Page 112 - Pure Life 11

Playing the Gospel of Video Games /111

Neither the American Psychiatric Association nor the
World Health Organization has classified video game
addiction as a psychiatric disorder in their respective
diagnostic manuals. However, the American Psychiatric
Association does not exclude the possibility of such a
diagnosis in future editions of the DSM.
Similar to other addictions, individuals suffering from
video game addiction use the virtual fantasy world to
connect with real people through the Internet, as a
substitution for real-life human connection, which they are
unable to achieve normally.
Some suffering from video game addiction may
develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and
activities they create on their computer screens. Those
suffering from video game addiction may enjoy aspects of
the on-line games that allow them to meet, socialize, and
exchange ideas through games. Because some games
requires a large number of players to log on
simultaneously, for long durations of time, to accomplish
a game’s task, players may feel an obligation and loyalty
to other players. This may further the individual’s
justification of his/her use and sense of relationship with
other players, that are otherwise strangers.
Statistics show that men and boys are more likely to
become addicted to video games versus women and girls.
Recent research has found that nearly one in 10 youth
gamers (ages 8-18) can be classified as pathological
gamers or addicted to video-gaming.

What are the Warning Signs of Video Game Addiction?
 Preoccupation with the Game. (Thoughts about
previous on-line activity or anticipation of the next
on-line session).