Gaming Addiction Research Paper

These problems, according to physical therapist, Dr. Sara Murphy (2010), are caused, primarily by the extremely prolonged periods of time they spend sitting in front of a screen, moving only as minimally as possible. Gaming addicts also suffer eye problems due to their frequent extended gaming sessions. Strain is put on their eyes by the near constant glaring at computer screens. This stress on their optic organs can also be linked to the headaches and migraines they are often stricken with.

Videogame addiction does not, however, only affect the health of an individual. Addiction is a multi-faceted problem. Gaming addicts also experience problems in other aspects of their lives. Other important parts of their lives similarly affected by videogame

Generally, addicts disregard most everything that does not directly concern their game. Parents, siblings, spouses, partners, and friends are all left to feel insecure in their relationships. They may set up dates or outings, only to be cancelled on at the last minute due to the videogame addict’s compulsion. The addict’s relations may feel that they are less important than the videogame, resulting in self-esteem issues. The addiction can cause relations to feel unappreciated, unimportant, disrespected, ignored, and taken for granted (Conrad, n.d.). Due to all these reasons, many choose to abandon the addicted to their own devices. This, though, does impact the afflicted. Many gaming addicted individuals develop social disorders, because of lack of real, meaningful social interaction. Videogame addicts develop depression, anxiety, impulsivity, social incompetence, and social phobia, says Catharine Paddock, PhD (2011). Pathological gamers develop problems relating to the people around them because they get so used to structured, planned, and artificial dialogue, that they have difficulty when communicating with a real person. The environment of the real world is vastly different from that of the virtual one, so when the afflicted is thoroughly acclimated to the virtual one, problems arise very rapidly and very frequently in the real

On the personal level, videogames stimulate critical thinking skills, promote social development, practice hand-eye coordination, and serve as an emotional outlet (Weber, n.d.). These virtual worlds also foster interpersonal skills as, in most online games, effective communication is the key to victory. These games, when played in moderation, help foster a sense of camaraderie and cooperation between the players who may be cities, countries, or even continents apart. Though these are positive outcomes, one must always take any activity in moderation, as excessive use is where addiction begins. Given any substance or activity, only through regulation of intake can positive outcomes be taken, otherwise addiction will take hold and cause numerous negative effects for the