{"id":3761,"date":"2023-03-28T06:55:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T06:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/?p=3761"},"modified":"2023-02-27T18:35:11","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T18:35:11","slug":"video-game-addiction-how-much-is-too-much","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mabelslabels.com\/blog\/2023\/03\/28\/video-game-addiction-how-much-is-too-much\/","title":{"rendered":"Video Games; How Much Is Too Much, and Can It Be an Addiction?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\u00a0It\u2019s great to have hobbies, but hobbies such as video games seem to be creeping into some dangerous territory for many parents these days. Many parents, especially after lockdown days, have been seeing an increase in screen time, and have been asking themselves about video game addiction, how much it too much? It\u2019s difficult for parents to know when a harmless hobby is no longer harmless. How much is too much and can gaming become an addiction?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0Recently, on a Facebook moms\u2019 group, the question was raised,\u00a0how do I know if my son is addicted to video games<\/em>, the comments came flooding in. This is a concern in many families. It\u2019s difficult to know when your child is crossing into the area of no longer controlling themselves or whether they enjoy the game.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

During pandemic days, screen time has significantly increased. However, with families spending so much time together, sometimes the break from the kids was welcomed, so parents let the extra time slide.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0It also has some parents asking, is there such an addiction? How concerning is this, and what warning signs do I need to look for?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0Is there such a thing as a video game addiction?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0The answer isn\u2019t straightforward. With mental health, there are two ways to get an official diagnosis status. Different organizations have given gaming different designations. In 2018, the World Health Organization listed \u201cgaming addiction\u201d in the International Classification of Diseases. The DSM-5 has not made that distinction. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) only specifies online gambling and not gaming as the only non-substance addiction. However, it has been included in the appendix of potential addictions and is being reviewed as a probable new diagnosis, especially as further\u00a0studies<\/u><\/a>\u00a0show the potential harm.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0The Benefits of gaming:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0It\u2019s only fair to mention that on both sides of the coin, there are benefits of gaming. Gaming can bring people together; it can provide a way for kids to play with one another in a fun pastime. Depending on the game, kids may have to work together to show teamwork to reach success. Video games can provide\u00a0enhanced visual perception<\/a>\u00a0and an improved ability to\u00a0multi-task<\/a>\u00a0and make quick decisions. For some kids who may struggle socially, mastering a video game can give a great\u00a0sense of confidence<\/a>\u00a0that they don\u2019t feel in their regular lives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0The negative effects of gaming, what we know for sure<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0Although it may not be included in the DSM-5 yet, we know the effects video games have on developing young people. Many studies show the impact that extended playing has on a\u00a0developing brain<\/a>\u00a0and the long-term damage that those changes can have.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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It\u2019s important to remember that playing video games themselves is not unhealthy; it\u2019s the amount of time spent playing that can be unhealthy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here\u2019s how it happens:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0Studies show that playing a game activates the brain\u2019s reward structure by releasing the neurotransmitter\u00a0dopamine<\/a>. (One study<\/a>\u00a0showed that the amount of dopamine released was similar to an intravenous injection of various stimulant drugs). The brain is wired for instant gratification and unpredictability, and the release of dopamine provides that.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0As the brain is being stimulated by the game, the dopamine is being released (but only temporarily) providing the gamer a rush of good feelings, but only temporarily. As the brain releases this neurotransmitter when playing, the brain gets the message that it has enough, and stops producing it naturally.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u00a0What should we look for? What are some of the signs that our kids may be playing too much?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0Physical impacts:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n