The Effects of Video Game Addiction

By Nancy Pruitt

I Video game addiction is a serious problem in many parts of the world today and
deserves more attention. It is no secret that children and adults in many
countries throughout the world, including Japan, China and the United States
play video games every day. Most players are able to limit their usage in ways
that do not interfere with their daily lives, but many others have developed an
addiction in playing video games and suffer detrimental effects. Although some of
these effects are reversable, many face long-term consequences which result in
permanent psychological and social impairment.

II An addiction can be described in several ways, but generally speaking, addictions

involve unhealthy attractions to substances or activities that ultimately disrupt
the ability of a person to keep up with regular daily responsibilities. Video game
addiction typically involves playing games uncontrollably many hours at a time-
some people will only play four hours at a time while others cannot stop for over
twenty-four hours. Regardless of the severity of the addiction, many of the same
effects will be experienced by all.

III Why do people play games in the first place? There are many reasons to their
actions. Video games can be a form of escapism for some people after they work
hard during the day. Some video games bring the players into a different world,
such as a world of combat where they become heroes; or a world of business
where they become millionaires, investing on mega projects and initiatives. They
feel that this type of escapism helps boost their ego, attitude and overall
personality.

IV Video games become a form of entertainment for some people. Some players are
easily entertained when they discovered that they have high skills in hunting or
shooting. The players would come to like the games as these games help them
 discovered about some unique skills within themselves. They can become
addicted when they enjoyed the skills of piloting an airplane or driving a Grand
Prix high performance car.

V Nevertheless, when one is extremely engrossed into playing video games, there
are bound to be effects of playing them for a long period of time. One common
effect of video game addiction is isolation and withdrawal from social
experiences. Video game players often hide in the homes or in Internet cafes for
days at a time-only re-emerging for the most pressing tasks and necessities. The
effect of this isolation can lead to a breakdown of communication skills and often
a loss of socialization. While it is true that many games, especially massive
multiplayer online games, involve a very real for of e-based communication and
coordination with others, and these virtual interactions often result in real
communities that can be healthy for the player, these communities and forms of
communication rarely translate to the type of valuable social interaction that
humans need to maintain typical social functioning. As a result, the social
networking in these online games often give the users the impression that they
are interacting socially, while their true social and personal relations may suffer.

VI Another unfortunate product of the isolation that often accompanies video game
addiction is the disruption of the user’s career. While many players manage to
enjoy video games and still hold their jobs without problems, other experience
challenges at their work place. Some may only experience warning or demerits as
a result of poorer performance, or others may end up losing their jobs altogether.
Playing video games for extended periods of time often involves sleep
deprivation, and this tends to carry over to the workplace, reducing production
and causing habitual tardiness.

VII Video game addiction may result in a decline in overall health and hygiene.
Players who interact with video games for such significant amount of time can go
an entire day without eating and even longer without basic hygiene tasks, such as
using the restroom or bathing. The effects of this behavior pose significant danger
 to their overall health.

VIII The causes of video game addiction are complex and can vary greatly, but the
effects have the potential to be severe. Playing video games can and should be a
fun activity for all to enjoy. But just like everything else, the amount of time one
spends playing video games needs to be balanced with personal and social
responsibilities.

Source: Pruitt, Nancy. (2020). The World of Video Gamers. V. 13 (2). 24-32.

Instruction: Based on the text above, make notes of the important points.
 Paragrap Main Points Supporting Details
h

II

III

IV

VI

VII

VIII

Read the statements below and identify whether they are True or False.

1. Players can escape from their personal problems when they continue
playing video games for long hours.

2. Video game addictions can result in a person’s isolation, withdrawal and a

decline in personal hygiene.

3. Players can even become addicted when they play video games for less
than four hours continuously.

4. Only children and adults from developed countries face the problems of
video games addiction.
 5. Players feel they are communicating and interacting with other players,
and therefore don’t feel they are isolated.

6. Players may lose their occupation as they are not performing well due
sleeping on the job.

7. Although video games are only a virtual world of entertainment, players

become addicted when they think they have unique and high skills of real
world.

Answer the following questions.

1. Why do people become addicted to video games?

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2. What are the effects of video game addiction?

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3. Based on your opinion, how can people avoid themselves from being addicted to video
games?
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