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WHAT IS VIDEO GAME ADDICTION?

Video game addiction is one of the mental health problems due to uncontrolled activities in accessing video game platforms. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a “Gaming Disorder” in their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as “a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior, which may be online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

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WHAT THE SYMPTOMS OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION?

Emotional Symptoms

  • Feelings of restlessness and/or irritability when unable to play

  • Preoccupation with thoughts of previous online activity or anticipation of the next online session

  • Lying to friends or family members regarding the amount of time spent playing

  • Isolation from others in order to spend more time gaming

Physical Symptoms

  • Fatigue

  • Migraines due to intense concentration or eye strain

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by the overuse of a controller or computer mouse

  • Poor personal hygiene

Illuminated Abstract Shapes

"Video games are like a drug. You play them, and they’re fun, and you want more. And once you start to lose control, it’s hard to stop."

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