Whether you’re a casual player or a serious gamer, it’s likely that you’ve read the recent news regarding gaming addiction. It is now officially recognized as a mental health condition. This has naturally left many gamers pondering their relationship with their gaming activities.
While the studies show conclusive evidence that the addiction is a genuine issue, you shouldn’t worry just yet. The truth of the matter is that most gamers enjoy healthy relationships with their favorite titles. Still, as a responsible blogger, I couldn’t let this topic pass without at least a little commentary. So, here’s what you need to know.
Image Source: Is it time to turn off your console? (Probably not.)
Gaming Is Only Problematic When It Controls Your Life
The gaming industry has grown at an exponential rate over the past 40 years, and most people now play games in one shape or form. Whether you play on PC, console, or smartphone App doesn’t really matter. Those games have the ability to entertain in a far better way than TV shows and similar features. Nevertheless, it’s important that your life retains balance.
Several symptoms can be attributed to gaming addiction. So, if you’ve spotted any of these, it might be time to stop;
- Playing a game is the first thing you think about when waking up or the last thing you think about before bed.
- Gaming distracts you from progressing in other aspects of life, including your career and/or studies.
- Gaming has seen you become distant from friends and/or relatives.
- You have difficulty abstaining from games even on holiday or when fun real-world activities are on offer.
Essentially, gaming should be a hobby that helps you enjoy your free time without causing problems to your health or happiness. As long as you realize there’s more to life, you should be fine.
Gaming Can Be Positive
Image source: Billions of people enjoy positive relationships with gaming.
The recent reports aren’t the first time that gaming has been scrutinized. It has been blamed for violence among other issues at several stages in the last few years. I am obviously a little biased towards the ‘pro gaming’ camp. Nevertheless, even campaigners against video games should acknowledge that it can bring many benefits.
Some of those positive features are;
- Cognitive development, including improved brain speed and coordination. Studies also show that gaming can help memory.
- Gamers can earn money. Sites like www.juuwin.com show the best casino sites. Meanwhile, the growth of esports means the best gamers can now turn professional.
- Gaming can help fight depression and generally improve the user’s mood.
- Gaming encourages a creative imagination as users are used to transporting their minds to mythical adventures.
For most people, gaming is a pleasurable form of entertainment. It is fun and can be enjoyed either alone or with friends. Despite what the people against it may say, science shows that the positives easily outweigh the negatives. As with most things in life, balance is the key.
What If I’m A Problem Gamer?
As with any other form of addiction, admitting that you have a problem is the first breakthrough. Following this, there are many forms of support out there. Visit www.americanaddictioncenters.org for more information. Loved ones can also support you through that journey.
Ultimately, gaming addiction is a serious issue for those that are affected by it. For those that enjoy a positive relationship with their favorite consoles or titles, however, my message is to play on!
