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Line of Inquiry 1: Causes of video game addiction

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Line of Inquiry 1: Causes of video game addiction

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What is the cause of the video games addiction?

How can we know when we are starting to get addictive to video games?

What is an addiction?

Why do kids and adults become addictive to videogames?

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Why do kids and adults become addictive to videogames?

The desire for escape is one of the main causes of video game addiction. Video games offer an escape from the harsh and unpleasant realities of life. Players can act in ways they would never do in real life and be whatever they want in the virtual environment. For those who feel unhappy or dissatisfied with their real lives, this can be particularly appealing. To cope with their problems, they may turn to video games, which could lead to addiction.

Source: https://www.browardtherapygroup.com/blog/the-root-causes-of-video-game-addiction

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What is the cause of the video games addiction?

When you play video games there is an hormone that transports you to a video games world and you don't care about the real life. Also because that you are in more depression and anxiety

Another source:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/internet-addiction/guide/

https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/07/exploiting-the-neuroscience-of-internet-addiction/259820/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3085682/

APA Reference:

Davidow, B. (2012, July 18). Exploiting the Neuroscience of Internet Addiction. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/07/exploiting-the-neuroscience-of-internet-addiction/259820/

Chatfield, T. (2010, July). 7 ways games reward the brain. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

Davidow, B. (2012, July 18). Exploiting the Neuroscience of Internet Addiction. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/07/exploiting-the-neuroscience-of-internet-addiction/259820/

Chatfield, T. (2010, July). 7 ways games reward the brain. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

Carson-DeWitt, R., & Dolan, M. (2023, March 17). Could You Be Addicted to the Internet? Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/internet-addiction/guide/

Baer, S., Bogusz, E., & A Green, D. (2011, May 20). Stuck on Screens: Patterns of Computer and Gaming Station Use in Youth Seen in a Psychiatric Clinic. PMC MubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3085682/

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It's great to do things you enjoy. But can you go too far with a hobby? And at what point does it become an addiction? That's the question experts are trying to answer about playing video games.

Even though gaming has been around for almost 50 years, studies about its harms are still in the early stages. Different groups have come to different conclusions about whether problem playing should be called an addiction.

The World Health Organization added "gaming disorder" to the 2018 version of its medical reference book, International Classification of Diseases. But the American Psychiatry Association's manual, the DSM-5, didn't. (So far, gambling is the only "activity" listed as a possible addiction.)

It may help to start by asking yourself a few questions: Does your video gaming get in the way of other important things in your life, like your relationships, your job, or going to school? Do you feel like you've crossed the line between loving to playing and having to play? Might you be using gaming to avoid a deeper problem, like depression?

It can be hard to see a problem in yourself. The amount of time you spend gaming might seem fine to you. But if people close to you say it's too much, it might be time to think about cutting back.

If you're a parent who's concerned about the amount of time your child spends gaming, look at how well they are doing at school and with friends. Having good grades and a good relationship with parents are signs that a child's video gaming is unlikely to be a problem.

Getting Help

Get help from your doctor or therapist -- or your child's pediatrician, if the person you're concerned about is your son or daughter -- as soon as you think that gaming time is getting out of hand.

Studies about treating video game addiction are also in the early stages. One therapy that can help is called CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. This is mental health counseling that teaches you how to replace thoughts about gaming to help change behavior.

If you're the parent of a gamer, a therapist can show you how to place limits on your child's playing time if you have a hard time saying no. One study found that making parents part of a child's treatment makes it work better.

Preventing a Gaming Problem

To keep the amount of time spent gaming under control, try these tips for adults and kids alike:

1. Set time limits for play and stick to them.

2. Keep phones and other gadgets out of the bedroom so you won't play into the night.

3. Do other activities every day, including exercise. This will lower the health risks of sitting and playing for long stretches of time.

No one knows whether certain kinds of games are more likely to lead to problem gaming. For the time being, make sure that your child is only playing games rated for their age.

Signs to Watch For

The DSM-5 does include a section to help people and doctors know the warning signs of problem video gaming. These problems can happen whether you play online or offline.

