Lots of people like to play video or online games and can spend many hours gaming. For lots of people this is ok, and they are able to have other hobbies and interests, see friends,
Lots of people like to play video or online games and can spend many hours gaming. For lots of people, this is ok, and they can have other hobbies and interests, see friends, and still get on with their everyday lives. For others, this love of gaming can tip into being unhelpful, and impact their life in a damaging way. It is possible to be at risk of, or develop, an addiction to gaming in a similar way to those who are at risk of, or addicted, to substances (such as drugs or alcohol).
What it might look like, or feel like if someone is struggling with problematic gaming:
- Constantly thinking about, or wanting to play the game;
- Feeling irritable and restless (fidgety) when not playing;
- Under-reporting, or lying about how much time they’ve spent playing, or playing in secret (such as in the middle of the night);
- Tiredness, headaches, or hand pain from too much screen time, and use of controllers;
- Not wanting to pay attention to things such as personal hygiene or eating;
- Not seeing friends as often, or doing other things they used to enjoy doing, as all their time is spent gaming online;
- Not wanting to go to work/school so that they can game;
- Sleep disturbance (difficulties getting to, or staying asleep, or restless sleep with or without nightmares).
Not everyone who has a gaming addiction will experience all these signs and symptoms. Also, if a person is experiencing some of these signs and symptoms this does not necessarily mean that they have a gaming addiction, but it may be important to get further help and advice.
and still get on with their everyday lives. For others, this love of gaming can tip into being unhelpful, and impact on their life in a damaging way. It is possible to be at risk of, or develop, an addiction to gaming in a similar way to those who are at risk of, or addicted, to substances (such as drugs or alcohol).
What it might look like, or feel like, if someone is struggling with problematic gaming:
- Constantly thinking about, or wanting to play the game;
- Feeling irritable and restless (fidgety) when not playing;
- Under reporting, or lying about how much time they’ve spent playing, or playing in secret (such as in the middle of the night);
- Tiredness, headaches or hand pain from too much screen time, and use of controllers;
- Not wanting to pay attention to things such as personal hygiene or eating;
- Not seeing friends as often, or doing other things they used to enjoy doing, as all their time is spent gaming/ online;
- Not wanting to go to work/school so that they can game;
- Sleep disturbance (difficulties getting to, or staying asleep, or restless sleep with or without nightmares).
Not everyone who has a gaming addiction will experience all these signs and symptoms. Also, if a person is experiencing some of these signs and symptoms this does not necessarily mean that they have a gaming addition, but it may be important to get further help and advice.