Computer game addiction

One of the most common types of addictions today is computer game addiction, a peculiar side effect of rapid technical development and computerization. It is a special type of psychological addiction that manifests itself as an obsessive attraction to computer games.

This problem is not just relevant: it is frightening that it is mainly the younger generation with an insufficiently stable psyche that is susceptible to influence, which has an extremely negative impact on further mental development.

Causes computer game addiction

Today, most families have a computer, laptop, or both. Easy access to any information, ease of "immersion" in another reality opens up new opportunities, but also adds problems. Almost every child has played one or another computer game at least once, and many children have a fairly long list of favorite games. However, not all children become addicted. What is the reason?

• An attempt to isolate oneself from existing problems, a distorted concept of the simplicity and boredom of everyday events, an attempt to get rid of routine, lack of confidence in oneself, one's social status and choice of life path.
• Repeating the behavior patterns of other family members (for example, if a father or older brother spends their free time on gadgets, then the child will also spend more and more time on the computer or phone).
• A feeling of dissatisfaction with the current period of life, the formation of an inferiority complex, the desire to “show oneself” if not in reality, then at least in the game.

Problems in the family or studies, lack of social adaptation, accumulation of negative tension.

• Lack of employment is one of the easiest ways to get rid of boredom.

Risk factors

Many scientific studies have demonstrated that the following factors clearly influence the risks of developing an addiction to computer games:

• internal behavioral problems;
• anxiety, impaired social interaction;
• depressive states;
• family and other conflicts;
• absence of family, social loneliness;
• idle pastime, boredom.

Constant access to a computer and the Internet can become a problem for socially concerned people, the so-called "outcasts of society", as well as for people regularly exposed to stress factors. Participation in computer games provides an imaginary feeling of comfort due to anonymity and virtual self-affirmation.

Addiction most often occurs in childhood and adolescence, as well as in people prone to anxiety and depression.

Symptoms computer game addiction

The most obvious signs of developing an addiction to computer games:

• an immediate change in mood in a positive direction when gaining access to a computer game;
• irritability, capriciousness when forced to be away from the computer;
• panic attacks when unable to play;
• regular deceptions, excuses in order to gain access to the computer;
• ignoring communication, responsibilities and family values in favor of computer games;
• neglecting night rest in favor of gambling;
• actively maintaining conversations exclusively on computer and gaming topics.

A person addicted to computer games gradually loses self-control, the criteria of self-criticism change. Growing personal disintegration is noted, moral values are lost.

Gambling addiction

One of the most common types of addiction is gambling addiction – a pathological addiction to gambling. This condition begins its development with an ordinary and seemingly harmless passion for computer games.

At the initial stages of development, gambling addiction proceeds almost unnoticed. Relatives and friends begin to suspect that something is wrong when the first pathological signs appear:

• excessive concern about the game, pathological involvement;
• endless replaying of the game situation, desire for a new game after completing the previous one;
• constant feeling of excitement, anxiety;
• thinking up schemes to deceive loved ones, hiding one’s addiction;
• irritability;
• endless attempts to “get” money for new games (debts, loans, etc.).

The gambler does not believe that he is sick. Therefore, he often does not want to change the situation, as a result of which family and friendly relations, studies, and professional activity suffer. The problem requires the obligatory intervention of specialists in various fields, including a psychologist.

First signs

The first signs indicating that a person is developing an addiction to computer games include:

• gradual fading of communication with loved ones and people around you;
• devoting all free time to computer games, losing interest in everything else;
• significant improvement in mood while playing on the computer;
• loss of need to communicate with friends and make new acquaintances;
• attempts to hide the periods of your time spent at the computer;
• obvious protest, aggression when trying to limit the playing period;
• loss of temporal orientation while using the computer.

It is not difficult to notice computer game addiction in children. An addicted child is usually closed, constantly absorbed in abstract thoughts, as if he is in some other reality. He does not show a response to events happening around him, and does not know how to adapt to the real reality. He does not need friends, and among those who are friends with him, conversations are conducted only around computer games and other Internet entertainment.

Stages

Conventionally, addiction to computer games is divided into several stages:

• Mild stage. A person spends a lot of time at the computer and playing games, but other areas of activity (professional activity, study, family, everyday life, etc.) do not suffer from this. The need to interrupt the game does not cause violent irritation and indignation.
• Moderately severe stage. A person plays, and some real spheres of activity suffer from this: problems appear at work, in studies, in the family, etc.
• Severe stage. Computer games are almost constant. There are no other interests. Often there is a lack of money, health suffers.
• Particularly severe is the addiction itself. The person completely escapes from reality. Suicides and murders are possible (if someone tries to interfere with the game). Symptoms of physical disorders appear (digestive disorders, cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders, etc.).