Here's what to look for in yourself or someone close to you -- your partner, a child, or a friend. You need to have five or more of these signs in 1 year to have a problem, according to criteria that were proposed in the DSM-5:

Thinking about gaming all or a lot of the time

Feeling bad when you can't play

Needing to spend more and more time playing to feel good

Not being able to quit or even play less

Not wanting to do other things that you used to like

Having problems at work, school, or home because of your gaming

Playing despite these problems

Lying to people close to you about how much time you spend playing

Using gaming to ease bad moods and feelings

Of course, not everyone who plays a lot has a problem with gaming. Some experts say that it's harmful to label people who might just be very enthusiastic about gaming. One thing they do agree on is that the percentage of players who meet the proposed criteria for addiction to video games is small. It's estimated to be somewhere between 1% and 9% of all gamers, adults and kids alike. (It's more common in boys and men than girls and women.)

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It's great to do things you enjoy. But can you go too far with a hobby? And at what point does it become an addiction? That's the question experts are trying to answer about playing video games. Even though gaming has been around for almost 50 years, studies about its harms are still in the early stages.

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How can we know when we are starting to get addictive to video games?

Some symptoms of video games addiction are the anxiety, the obesity, violence, insomnia, lost of friends, the wants of playing always, money waste, intense emotions for the game, etc.

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In an increasingly digital world, most people own multiple electronic devices with screens. However, many parents worry about the effects of screen use on themselves and their children.

With screens virtually everywhere, controlling a child's screen time can be challenging. How can you manage your children's screen time? How will you know if you or your children are addicted to screens or video games?

Is screen time damaging?

It's difficult to avoid screens completely, especially with their importance at work and school. However, excessive screen time can affect a persons mental, social and physical health.

Too much screen time has been linked to:

Obesity

Poor sleep or insomnia

Behavioral problems, including impulsive actions

Loss of social skills

Violence

Less time for play

Eye strain

Neck and back problems

Anxiety

Depression

Difficulties with work or school

Screen time can be engaging for people of all ages. This is because their brains process and react to the sensory input as if it were happening to them. For example, many people have cried, laughed or been startled while watching a movie. This same type of engagement is possible when a person plays a video game.

While playing a video game, the person's brain processes the scenario as if it were real. If the game depicts a dangerous or violent situation, the gamer's body reacts accordingly. This "fight-or-flight response" to that perceived danger is triggered by exposure to intense stimulation and violence in the game. Excessive video game use can lead to the brain being revved up in a constant state of hyperarousal.

Hyperarousal looks different for each person. It can include difficulties with paying attention, managing emotions, controlling impulses, following directions and tolerating frustration. Some adults or children struggle with expressing compassion and creativity, and have a decreased interest in learning. This can lead to a lack of empathy for others, which can lead to violence. Also, kids who rely on screens and social media to interact with others typically feel lonelier than kids who interact in person.

Chronic hyperarousal can have physical symptoms, as well, such as decreased immune function, irritability, jittery feelings, depression and unstable blood sugar levels. In children, some can develop cravings for sweets while playing video games. Combined with the sedentary nature of gaming, children's diet and weight can be negatively affected, as well. Sometimes children will even avoid stopping the game to go to the restroom, which can lead to hygiene issues.

How can gaming become an addiction?

An addiction is defined as a person's inability to control use of a substance or behavior, despite negative consequences. Some people who are engrossed in screen time or video games while ignoring other normal activities could be close to meeting this definition.

So why does this happen? The reward center in the brain releases dopamine in response to a pleasurable experience or hyperarousal. If a person experiences hyperarousal while playing video games, the brain associates the activity with dopamine. The person develops a strong drive to seek out that same pleasure again and again.

Dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter in the brain. It helps sustain people's interest and attention, which is why it can hard for people to tear themselves away from a situation or behavior. It's also self-reinforcing. The more times people experience the behavior, the more dopamine is released, and the more driven they are to return to the behavior.

Symptoms of screen time or video game addiction

Similar to tobacco, alcohol or drugs, screen time or video games can become an addiction if it damages your health and relationships, and you are unable to control it.

Some symptoms could include:

Having intense urges for screen time or to play video games, and these urges block out other thoughts

Spending money on video games or screens, even though you can't afford it

Cutting back on social or recreational activities because of preference for screen time or video games

Continuing to play video games or participate in screen time, even though you know it's causing problems in your life, such as poor performance at school or work, or letting household responsibilities go

Displaying signs of irritability, anxiety or anger when forced to stop playing, even for brief periods of time

Lying to others about the extent of your use

Needing more screen time over time to get the same level of enjoyment

Neglecting your appearance, including lack of interest in grooming or clothing

Continued excessive use of screens can result in long-term or permanent changes in the brain that require extensive behavioral and medical treatment to reverse.

What can you do?

