Game Addiction

Game addiction is regarded as a psychological addiction from the overuse of video games, such that they exhibit certain symptoms common to addiction, as well as neglecting their real life for their online life.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of people suffering from game addiction include:

• Having a sense of euphoria while playing cyber games
• Inability to stop computer activity
• Craving for more time at the computer
• Neglect of family, friends and social activities
• Feelings of depression, emptiness or irritability when not at the computer
• Lying to employers, family and friends about computer activities
• Problems with school or work
• Using it to escape from problems
• Lack of proper sleep, panda-eyes
• Lack of physical activity, physically degrading

Implications/Consequences

China recently implemented a rule stating that all games must have anti-addiction software, in which gamers can only play for a maximum of 3 hours consecutively. In Singapore, the Cyber Wellness Task Force (CWTF) was formed by the National Internet Advisory Committee (NIAC) in December 2002 to promote good online practices, including taking care of one’s health. The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) also has CAMP, a programme to treat Internet and game addicts and help them to recover. Lastly, TOUCH Community Services has also launched "PlanetCRuSH Cyber Wellness Center", a facility to take care of the cyber well-being of Singaporeans.

See Also

• Case Study: Gaming Addiction and Parental Neglect

References

• The Dark Side of Cyber World
• China Seeks to 'Limit Game Hours'
• MDA, Formation of Community Advisory Committee
• CAMP, by IMH
• Singapore Opens Cyber Wellness Centre for Young People
• Video Game Addiction: Is It Real?
• Game Addiction - Wikipedia