With the invention of computers and high-tech robots, people no longer play games the way they used to. Instead, many sit in front of television screens instead of interacting with other people. That, in turn, has changed how we pass the time. But it has also put everyone in harm’s way potentially.
How to tell if you’re addicted to video games
Video game addiction is rooted in a person’s need for thrills and excitement. It’s a compulsion that motivates an otherwise active individual to remain sedentary for several hours while experiencing mood-altering stimuli through virtual output.
It’s a relatively new condition that primarily affects the younger generation. But based on countless studies, video gaming disorder (VGD) is on the rise across the board. This is especially true after the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone inside for months.
10 reasons why video game addiction is dangerous to your health
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), prolonged addiction to video and/or internet gaming platforms and experiences can lead to any (or all) of the following health problems:
#1. Skin Blisters
Pressing buttons repeatedly for many hours can start to wear down the skin on your fingers and fingertips. That can ultimately cause painful, unsightly blisters to develop.
#2. Wrist Pain or Swelling
Repetitive movements of the fingers, wrist, and lower arm can lead to joint pain and swelling. If left untreated, those two symptoms can lead to arthritis.
#3. Neck and Back Misalignment
Most people don’t sit with perfect posture while playing video games. And while the effects of slouching may not be present today, the ramifications will be blatantly obvious in the future.
#4. Generalized Muscle Weakness
Sitting around for long periods of time can weaken your muscles, turning once solid mass into useless fat. Over time, that can make it harder for you to perform tasks you used to love.
#5. Obesity and Diabetes
Prolonged inactivity can wreak havoc on your body mass index (BMI). Plus, a majority of people consume unhealthy snacks and beverages while enjoying their favorite games.
#6. Dopamine Addiction
Video games are fun and exciting, that’s why they’re so popular. However, the fun and excitement never end when you play in virtual worlds. Thus, many people develop dopamine addiction as a result.
#7. Desocialization
You don’t need a lot of fine-tuned social skills to play the internet or video games with people across the globe. Over time, that negatively affects your ability to interact in normal social situations.
#8. Blood Clots
It’s called “gamer’s thrombosis,” and it can be deadly. A blood clot in the wrong place means serious health problems for some. Sitting around while elevating your heart rate repeatedly isn’t a good idea.
#9. Peripheral Neuropathy
You can do serious damage to the nerves in your body by playing video games too much. Numbness, tingling, and complete paralysis are far too common in this scenario to ignore any longer.
#10. Dangerous Escapism
In terms of your mental health, video games provide a source of escape from reality. That’s perfectly fine in small doses, but long bouts of disconnection can cause major mental health concerns.
There’s nothing to be ashamed about if you’re addicted to playing video or internet-based games. They’re designed to be addictive, so that means players must remain diligent about their health while enjoying them. If you or someone you love suffers from a video gaming disorder, get help as soon as possible.
Getting help with video gaming disorder
Treating an addiction to gaming isn’t as hard as it seems. In fact, most people find success by following these three easy steps:
Step One: Limit your exposure to video games.
You don’t have to quit cold-turkey, but you do have to make some noticeable changes in how much you play your favorite games if you want to kick the habit. Perhaps schedule specific times to sit down instead of allowing yourself to play whenever it feels right.
Step Two: Understand your addiction triggers.
There will be times when you want to play your game but can’t. There will be other times when you’re not even thinking about it but feel a sudden urge to grab your controller. That’s because you were triggered by something, so try to figure out what those somethings are.
Step Three: Seek therapy from a licensed counselor.
Much like substance abuse disorder or any other type of addiction, kicking video gaming disorder may require a professional touch. Mental health experts can help you identify your triggers to develop better coping mechanisms for your compulsions. They can even guide you toward better pastimes that aren’t as dangerous to your health.
The takeaway
While video games are designed for thrills and action, they’re artificial and therefore damaging to your mental health. Moreover, prolonged exposure to video games may also be detrimental to your physical wellbeing.
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