Online game addiction is a growing problem that affects adolescents and adults. It can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including slowed or stopped schooling and job prospects. It also can cause psychological problems such as depression and apathy.

The study found that meeting basic psychological needs, such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness, can reduce gaming addiction. It also found that responsibility and meaning in life have a serial mediating effect on the relationship between basic psychological needs and online gaming addiction.

Symptoms

A video game addiction has been linked to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. It also leads to sleep problems and poor nutrition. In addition, excessive gaming can cause irritability and mood swings, making it difficult to get along with family members or coworkers. It is important to seek treatment for a video game addiction if you notice any of the warning signs.

Some people with a gaming addiction will isolate themselves from family and friends to allot more time for gaming. They may lie about how much they play to avoid causing conflict. Gaming addicts may also experience a loss of interest in hobbies or other activities and give up work or school to spend more time playing video games.

Another symptom of video game addiction is extreme tiredness caused by lack of sleep. Many gamers sacrifice sleep to play longer and can become irritable or snappy as a result of this behavior.

It is also possible for gaming addicts to lose their jobs as a result of neglecting work, or they can fail out of school due to an inability to concentrate. This can lead to financial difficulties, debt and legal issues. Some gaming addicts even develop a serious psychological condition, such as agoraphobia or hikikomori, in which they avoid leaving the house and withdraw from social interactions.

Risk factors

Video game addiction has become an increasingly serious problem for some people. It can affect family and social life and lead to poor performance in school or work. It is also a risk factor for substance abuse disorders. Many people with video game addictions begin drinking or using drugs to relieve the negative emotions associated with gaming. These substances can trigger the brain’s reward centres in a similar way to that of addictive video games.

Although there are a number of benefits to online gaming, there are also risks associated with it. Addiction can have a negative impact on one’s physical and mental health, causing sedentary behaviour, depression, isolation and anxiety. It can also cause relationship problems and lead to strained family or friendships. It can also cost money, especially if the addict buys expensive hardware and spends time playing online multiplayer games.

In a recent study, researchers examined the mediating effects of responsibility and meaning in life on the relationship between basic psychological needs and online gaming addiction among adolescents. They found that fulfilling these basic needs reduces the likelihood of developing an online gaming addiction. The findings are important for educators, families and private and public health agencies, as they may help prevent this type of addiction among adolescents. They may also lead to improved mental health and a better quality of life.

Treatment

The good news is that there are effective treatment options for video game addiction. These therapies help addicts change their behaviors and reduce the amount of time they spend playing games. These treatments also teach coping skills and provide support. Addicts can receive individual or group therapy. Group therapy involves meeting with other people who are suffering from the same issue. These groups are led by trained therapists or psychologists. Family or marriage therapy is another option that can help families find ways to support their loved ones and create a healthier home environment.

A person who is addicted to online gaming may experience problems in several areas of their life. They might withdraw from social activities, miss school or work, and neglect personal responsibilities. This can cause severe consequences for their health and well-being. Moreover, it can lead to permanent ruptures in relationships with friends and relatives. It can also damage their career prospects and cause financial collapse.

In addition, online gaming can result in a sedentary lifestyle. This can be a significant risk factor for a number of medical conditions, including obesity and cardiovascular disease. Many online gamers also spend a great deal of time in social isolation, which can be a major problem for mental health. Addicts can become depressed or anxious when they are unable to play their favorite games. They can also feel guilty about their gaming behavior and try to hide the addiction from others.

Prevention

Video games can be a harmless and even healthy pastime. However, they can also be addictive and, when full-blown, can deprive individuals of their work, family and social life as well as of a normal sleep pattern and personal hygiene. In extreme cases, it can lead to a collapse of relationships and financial obligations and even health problems.

To prevent this, parents should ensure their children are playing only games that are appropriate for their age. They should also encourage their children to do other activities and exercise in order to lower the risk of excessive gaming. In addition, they should monitor their children’s gaming habits to make sure they are not playing for long periods of time.

Other signs of video game addiction include restlessness – the person may fidget and pace around in frustration at being forced to stop playing for a long period; irritability – they are quick to anger or snap at others; and preoccupation with thoughts of past or future gaming activity. Finally, they may spend more and more money on games and/or accessories.

Several studies have shown that a person’s level of responsibility can help protect against online gaming addiction. Researchers have found that the relationship between basic psychological needs and online gaming addiction is serially mediated by a sense of responsibility and meaning in life (Dincer and Kolan, 2020; Dogan and Pamuk, 2022). In other words, when adolescents fulfill their individual and social responsibilities, their need for gaming decreases.