Playing video games has been a popular form of entertainment for decades. But with the advent of MMOs and Massive Multiplayer Online Games, more people are being drawn into addictive gameplay that can have negative impacts on their social life–neglecting family and friends in pursuit of the next high-level character. So what does it take to avoid becoming addicted?
What is gaming addiction and how do you know if you’re addicted to games
Gaming addiction is a term that is used to refer to when someone puts video games in front of their responsibilities and relationships.
There are a number of warning signs for gaming addiction. If you find yourself playing video games or MMOs more than usual, gaming or MMOs consuming more time in your day-to-day life, feeling irritable when you don’t have time to play your favorite game, and prioritizing gaming over other activities, then this may be a sign that you’re addicted.
If you think that you might be developing a video game addiction, it’s important to take action immediately. Self-identifying the problem is the first step in getting help. You should talk to friends and family about the issue
My husband would rather play video games than spend time with me
Unfortunately, this kind of complaint has become more common in the 21st century. The sad part being that games can become so consuming that you may not even realize how your partner feels.
Personally speaking, MMOs and Massive Multiplayer Online Games have had a negative impact on my social life because I used to be more sociable before. Gaming addiction has caused a lot of people, including myself, to neglect their responsibilities and relationships with family and friends. This is one of the most common complaints from loved ones of those who are addicted to games.
Signs of video game addiction
The specific signs of video game addiction can range from neglecting responsibilities and relationships to isolating oneself from others. There are a number of warning signs that may indicate that you or someone you know has a gaming addiction problem. These include feeling irritable when gaming is not present and prioritizing gaming over other activities.
Addiction to video games often leads to physical problems such as weight gain, sleep deprivation, and depression. It is important to be aware of these consequences and take the necessary steps to avoid them.
Tips to overcome gaming addiction
Setting limits on the time you spend playing games
Limiting the time you spend playing video games is one of the best ways to avoid becoming addicted. It’s important to set your limit before starting your game session so you don’t get caught up in playing for hours straight without really realizing how much time has passed.
When setting a limit, it’s always best to start small so that you don’t completely cut out gaming from your life altogether. For instance, if you usually play for 3 hours per day, set your limit at 2 hours per day and gradually work your way down to 1 hour over the course of a few weeks.
Socializing more with friends and family
Another thing you can do to avoid becoming addicted is to spend more time with friends and family. One of the major reasons why people become addicted to video games is because they feel lonely or isolated from those around them. If you keep some time for your friends and family, it will be less likely that you’ll make excuses to play as much as possible.
Focusing on non-gaming activities
Another thing you can do without becoming addicted is to focus on non-gaming activities. You may think that there’s nothing else for you out there, but the truth is that there are a number of hobbies and activities that aren’t related to video games at all! Instead of sitting on the couch all day playing video games, try going out to the movies, working out, reading a book or learning a new skill.
Video games can be a lot of fun for many people and we completely understand why they’re so addictive. However, as with any activity that you spend too much time on, it’s important to set limits in order to avoid developing an addiction and ruining your social life!
Indiana - based graphic designer for more than 6 years. Creator of multiple awesome print and web designs. Interested in blogging as a second addiction since 2019. 100% animal lover.