As your child grows, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work as well. Not all kids are the same when it comes to screens and technology. Some children can self-regulate and might even put the screens down to go outside without you prompting them. Other kids become noticeably more anxious and quicker to lose their tempers when they spend a lot of time on screens. You'll need to decide how much media to let your child use each day and what's appropriate.

Consider applying the same rules to your child's real and virtual environments. In both, play with your child, teach kindness, be involved, and know who your child's friends and what your child does with them. Also, keep in mind that the quality of the media your child is exposed to is more important than the type of technology or amount of time spent. Encourage active screen time over passive screen time.

Active screen time is when you are interacting with other people that you know or when you are cognitively or physically engaged. For example, play educational games, or games that require players to build something together. Other options are fitness-type games that require movement while playing. Passive screen time includes watching screens with minimal cognitive engagement, such as scrolling through social media, watching online videos or playing simple games.

Set reasonable limits for your child's screen time and video game types, especially if your child's use of screens hinders involvement in other activities.

Consider these tips:

Follow guidelines for screen time, such as those suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Model healthy use of screens and video games. Consider unplugging when you first get home from work, at dinner and when driving. Model other methods of relaxation and entertainment, such as taking a walk, playing a game, having a dance party or reading a book.

Encourage a balance between screen time and activities that require in-person social interactions, such as family activities or extracurricular activities.

Create structured, screen-free times, such as during mealtimes, in the mornings and before bedtime.

Consider using apps that control the length of time your child can use a device.

Keep screens out of bedrooms.

Require that all devices be charged outside of bedrooms at night.

Learn about the game rating categories and only allow your children to play video games suitable for their ages.

If you're concerned about a child or loved one's use of screen time, consulting a behavioral or addictions specialist can help determine treatment options.
Edward Luker is a counselor in Psychiatry & Psychology in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

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Can screen time or video games become an addiction? Learn how to spot the signs and what you can do.

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‘Addiction’ can mean many things to many people, but in general it refers to repeatedly using a substance (such as drugs) or engaging in an activity (such as gambling) for pleasure, even though doing so causes harm or interferes with everyday life.

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‘Addiction’ can mean many things to many people, but in general it refers to repeatedly using a substance or engaging in an activity for pleasure.

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Line 1 is about CAUSES of video game addiction.

Look for info about WHY people become addicted to video games.

Paraphrase the text.

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Why do kids and adults become addictive to videogames?

Playing video games triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, just like other addictions. This indicates that people begin to associate gaming—and only gaming—with reward and enjoyment. This diminishes the excitement and appeal of other types of entertainment. As a result, the person increasingly turns to video games for excitement and enjoyment.

Source: https://www.uk-rehab.com/behavioural-addiction/gaming/

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The causes of video games addiction are that you think you are in a world where you expect gratification at the moment. Video Games look like a think that it’s going to be for a small amount of time but it transform in a thing easy to play for hours and hours without noticing that a minute has gone by. They allow you to escape and see progress. They are social and create an environment where you feel safe.

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Why do kids and adults become addictive to videogames

?

A desire for social engagement is a primary factor contributing to video game addiction. Players form a robust community, and their connection to it provides them with a feeling of inclusion. People who lack family structure may develop a strong dependence on this feeling of belonging.

Source: https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/addiction/behavioral/video-game/

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Video Game Addiction: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

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Video game addiction refers to playing games impulsively till the point it affects daily activities. Learn about its symptoms , causes and treatment.

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Thus, one can pinpoint multiple causes of video game addiction, with the most significant being:

Social seclusion, introverted behavior, and insufficient communication with parents or others nearby.

The sensation of joy and unrealistic excitement arising from engaging in these games, along with the ongoing urge to experience it.

A longing to flee from reality stemming from insufficient social acceptance.

Individuals dealing with mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders are more susceptible to this addiction.

Some might argue that gaming firms are part of a multi-billion-dollar market and that games are specifically created to be addictive. As more individuals engage in video gaming, the more profits investors generate without regard for ethics.

In simple terms, you begin to exist in a digital environment where you go through various fun and thrilling experiences that offer you exceptionally high levels of dopamine.

One can easily become absorbed in playing for extended periods without realizing the passage of time. The majority of video games are crafted as social experiences that foster an atmosphere in which you feel secure and fully in command

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Video Games Addiction - Causes, Signs, Effects, Risks and Treatment Methods - The Kusnacht Practice

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Written by Dean Gustar, the full guide to video game addiction - Learn the causes, first symptoms, risks and effects, impact on life and available treatments.