Complications and consequences

Regular computer games (daily for more than 2-3 hours) cause memory impairment, decreased intellectual abilities. A person loses interest in real events, giving preference to virtual life. Such a pastime does not imply the acquisition of new knowledge and experience, but degradation. Over time, an addicted person loses the skills of information analysis, it becomes difficult for him to think logically, communicate, and draw appropriate conclusions.

Psychological and social problems are aggravated by physical disorders: vision deteriorates, posture suffers, joint function becomes difficult. Many addicts gain excess weight, and the digestive and cardiovascular systems become impaired.

In addition, prolonged exposure to the monitor screen has a stimulating effect on the brain. As a result, sleep and rest become inadequate, and the diet is disrupted. The lack of physical activity also leaves its negative imprint.

Violation of interaction with family members entails tension in the psychological environment, gives rise to conflicts. The person gradually becomes asocial.

Diagnostics computer game addiction

The diagnosis of computer game addiction is established based on the results of the following measures:

• initial patient survey using clinical diagnostic criteria;
• psychological testing;
• analysis of information obtained during testing.

The computer game addiction test consists of the following questions:

• Are there any dependent people among your relatives?
• Are there any gambling addicts among your relatives?
• What games did the patient play as a child?
• What are the relationships like in the family, among friends, etc.?
• What circumstances prompted the first computer game?
• At what age did this happen?
• What is most attractive about games?
• What was life like before the addiction?
• Does the patient gamble?
• Is there a specific daily routine?
• Is there free time?
• How does the patient like to relax?
• How long can the patient go without playing?
• Frequency and duration of games?
• How does the patient himself feel about his hobby?
• Are the motives for the games known?
• Is there anything that can motivate you to give up gambling?
• Have there been any conflicts in the family or at work (school) regarding games?

The patient must understand that the answers to the questions must be as truthful as possible. Effective diagnostics contribute to the provision of timely and specialized assistance, preventing the social consequences of computer game addiction.

Treatment computer game addiction

If a person has developed an addiction to computer games, then measures should be taken immediately, without delay. All measures should not be abrupt, strict and harsh. Complete refusal from gadgets is not a solution, as it can cause an aggressive and protest reaction.

Experts point out that there is no single suitable standard treatment scheme for this type of addiction. Measures are developed on an individual basis, with the involvement of psychotherapists and psychologists.

The main direction of treatment is to determine the period of restriction of gadget use (not exclusion, but restriction). The time during which one can play computer games can be one period once a day, or it can be “broken” into parts (for example, several approaches of 15 minutes). Another possible method is to provide the opportunity to play a favorite game only after following certain rules (for example, only after completing homework, etc.).

In general, treatment of this type of addiction includes the formation of new motivational interests, hobbies, and changes in everyday life. It is very important to devote enough time to the person, to be interested in his life and affairs, and to directly participate in treatment activities.

A person who spends a long period of time in virtual games loses the ability to adapt to reality, gradually degrading. It is important to understand and not allow the situation to worsen.

How to overcome children's addiction to computer games

It is important to know that computer game addiction is a result of certain psychological factors, so treatment measures should correspond to this problem. The complex of such measures should be based primarily on psychological consultation, assessment of the stage and scale of the disorder.

Psychotherapeutic sessions are mandatory: special attention is paid to the analysis of family factors, correction of psychological problems, and elimination of phobias.

It is also possible to prescribe medications aimed at eliminating the symptoms of addiction: drugs that eliminate irritability, have a calming effect, and normalize mood and sleep.

It is very important to ensure the child's social activity: to occupy him creatively or physically. It is necessary to note the achievements and interests of children, make plans, develop a scheme of useful leisure. Simply taking the computer away from the child is far from the best option. Computer games should be qualitatively replaced with another interesting and more useful way of spending time.

Prevention

The development of computer game addiction in most cases occurs against the background of incorrect upbringing and the peculiarities of family relationships. Prevention of this problem is an important and integral responsibility of relatives and close people. Parents should note any behavioral changes in children in order to take the necessary measures in a timely manner:

• participate in the child’s life, discuss and solve problems together, and, if necessary, give advice, discuss interests and aspirations;
• control the amount of time the child spends at the computer, as well as the resources he or she visits;
• provide encouragement for useful hobbies, motivate;
• know your social circle, attend social and other events together;
• establish manageable household chores;
• spend time actively.

Forecast

If the problem of computer game addiction is not given due attention, the situation may soon become critical. A person gradually loses his social status, the process of communication with friends and relatives is disrupted. Personal degradation is noted.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the player does not believe that he is sick, so he does not seek to recover, believing that he is accused without any grounds. Over time, a person becomes indifferent to his loved ones and relatives, to his duties, his appearance, etc. Problems arise in the family, at work (or in school). Many players, due to the desire to play games and lack of money, commit illegal acts and crimes.

Computer game addiction is a complex psychological problem that consists of an increasing need for computer games. Against this background, interest in real life is lost, material, social and family values are leveled.