Why video games are addictive

Even without an officially diagnosed disorder, some people sacrifice their jobs and marriages to spend 60 hours every week playing on the computer. Many people have read about such cases or have had experiences which show that video games have addictive power. While anecdotal evidence is not scientific research, real-world experience and the growing awareness of other behavioral addictions explain why the concept of video game addiction is becoming increasingly accepted.

It is important to understand that the amount of time that someone spends playing a video game does not necessarily indicate an addiction.

After all, someone could spend many hours playing a video game just because they enjoy it but also stop without much difficulty. Withdrawal symptoms commonly characterize substance use disorders. While video game withdrawal is still being studied, researchers have documented possible video game withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, insomnia, aggressive emotions, and intense cravings to play video games again.

Moreover, video games affect the brain in the same way as addictive drugs: they trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical which reinforces behavior. For this reason, playing video games can be an addictive stimulus. These facts indicate that addiction to video games may be possible. Make a Call If you suspect that someone you care about suffers from an addictive gaming disorder, there are some important signs to watch out for. Learn More.

Studies show that most people who are struggling with the symptoms of video game addiction are playing multiplayer games on the internet. MMPORGs are especially addictive because they offer an endless adventure inside a fantasy world where players can essentially live a different life as a new person.

They provide an opportunity to escape reality and leave behind problems of the real world. Furthermore, MMPORGs and other multiplayer games host large communities of players where many people feel welcome, appreciated, and useful something they may not often feel in the real world.

Although the setting is virtual, the relationships are real. For the player, the sense of being part of something and having a role to play can be important and meaningful. This is especially true if the player does not experience social gratification in real life. For many people with a video game addiction, playing the game is not just a hobby. It is their social life and a pillar of their self-esteem.

Video games which exist on social media closely coincide with social media addiction , another behavioral disorder which thrives on the feeling of being accepted. The desires for escapism and social acceptance may not be the only causes of video game addiction.

Numerous studies have sought to establish the relationship between video game addiction and other mental health problems. But, as with most activities in life, moderation is key. Request an Appointment Patient Online Services. Plainview Red Wing Sherburn St. James St. Peter Waseca Waterville Wells Zumbrota. Iowa Decorah Lake Mills.

View map. Recent Posts. Speaking of Health. By Mayo Clinic Health System staff In our increasingly digitalized world, where most of us, and even our children, own electronic devices with screens, many parents and adults worry about the impact of screen use for themselves and their children. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Signs of Addiction. Is It a True Addiction? Similarity to Other Addictions. Harmful Effects. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Addiction.

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Are there certain characteristics that make some games more addictive than others? Why are some teens more susceptible than others to this kind of addiction? Having a hard time getting your child away from the TV or computer?

For starters, video games are designed to be addictive. This is particularly true for game developers whose business model relies on in-game purchases. But what begins as an immersive escape can, for some, develop from a harmless form of entertainment into a more consuming addiction.

Games that hook players are often designed to be just difficult enough to be truly challenging, while allowing players to achieve small accomplishments that compel them to keep playing. Trying to beat the high score even if the player is trying to beat his own score can keep a player engrossed for hours.

More and more gamers are competing with or against friends and other players from across the world via the internet.