Game Addiction

Game addiction

Hello, this is Tze Kiat and I would be talking about gaming addiction.

Just to clarify doubts, having a gaming lifestyle does not equal to having game addiction.

Do you have game addiction? Firstly what is game addiction?

Game addiction is the excessive or compulsive use of computer or video games, which interferes with everyday life. This could affect your studies or social life as well, which might result in one being anti-social.

Like I said, I was once addicted to an online game, resulting in my daily life routine to be disrupted. My eating and sleeping time was completely haywired and I spent most of my time just facing the computer. This made my parents worried about my well-being and grades and health.

image from :

http://www.superfreegift.com/fun/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/394009_224864774272869_185115038247843_463695_2010332653_n.jpg

So, how do you spot if you have game addiction?

Preoccupation

Someone who is addicted to computer, video, or Internet gaming often exhibits an unusual preoccupation with the game or computer when he is away from it. The teen could seem distracted, irritable, or disinterested and may talk about the game almost constantly.

Downplaying Computer Use

Spending too much time infront of the computer, even coming out with excuses that he/she needs to be online now which is a lie

Lack of Control

One who spends a lot of time facing the computer and unable to stop playing is a sign of gaming addiction. Spending over 14 hours a day is confirmed addiction, like me.

Loss of Time

Along the same lines, a person may sit down at his computer, again with the intent to spend only a few minutes, but completely lose track of time and suddenly find that several hours have passed. It is not unusual for someone with a gaming addiction to play through the night and only realize how much time has passed when the sun begins to rise.

Negative Impact on Other Areas of Life

Because the person spends so much time on the computer or video game console, other areas of life are neglected. He may grow distant from friends and family who had previously been close. Homework may go unfinished, causing grades to slip. In more extreme cases, the teen may even neglect personal hygiene, choosing to play video games rather than taking a shower.

Defensiveness

When confronted or asked about his time spent gaming, a person may become defensive. Denial is often an indication that something is wrong, especially if the person seems unconcerned that friends and family feel neglected or left out of his life.

image from http://skewsme.com/tinfoilhat/chapter/gaming-addiction/#axzz38MJfMiZw

Eventually, I realized that playing too much affect my life in many different ways. Instead of getting A1s, I got A2s (just kidding, not because I'm asian), I became really weak, skinny and I realized it is time to regain control of my life and not let a software control my life.

So, what did I do to get out of gaming addiction?

There are many ways of getting out of gaming addiction, however mine was unique. The way I quite my gaming addiction is playing too much until I got sick of the game. Yes, 14 hours a day for a few month straight made me don’t even feel like touching the computer. In my opinion, following ways and methods to quit game addiction on the internet is not really useful. All you need is to change your mentality and ponder on if life is really all about gaming. You might ask me then what is the point of having a gaming lifestyle if I am asking you to quit? Once again, having a gaming lifestyle means that you spend most of your time gaming BUT it does not affect your healthy daily routine. This means routines such as eating proper meals, sleeping adequately, exercising and studying must not be affected.

If you are able to do all these and have a healthy lifestyle, this means that you are having a successful gaming lifestyle

Here is an example of an professional gamer with an healthy lifestyle

Starring C9 balls( League of Legends)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXC76RU_5K8

Do leave your suggestions