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Problems Caused by Excessive Use of Video Games and Social Media:

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Problems Caused by Excessive Use of Video Games and Social Media:

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Addiction:

Description: Excessive use can lead to addiction, where individuals feel a constant need to play video games or check social media, neglecting other important activities.

Symptoms: Difficulty stopping, anxiety when disconnected, prioritizing games or social media over work, school, or relationships.

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Physical Health Issues:

Description: Prolonged screen time can cause problems such as obesity, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and insomnia.

Symptoms: Muscle pain, fatigue, vision problems, sleep disturbances.

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Social Isolation:

Description: Spending too much time on video games or social media can reduce face-to-face social interactions, leading to loneliness and social withdrawal.

Symptoms: Loss of interest in real-life relationships, spending less time with friends and family, increased sense of loneliness.

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Mental Health Problems:

Description: Excessive use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly due to constant social media exposure and comparison with others.

Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, insecurity, distorted body image.

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Reduced Productivity:

Description: Video games and social media can be distracting, leading to decreased focus and productivity in school or work.

Symptoms: Procrastination, declining school or work performance, inability to complete tasks.

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Sleep Disturbances:

Description: Using electronic devices, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep patterns and reduce sleep quality.

Symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep, chronic fatigue, insomnia.

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Set Time Limits:

Solution: Establish daily or weekly time limits for gaming and social media use, using timers or apps to track screen time.

Example: Use tools like Android's Digital Wellbeing or iOS's Screen Time to monitor and limit time spent on social media or games.

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Plan Activities:

Solution: Organize your day with time for physical activities, work, study, and real-world social interactions, leaving limited time for gaming and social media.

Example: Create a daily schedule that includes exercise, reading, or other productive activities before engaging with video games or social media.

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Take Frequent Breaks:

Solution: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, and take longer breaks every hour.

Example: Set an alarm to stand up and stretch or take a short walk after every 60 minutes of gaming or social media use.

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Avoid Screens Before Bed:

Solution: Limit device usage at least one hour before bedtime to avoid sleep disturbances.

Example: Establish an evening routine that excludes devices, such as reading or meditating before going to sleep.

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Maintain Real-World Relationships:

Solution: Balance online time with real-world social activities, like spending time with friends, attending events, or engaging in family activities.

Example: Schedule weekly meetups with friends or family for offline social interactions.

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Incorporate Physical Activity:

Solution: Make regular exercise a part of your daily routine to counteract the sedentary nature of excessive gaming or social media use.

Example: Go for a walk, play a sport, or follow an online fitness program every day.

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How online gaming has become a social lifeline

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Gamers have known for a long time something that everyone else is starting to figure out: there’s community connection on the other side of a screen.