Video game addiction is a reality that the population has been warned about for some time. The WHO, since 2019, included this type of addiction as a form of mental pathology that should not be downplayed.
Video game addiction disorder It occurs when people dedicate excessive time to this type of leisure in such a way that it ends up creating in the player a psychological link of dependence towards the activity.
Like any addiction, continued practice causes the body to seek repetition and thus the dependence is consolidated, to the point that the player disregards other normal habits of interaction and physical health.
Some signs of video game addiction
- Social isolation: In general, video games demand great attention from the user, so it is quite common for them to spend long periods of time playing a game. Once the habit is acquired, the player will spend more and more hours dedicated to this activitywith which they usually lose interest in other socialization activities, both with family, friends and even a partner. Less sociable people usually find themselves in this type of interaction (since many games form communities of gamers) a space to interact virtually without physical contact.
- Neglect in daily activities: the amount of time spent gambling for those who have developed this addiction usually has consequences on daily activitieswell be it study, work, own projects, family activities, etc. Time management skills begin to decline.
- Physical conditions: people who spend too much time playing video games they tend to become sedentarywhich is why they can acquire any of the consequences that a sedentary lifestyle has on a physical and mental level.
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Three practices to prevent the habit
Playing video games is not a bad practice in itself, it is rather its excess that can lead to the problems that we have previously pointed out. To prevent excessive consumption of video games, we suggest the following practices:
- Discard new video games: It seems obvious, but if you want to reduce the amount of time spent playing, it is important to make the decision not to start new video games, since learning the dynamics of the game will require the player more time than if they play a video game that they already have. known.
- Limit consumption: Determine a specific time to play and do not exceed it. If you want to reduce more and more, then you should progressively reduce the time you invest in said activity. For this, you can consider doing new activities that involve different practices, such as outside activity, exercise, meetings with friends, dancing, etc.
- Develop new skills or knowledge: Learning can be a good option when looking for new activities to occupy your time. Learning to play an instrument, perfect a language, cultivate culinary or plastic arts and much more also helps your brain plasticity and, therefore, your mental health.
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Can video game addiction be treated?
Yes. Not just video games. Addictions can be treated, but this is not easy to do. Addictions occur, like other mental disorders or pathologies, for numerous causes and must be studied and analyzed in depth, and should not be trivialized or reduced to a “bad practice.” To deal with an addiction it is advisable to go to a health professional to identify a type of addiction.
If you need help handling this issue, call us or write to us via WhatsApp at 3330333588 so that one of our psychologists can provide you with advice. It is free and confidential.