Video game playing has become an increasingly popular pastime, with millions of people who play hours each week playing on their computers or consoles. But while video games provide a fun and immersive experience, they also potentially negatively affect children’s health.
What You Need To Know About Playing Video Games?
- Video game playing is firstly associated with eye problems. Extensive and fixed staring at a video game screen causes eyestrain because the cornea, pupil, and iris are not biologically equipped for chronic heavy viewing of digital screens. The visual system strain from frequent video game use over extended periods may result in headaches, dizziness, and in some cases, nausea and vomiting. Interestingly, there is some research that shows that gamers have an enhancement of spatial distribution of attention, compared with non-gamers. The main reason for the vision-related problems is the less blinking rate. Reminding gamers to blink while they are playing, and in the meantime, not disturbing them too much, could be one of the most effective solutions.
- Persistent gamers also suffer from musculoskeletal problems. A survey of children indicated increased physical complaints associated with video game playing. Such complaints range from pain in the hands and wrists to the back and neck. The main reason is the stable playing position of the gamers over extended periods. Gamers may spend a few hours without changing their sitting positions which leads to the above-mentioned problems in a short time. One of the most effective strategies includes educating gamers about gaming behaviors and controlling their behavior.
What are the negative effects of video game playing? - According To Harvard Studies
Video game playing has been shown to have several negative effects on children and adolescents. These effects can include problems with lower attention, concentration, impulsiveness, and problem-solving. In addition, video game playing has been linked to increases in aggression and feelings of loneliness.
Here are the four common negative impacts of video game habits:
Sleep deprivation
Many people believe that video game playing adversely affects the sleep-deprived individual. There have even been cases where people have died from sleep deprivation due to video game playing.
Some studies have also shown that video game playing can lead to depression and anxiety. Children frequently exposed to video games may be at an increased risk for developing problems with attention span and impulse control problems.
Insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders
One of the adverse effects is that video gaming can lead to insomnia. It has been shown that people who play video games for more than two hours a day have a higher risk of developing insomnia. Additionally, people who play video games regularly have a disrupted circadian rhythm.
Depression
There are many potential adverse effects of video game playing, including depression. According to a study published in "Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking," gamers who play video games for more than three hours a day are at an increased risk for developing symptoms of depression. Moreover, this risk is even greater for people who don't get enough exercise or socialize.
Aggression
Video game playing has been linked with aggression in both children and adults. Studies have shown that people who regularly play video games are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors.
What are the specific reasons for video game addiction?
Video game addiction is a real problem affecting millions of people worldwide. There are many reasons why someone might become addicted to video games, but here are four of the most common ones:
1 - Low self-esteem
Video game addiction is a real phenomenon that is not just a figment of people's imagination. There are specific reasons why some individuals become addicted to video games, and it has nothing to do with being lazy or having no willpower.
Low self-esteem is one of the main reasons why some people become addicted to video games. When someone feels inferior to others or does not feel good about themselves, they may turn to video games as an escape.
It is not uncommon for people to live vicariously through the characters in games.
2 - A feeling of having been neglected
Video game addiction is a real phenomenon, affecting millions of people worldwide.
While some people may see it as a fun way to escape reality, for others, it can be a true addiction that can take over their lives.
There are many reasons why someone might become addicted to video games, but the most common ones include feeling neglected or being bored.
When video games become more important than other aspects of life, someone likely develops an addiction.
3 - Using computer games to manage moods
Video games can be addictive because they can be used to manage moods. For example, playing a video game can help take your mind off things if you're stressed out. Alternatively, if you're feeling happy and relaxed, playing a video game can help keep that feeling going.
4 - Anxiety/neuroticism
There are many reasons why someone might become addicted to playing video games, but there are three main reasons: anxiety, neuroticism, boredom, and loneliness.
Players who are anxious or have high levels of neuroticism are more likely to become addicted to video games because they find them stimulating and addictive.
These individuals can't stop playing games, even if video game play is detrimental to their health or social life.
What are the physical and psychological health effects when you play video games excessively?
There are both physical and psychological health effects when people play video games excessively. These health effects can include an increased risk of obesity, asthma, heart disease, and depression.
Studies have shown that children who play video games excessively are more likely to have problems with socialization and communication.
Adults who play video games excessively also risk developing problems such as addictive behavior, ADHD, and mental health issues.