Gaming addiction probably isn't a real condition

[jameslwjtoler]

I've got to be honest with myself. I don't think it's an addiction in the usual way we define it, as I've dealt with those kind of addictions throughout my life. But for me personally, it is absolutely an issue. I overdo it way too often. I pulled an all-nighter last night to beat Guardians of the Galaxy (check it out if you haven't, it's a banger). I am 34 years old and I own my own business. I have no reason to be pulling all-nighters. I know it doesn't sound that bad, except for the fact that I absolutely regret doing it. I knew I shouldn't, but still did it anyway. It's definitely a problematic behavior for me that I'm going to need to address sooner or later.

[stopcake]

Yes, there are certain types of people that are more susceptible to video game addiction due to other aspects of their life, but the same is true for alcohol, or other drugs too. And there are many inaccurate criterion for various disorders, video game addiction being a relatively new one, it’s understandable for that criteria to be difficult to meet, it doesn’t mean you cannot therefore be addicted to gaming. I do need to read this study and get more information because this summary is kind of hard to believe.

[sooooooooDark]

gaming might not be addictive
but in comparison rl is pretty boring - what r u supposed to do out there? go in a pub? watch movies (most of which r pretty damn shitt)? watch a basketball match? mehh pretty bad if u ask me

[discoHR]

When I play games, I do it until I can't keep my eyes open anymore, as long as my spare time allows me. Gaming sessions of 16 hours are not unheard of over the weekends. Am I addicted to gaming? Nope. I haven't played anything last 6 months and I don't miss it at all. I found other hobbies to keep me occupied. Will I return to gaming sometimes later? Absolutely! Gaming has nothing to do with addiction. There are people who do many different activities in a day and then there are people who prefer single activity in a day. I'm one of the latter, that's all. People from former group are automatically labelling people from latter group as addicts which is incorrect.

[MH-rjjf]

Don't know whether to agree or disagree, but truth of the matter is I'm turning 30 this year, and I'm still struggling to tear myself away from gaming. There are other things I wish to do, wish to spend my time on, but when I put down the video games for a few days/weeks to try these new things (working out, new hobby, learning to cook, re-entering social circles)..but as I do these things, I find I'm not getting the same kicks as I do in a game. In fact, I get "withdrawals." So I go back to shutting myself in for months in front of the PC, 10 hr/weekday, or 24 hr/weekend... It's fun while I'm playing, but the moment I put it down to sleep (or when I wake up after passing out completely), I am hit with regret and self-disgust. Constant cycle of high while playing, then a trudge thru regret & hunger until I get to sit down at the PC again. Been hanging on by a thread for so long, and even though I make enough money for a house and a car, I still hate that I'm starving all the time, underweight, never have enough sleep, and constantly making friends and family worry. My self-hatred gives me stress, and to relieve the stress I play video games..

[amaulana]

When I look at the comments, I expected a sea of people happy that VG addiction is not real.
But I found people willing to accept that this is a condition that they, too, may have.
Kudos

[thijsjong]

The scope of ths study was too small. The gaming addicts know there is something missing from their lives. It was missing from their lives BEFORE they became addicted. Just like people addicted to something else.
Of all the people I have known who were addicted (gambling, substance, gaming etc.) all had either a big trauma in their past or something big mssing in their lives or no future to look forward to for some reason. It isn't rocket science.

[warbananas]

Bro I am wasting way to much time gaming

Edit: and it's making me not like my life I need help

[gmflashmx]

The other areas of my life are amazing and gaming is the cream on top of the cake

[MarkoKraguljac]

This really needed a throughout scientific study. Eureka! lol
If I can go on a *nice* vacation without any device and not think about it at all, it definitely is not an addiction.
Problem is, people are encouraged, coerced and cornered into roles, lifestyles and relationships which make life away from screen pretty depressing. Even when they can say *no* they naively say *yes* hoping that further bondage will make it better.
Key is to find a stable position and refuse any additional bullshit and pressure until circumstances improve.

[FBuilding]

Meanwhile all I want is to play Prey for 6 hours straight, but can't. Damn you adult life.

[geestwagen]

Every addiction is because someone is missing something in their lives no exceptions

[biggsydaboss]

I'd debate this. This study seems to be from a behaviourist point of view, even though we know the neuro-biological implications of gambling. We know the biochemical highs & lows that predict addiction. The question is, does gaming produce these highs. Behavioural psychology is extremely limited in regards to studying an issue that has biological underpinnings.

[YaBoiJamalChicken]

I play because if the other areas of my life

[LJ]

You mean like practically every other addiction

[imbecile]

That is addiction, surely. Fulfilled people don't need crutches.

[AnDyity]

My friends kids are addicted to the Xbox they think it's an essential part of their life.