Mental Health and Exercise: Progress not Perfection
- July 1, 2020
- Fitness, Mental Health
Internet & Gaming Addiction: Disorders of the Digital Age
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by Josh
- February 23, 2020
- Addiction, Mental Health
- 0
Internet and gaming addiction has gained recognition as a public health issue. In 2018 the World Health Organisation described Gaming Disorder as “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities… and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.” (WHO, September 2018)
Gaming Addiction (yes, it’s a thing)
Internet and gaming addiction are fairly new concepts. But we now have a better idea of their effects, especially on young people. For those born in the last 25 years, much of their lifestyle and identity is online. The UK recently opened its first publicly-funded treatment centre for internet and gaming addiction in young adults. Clinic founder Dr Henrietta Bowden-Jones says: “Gaming disorder is finally getting the attention it deserves. The distress and harm it can cause is extreme and I feel a moral duty… to provide the evidence based treatment these young people and their families need,” (The Guardian, June 2018)
How Did We Get Here?
The science behind gaming and internet disorders is similar to other psychological addictions (eg: gambling). We’ve understood for some time how addiction is not only substance-related. In fact, the future of rehabilitation will likely include these disorders in their treatment plans.
Our culture shapes how we view addictive hobbies. Smart phones and high speed internet makes it easier to stay connected, and we now spend an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes a day online (Hootsuite & We Are Social, January 2019). Consequently the impact of our internet obsession is a popular topic — just look at the many op-eds on “digital detoxing”. Some of us find it hard to disconnect from online media and gaming, even if it’s only for a day. Our constant access to the internet can affect our jobs, health, and even our parenting styles.
Designed For Distraction
Console, PC and smartphone/tablet games are both technical and artistic. But increasingly the core elements of gaming design are based on psychology. A “successful” game is addictive and therefore more profitable. Subscription games, and those which push players to buy in-game extras, are some of the most popular. These incentives create the “compulsion loops” which release dopamine.
Online media works in a similar way. Click bait and targeted content hone in on our interests, and provide endless novelty. Social media keeps us engaged with frequent updates. In some ways we’re all at risk of overusing the internet. After all, the digital world is invested in keeping us glued to our screens.
Final Thoughts
In an age where doctors are referring people to Gaming Rehab, it’s important to look honestly at our habits. Some useful questions might be:
- Is my mental health suffering because of my gaming or internet habits?
- Does it harm my sleep, eating or physical activity?
- Is it interfering with my job or relationships?
- Do I feel I can control how much time I spend gaming?
Internet and video games bring us joy, convenience and connection. Fortunately we have tools to help us spend less time online — like apps to monitor screen time, or help us meditate. Being aware of our tech routines means we can better understand how it affects our health. Sometimes, a good “digital detox” helps us maintain balance in a world where digital media constantly competes for our attention.
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