Free Guide "Warning Signs of Video Gaming Addiction"
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Entertainment has changed.
- 70 million people worldwide are now active
players of video games.
- Online games might best be described as
3-dimensional persistent virtual worlds in which millions of people
interact in real time as self-created avatars.
- Technology is opening avenues for self-expression never before imagined.
The impact has been dramatic.
- 70% of gamers have played at least ten hours straight.
- Concerns about addiction and consequences to
“real life” abound.
- Gamers and their family members are often frustrated and confused.
Video game addiction?
As new media forms become increasingly photo-realistic and engaging, there is an increasing tendency by many to treat virtual experiences as if they were real. Game characters and experiences become tangible and pleasurable in a variety of ways, utilize aggressive psychological reward structures, and have the power to hijack the reward systems of the brain. For many people this results in behavior that looks very much like what is traditionally been called “addiction.”
There is no doubt that new media changes both individuals and family relationships – and we’re now discovering when those effects are positive and when they can be negative.
What is healthy gaming?
As a mom, psychotherapist, and a gamer, I’m concerned that we do our best to find answers and come up with productive solutions that promote healthy development and happy relationships. There’s a lot to understand about interactive electronic media and it’s impact and often professionals offer conflicting points of view. I try to keep the information practical and understandable.
Problems can be prevented and solutions found when we explore gaming with the brain in mind.
Experts say:
"Shavaun really understands the complicated issue of online gaming.”
Maressa Orzack, PhD,
“Shavaun has a very unique perspective on online gaming.
As an MMO gamer herself and a mother with two boys who sometimes
spend too much time playing MMOs, the issue of online gaming ‘addiction’
is something she takes very seriously…”
Nick Yee, PhD,
Parents say:
"She's intelligent, articulate, and insightful a great resource."
"Thank you for helping me understand why my son is
so driven to play MMOs. I have a much
better understanding of how to help him."
"Shavaun's information is so clear. She captures
much of what so many people
have experienced. The power of this piece is that she has played MMO
games, seen her children play, and has had clients in trouble with
games."
Gamers say:
"Shavaun, thank you so much for posting these videos. This is the
most informed and articulate
evaluation of video game addiction I have seen. I've had problems w/
recurring vg addiction in the
past, and it was very comforting to hear your professional opinion that
was consistent with my
own guesses about what has kept me playing compulsively. Your analysis
in vid#3 sums it up so
well: "[Video games, and esp. MMOG's, are] the most incredibly complex
Skinner [boxes] that
anyone could imagine."
"What she says is 100% correct. I've been totally addicted to online games for 10 years now and i have noticed i have a hard time in social situations as far as knowing how to act and how to treat people in certain situations. I used to be really outgoing (before i was 16 and started my addiction). In my 20's I had no social life except for the friends i had in MMO's via ventrilo. I can definitely see the damage it has done to me as a person."
"I think a lot of people need to see
this... I used to play Runescape a lot and I swear... everybody I hung
around was completely hooked to that game. I myself was hooked at one
point...
"These videos are very accurate. I was amazed how often I found myself nodding yes while watching."
"I personally believe that Video Game
Overuse is a real addiction. I was addicted to WoW for a long time, when
I realized what it done to my life ( grades dropping, etc) it made me
realize that it was worth nothing... Unfortunately many many people are
still addicted to games such as WoW, hopefully it isn't too late for
them.
"Thank you. I feel a little ridiculous saying this but the points you discuss hit so close to home that I get teary eyed. My parents and I have really come to an understanding of what game addiction is. Your videos were a great tool. Thank you again."
"Video Games themselves are not bad, but
MMO's are frigging trash. They cost way too much money for what you do,
and they ruin a person's social life and relationships. I know this from
experience, my S.O. is an MMO addict and he won't even get off long
enough to give me attention, he plays for 8 hours from the time he gets
home from work to 5am sometimes."
"I tried to get my S.O. to watch your video series, but he just scoffed at me. He doesn't think he has a problem, even though he is subscribed to multiple MMO's at a time (WoW, Eve, Age of Conan, Everquest). Each of those cost $40 for the game and $15 for subscrip, right? Its such a waste, and it isn't just the game, people use the things as a cyber room too. Its frustrating when yer lover would rather textf*** strangers than do anything with you."
"I think she is the first professional type person who understands whats behind it and is actually talking sense. Video Games test responsibility, they test whether you can regulate doing something you like with your real life, you can't be addicted to video games, you can always stop when you want to, wanting to is the problem though."
"i applaud her for essentially encouraging
game developers to pursue greater social consciousness. :)
