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According to Philip Crilly of the Kingston University, between 0.3 and 1% of the 32.4 million gamers in the UK suffer from addiction to video games. This condition is officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) who added the term "game disorder" to the eleventh version of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) last week.
It is likely that many people suffer from gambling disorder and give more importance to the game than to any other aspect of their life. Many of these confessed addicts admit to playing up to 16 hours a day. These factors influenced WHO to take action against an emerging and worrying global trend.
In the same way that tobacco companies made cigarettes more addictive by adjusting ingredients, game developers added features to their products to keep players hooked. Strategies have included the use of behavioral science to make users play for longer periods of time and more frequently. In fact, the data that the developers collect from the users allow them to improve the characteristics of the game that they like the most.
These have also begun to incorporate social elements in the video game, such as live chat, groups of friends, voice communication, exchange of objects, among others. As well as encouraging users to form teams with others. As a result, it is increasingly difficult to leave.
You can find purchases within the videogame by making them more attractive by offering users the opportunity to improve their own experience. They can personalize characters and access different worlds, giving them a sense of ownership of the game.
Is it possible to treat it like smoking?
Once identified that the disorders of the game are a real health problem, governments should consider conducting public health campaigns, as this not only affects the individual involved, but the entire society, so you should report this problem current and find solutions to tackle this problem.
For example, in the United Kingdom great success was achieved in reducing smoking rates by adopting a multifaceted approach. The regulations included banning tobacco advertising, changing the packaging of the product and increasing taxes. A similar approach could be given to game developers.
Strategies may include incorporating forced breaks during the game if the user participates for a prolonged period of time, limiting the advertising that is given to the product depending on the age group, conducting awareness campaigns about the signs of game upset and adding notices in video games that give information on where you can get help in case users have addiction problems.
Of course, overcoming gaming disorders is also the responsibility of the parents and the user. Parents should know when and where their children play and search the devices if they think it necessary. They should also be aware of how they use technology and act as a model of positive behavior for their children.
Classifying addiction to video games as a disorder helps many players to be aware of their problem and seek help. The decision of the WHO also helps to become aware of the excess of time devoted to the game, especially when it interferes with other daily activities.
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