Gaming addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, has become a growing concern in our increasingly digital world. It involves compulsive and uncontrolled use of video games, leading to significant impairment in personal, social, and occupational functioning. Understanding this addiction, recognizing its symptoms, and comprehending its effects are crucial steps toward addressing and managing the issue.
Gaming addiction is characterized by an excessive and obsessive preoccupation with video games. It is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mental health disorder under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
Individuals with gaming addiction prioritize gaming over other activities, to the extent that it negatively impacts various aspects of their lives.
Identifying gaming addiction involves recognizing a range of symptoms and signs that indicate an unhealthy relationship with video games.
These include:
Gaming addiction can have profound effects on both mental and physical health:
Mental Health:
Physical Health:
Gaming addiction extends its impact beyond the individual, affecting their daily life and family dynamics: