction and achievement. A common sign and symptom of video game addiction is increased tolerance to video games. Reaching the same level of achievement as before involves repeatedly requiring extensive hours of playtime. Douglas Gentile and co-authors also reaffirmed that increased tolerance is an indication of video game addiction in their study published in 2011.
Withdrawal Symptom
Withdrawal symptoms refer to unpleasant physical or emotional responses when stopping drugs or behavioral activity. Video game addicts may experience withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to play games. They express sadness, anxiety, restlessness, and depression when they are not able to access games.
Mental health issues
Individuals who are addicted to video games can become aggressive, socially incapable, and anxious. The negative effects on mental health are caused by engaging in violent games and avoiding social life. Video game addiction can lead to both short-term and long-term psychological consequences, such as extreme anger, social withdrawal, and depression in individuals with addiction.