Video Game Addiction a Growing Health Problem

he gaming population is split fairly evenly between men and women. Women tend to play more puzzle and word games, while men favor multi-player online roleplaying games such as Call of Duty or Halo. And it’s the type of games men play that are resulting in video game addictions and adverse health effects. 

Jason Conover, a licensed clinical social worker at Utah Valley Hospital, explains, “It’s almost like the gaming world and the real world flip, and the person is spending more time in the world of the game than out of it. As with any addiction, the brain shifts from pre-frontal cortex activity to limbic activity and it runs on urges and emotion rather than wisdom and compassion.”

When that happens, Jason warns it can lead to a disconnect from reality, and cause the gamer to neglect other facets of life including hygiene, sleep, and proper diet and exercise habits. Jason believes the effects of the game world must be considered carefully and soberly. 

For example a gamer should ask himself:

What am I viewing over and over?  What emotions and body sensation do I have while playing?How is this affecting the way I view others in real life?Am I closer to reality, empathy, and compassion?Do I care more or less about the needs and feelings of others? How am I doing in regards to helping others in need and being sensitive to others?

“Time spent playing a game is time NOT spent doing something else,” says Jason. “Some gamers I know would rather play a game than spend time with their families, exercise, or even take the time to eat. When video gaming trumps basic needs for sleep, food, and connection, you can be confident that it is an addiction and a serious clinical problem.”

The Entertainment Software Association reports the most frequent gamers are spending 6.5 hours per week playing games with others, with many gamers reporting 10-15 hours a week spent online. Jason, giving users an experience similar to pornography, including: