THE EFFECT OF COMPUTER GAMES ADDICTION by John Hewitt

The Effects of Computer Games Addiction

Computer games addiction is not a physical disease or mental illness. It does not have an entry of its own in the DSM-IV. It describes a behavior that has become increasingly familiar with the rise of computer game popularity. A person with this type of addiction sets aside practically all other activities in favor of playing computer games almost endlessly.

1. Putting the Real World Aside

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     Computer games addiction has no physical component or objective diagnosis, but many of the consequences are similar to alcoholism or drug addiction. Some addicts allow jobs, relationships and academic careers to languish or collapse in order to spend more time playing their favorite games. Gamers who become entrenched in excessive daily gaming routines can find it difficult to make room for much else in life.

    

   Social Isolation

   • Computer games addicts tend to isolate themselves from normal, face-to-face human contact. Some of the most addictive games are found online, where the player competes and cooperates with others around the world. These online relationships online can eventually crowd out more intimate, real-life ones.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

    

   The Financial Drain

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     The sheer amount of time many addicts spend playing---100 hours a week or more, in some cases---inevitably leads to decreased job or academic performance. Late nights and days spent obsessing over the game make the addict unable to perform as well as he would be able to otherwise. Some gamers spend real money on virtual products to make their characters more powerful or distinctive, reducing the money available for necessities.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

    

   Impact on Family

   • Aside from academic obligations, children and young people have relatively few responsibilities to shirk by playing games. When an adult with dependents becomes addicted to computer games, however, the addiction can shatter a family. Game obsession takes away from time spent with family, which can lead to neglect of children and weakening of marriage bonds.

    

   Habits

   • Computer games addiction describes an ingrained set of habits rather than a true addiction. It can be concomitant with depression or mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. Therapy, treatment programs and/or medication for the underlying disorder can be helpful. The earlier treatment is sought, the greater the chance it will be successful.

     
     

     
     

     REACTION

     
     

     
     

     
     

     Nowadays, playing online games, computer games, play station, PSP and many more games involving computers are becoming the most favorite hobby to most children in today’s generation. Not just children but for teenagers and some older men too. Almost 50% of male teenagers are addicted to computer games. I guess this is one of many bad effects technological advancement has brought.

     
     

     Computer games have become an ever-increasing part of many adolescents' day-to-day lives. I couldn’t agree more to that preceding statement. I myself have become addicted into computer games too. I honestly spend 5-6 hours even during weekdays in front of my laptop and play. There are actually times that I would stay up late not because I am studying or making projects, it’s because I am playing. It’s as if like I am not a student who has assignments and projects to work on. I am aware that it is not good, but still I let myself play until the crack of dawn.

     I have seen a lot of bad effects computer addiction has brought. One of its bad effects is that some people allow good opportunities to pass by or collapse for their life has concentrated to computer games and take for granted some things they have such as job and relationships. Also a lot of students have given up their studies because they prefer to play, which I think is really insane. People who are addicted to pc games also tend to isolate themselves from others resulting to having very few amount of friends. Furthermore, some of them fail to have a complete meal in a day resulting to physical health problems which may soon lead to serious illness. It’s very alarming to know that this simple addiction may affect not just our studies and mental health, but also our physical health.

     Fortunately, I haven’t reached the point that I skip classes and go to computer shops just to play. But I have skipped meals, to be honest. Good thing I have read the article pasted above. It actually helped me realize that computer games do nothing good for me. My parents are expecting that I am doing well in my studies for they have provided everything I have asked and needed. Well it is true that it is not easy to fall out when you have fallen in love with something. I confess I have fallen in love with counter strike; it actually has become my boyfriend. But because I am choosing over my studies instead of it, I am not totally breaking up but rather I am just putting a space between CS and me.

     There is actually nothing wrong with computer gaming. It’s actually fun and is a good way of killing the boredom. But if you look through the brighter side, it is not the only way to drive away boredom. I was lightened by the fact that there is something more to computer games. There’s nothing wrong with computer gaming as long as you can control yourself and know what your priorities really are. The only thing that makes it bad is that, when a person plays too much and forgets what his priorities are. This makes an individual become stagnant and not progressive in life.

     
     

     
     
     http://www.ehow.com/about_5377629_effects-computer-games-addiction.html