Q: How common is video game addiction?

<p>Video game addiction not very common; it&#39;s estimated to impact anywhere from<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023737/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 1-10% of gamers, and less than 1% of general population</a>. Of those meeting the clinical criteria for addiction, <a href="https://gamequitters.com/how-many-people-are-addicted-to-playing-video-games/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">94% are men and 6% are women</a>, with 24 as the average age. </p><p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20130729/video-game-addiction-more-likely-with-autism-adhd#1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> also suggests that those with ADHD and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as children of adult gamers, are more likely to develop addictive tendencies.</p>

Question 1

How many hours of video games constitutes an addiction?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who are addicted to video games may spend anywhere from 80 to 100 hours a week playing. Though frequent and extensive gaming sessions may seem like a clear warning sign, however, the way a player spends their off-time can be a bigger indicator of a serious addiction.

Irregular sleep habits, forgoing other activities, underperforming at work or at school, and developing poor hygiene are all indications that a healthy gaming hobby has launched into an unhealthy addiction.

Using video games as a method of escapism can lead to the individual skipping out on real-life activities, sometimes extending to their academic or professional lives. Those with ADHD and autism are more susceptible to developing a video game addiction than their peers and may find it harder to self-regulate their screen time.

Implementing time limits, keeping a regular schedule, and being productive in other areas can help decrease unhealthy levels of game time without being too restrictive.

Question 2

How common is video game addiction?

Accepted Answer

Video game addiction not very common; it's estimated to impact anywhere from 1-10% of gamers, and less than 1% of general population. Of those meeting the clinical criteria for addiction, 94% are men and 6% are women, with 24 as the average age.

Research also suggests that those with ADHD and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as children of adult gamers, are more likely to develop addictive tendencies.

Question 3

How do you get rid of video game addiction?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that limiting the time an individual spends playing video games and focusing on improving how they use their screen time is more effective than abstaining completely.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents limit play time to an hour or less on school days, and no more than two hours on non-school days for children ages 6 and above.

Setting (and sticking with) play time limits, regularly engaging in other hobbies or activities, and becoming more physically active are all common ways to combat a video game addiction.

Adults and children, alike, can benefit from taking frequent mental and physical breaks during gaming sessions to disengage. Because avoiding screens entirely is difficult, implementing these restrictions can help prevent those struggling with a gaming addiction from relapsing.

Those suffering from co-occurring conditions, such as depression, attention disorders, and/or anxiety, should see a mental health professional to address and resolve the root of their addiction. An addiction to video games may be a symptom of a larger underlying problem, especially if the individual is already experiencing a mental health crisis or illness.

Question 4

Do video games cause addiction?

Accepted Answer

Video games are, by default, designed to be addicting to keep users coming back for more and for longer periods of time. Game developers pump out engaging new material as often as possible to keep their audiences primed and interested. Most games are made to be hard enough to be intriguing and rewarding, yet not so difficult that they drive people away out of frustration.

This, coupled with micro-rewards like in-game achievements and daily tasks, ensures that players feel a sense of satisfaction every time they log in and causes them to be more likely to return. Video games provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that triggers the release of dopamine by activating the reward center in the brain.

Whenever a player completes a task, levels up, or progresses the storyline, the brain releases more of this feel-good chemical, keeping them interested and making them feel happy.

Because playing and winning games feels so good, the individual feels compelled to continue doing it, sometimes for a long period of time or at the expense of other obligations.

How many hours of video games constitutes an addiction?

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