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Video game addiction—also called internet gaming disorder—happens when a person cannot control their gaming even though it causes problems at school, work, or in relationships. Common signs include playing for longer than planned, failing to cut down, feeling upset when not gaming, and using games to escape negative feelings. The World Health Organization recognizes “gaming disorder,” while the American Psychiatric Association lists it as a condition for further study. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help.

Research shows that boys are more likely than girls to develop gaming addiction. Studies of children and teens found that boys play more frequently and have higher rates of pathological gaming (about 12% of boys compared to less than 3% of girls). Brain imaging suggests that boys’ reward centers may respond more strongly to certain games. Boys also tend to prefer competitive, action, or strategic games, which can be more addictive, while girls often choose creative or exploratory games that are less likely to trigger compulsive play.

Experts recommend balanced approaches: parents can guide children toward diverse game types, encourage creative or social gaming, and set healthy limits. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking professional support can prevent serious consequences such as sleep problems, mood issues, or academic decline.

Another source:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video-game-addiction?print=true

APA References:

Samuel, A. (2016, April, 5). Is Video Game Addiction a Boy Problem? Daily. https://daily.jstor.org/is-video-game-addiction-a-boy-problem/

Painter, K (2025, June, 30). Is Video Game Addiction Real? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video-game-addiction?print=true

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Is Video Game Addiction a “Boy” Problem? - JSTOR Daily

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There are some girls who get really into video gaming, but it seems like it’s far more frequently an issue for little boys.

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What is an addiction

Many of us know that feeling: Your eyes are glazed over, your back is hunched, you’re staring at a screen, and you just can’t seem to stop. If you spend so much time online — on a phone, computer, gaming platform, or other device — that it negatively affects your health, job, finances, or relationships, could that be considered an addiction?

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Spending long stretches of time online, to the detriment of your job, health, or relationships, can be considered addiction-like behavior.

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What is an Adicction Military style boot-camps are flourishing in China in order to break teenagers of their internet addiction. Some 250 camps are now functioning in the country alone – and the idea may spread.

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Military style boot-camps are flourishing in China in order to break teenagers of their internet addiction. Some 250 camps are now functioning in the country alone - and the idea may spread.

"My parents wanted me to study at home all day, and I was not allowed to play outside," one teenager, who gave only his surname, Wang, told Reuters. He said that resultantly he turned to the Internet to escape the competitive societal pressures.

"As I became addicted to the game, my school grades tumbled. But I gained another feeling of achievement by advancing to the next level in the game," Wang said.

He admitted to once playing for more than three days in a row during which he slept for only one hour.

His problems resulted in his eventual admission to the Qide Education Center in Beijing.

Some 70 percent of the 110 children at the institution are being treated for problems instigated by Internet overuse. Overwhelmingly, internet overuse involves immersion in online games.

An official at the center told Reuters that the children typically arrive in a poor physical state. "Their obsession with the Internet has harmed their health and they end up losing their ability to participate in a normal life," said Xing Liming.

"Education and living in a military environment makes them more disciplined and restores their ability to live a normal life," Xing added. Classes also involve things such as music study.

The growing trend was highlighted in two films which were screened at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

Films included "Web Junkies" by filmmakers Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia, which investigated what happened in four months in Beijing's Daxing Camp. Parents paid some 10,000 yaun ($1,600) for their kids to stay there - twice the average Beijing monthly salary.

The country was the first to deem internet addiction a clinical disorder.

However, in In August 2013, Japan also declared that it would likely introduce "internet fasting camps" to deal with its internet-addicted children. Akifumi Sekine, an Education Ministry spokesperson, told the Daily Telegraph that he estimated the problem affected "around 518,000 children at middle and high schools across Japan."

There has been some criticism of the camps; an illegally-administrated facility in rural Nanning, south China, was accused of beating to death 15-year-old Deng Sanshan, who was being treated for video game and Internet addiction. He died less than 24 hours after arriving at the camp.

Qihang Salvation has since been shut down, the New York Post reported in January.

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Real-life 'Call of Duty' camps recruit Chinese internet-addicted teens (PHOTOS)

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Military style boot-camps are flourishing in China in order to break teenagers of their internet addiction. Some 250 camps are now functioning in the country alone - and the idea may spread.

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I've learned that there are many reasons because people is so addictive like escapism to avoid his problems.

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I learned that there are a lot of symptoms that show videogames addiction, like obesity, money waste, skipping meals for playing, etc.

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I learned what causes the addiction of the video games