Whether you yourself, your children or someone you know is addicted to computer games is not easy to recognise. Because gaming is part of everyday life for many. Many Germans, especially young people, gamble every day – and it can make you sick. We show you how to recognise the addiction.
Definition of computer game addiction
Gaming times of more than 30 hours per week – more and more Germans are addicted to computer games. Those affected or their relatives often do not recognise their addiction. But those who spend too much time gaming statistically suffer more often from sleep disorders, bad posture or social problems. But what exactly is addiction?
- Computer addiction is what doctors call a “pathological use of computers” – in other words, a pathological use of computers. However, they distinguish here once again within the addictive behaviour on the basis of their characteristics.
- Another differentiation is whether someone is addicted to computer games, internet use, online pornography or social networks.
- People are considered addicted when computer games strongly influence the daily life of the person concerned. This does not happen out of a desire, but out of compulsion. With this compulsive behaviour, addicts neglect friends, family, school, studies or work.
- Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are among the most addictive games. Here, players master adventures alone or as a group. Because you play these games online and there are always new tasks to solve, there is constant pressure not to miss anything.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has considered online gaming addiction to be a disease in its own right since 2018.
Symptoms of computer game addiction
Computer game addiction is a serious addictive disease. Sufferers can no longer control their own use of the computer. The “American Psychiatric Association” has developed nine criteria to better recognise a computer addiction. If at least five of the following nine are recognised within one year, you should consult a doctor.
- The first criterion is an exclusive preoccupation with online games. If the person cannot play, all his thoughts revolve around the online game.
- Staying away from the computer game triggers withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, sadness or anxiety.
- The addict tolerates his need to spend more and more time playing computer games.
- The addict deceives friends, family members and therapists about the true extent of his gambling addiction.
- The sufferer uses the computer game to relieve negative emotions such as fear, guilt or helplessness.
- Interest in former hobbies or social contacts decreases or is lost altogether.
- Even if the sufferer recognises his psychosocial problems, he still continues to gamble excessively.
- All attempts to curb gambling are unsuccessful.
- The final symptom of a gambling addiction is the danger that the addict will sink completely into the computer games. There is a threat of losing contact with family and friends or even losing their education or job.
- With this free tool, you can easily control your PC usage time. Click here to download ManicTime.
- Gaming addiction: Get counselling here
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Causes of computer game addiction
To better understand computer game addiction, it helps to know the causes. Often addicts sink into online games to cope with stress. Personality and social environment also play a big role.
- The most common cause of computer game addiction is stress management. With the distraction of gaming, depressed or people-shy individuals forget their frustrations and insecurities.
- Personality is also an important factor: people with ADHD develop an addiction more quickly. People with lower self-esteem find recognition and a way to fit in in the virtual world that they miss in the real world.
- Addiction to a computer game also develops neurobiologically. Excessive computer gaming triggers the same brain physiological processes as alcohol addiction. In addition, the games entice with a dangerous reward system that stimulates the brain to keep playing and playing.
