Games Addiction in Context Have fun and keep safe.
Problem or Not? We take a responsible look at Computer Game Addiction
There is Plenty of Room for Optimism
The generic term “Computer Gaming” covers all types of games played on computers. It should be pointed out that there is a distinction between “Online gaming” and “Video Gaming”. “Online Gaming” frequently involves “MMORPGs” – Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games – where you log in to a virtual arena and join a large contest involving several others, perhaps running to hundreds at a time. One invariably plays Video Games in private with friends and family or perhaps on one’s own, with games on your own computer which you probably purchased by downloading, bought in a box from your local Video Games retailer or on eBay or even swapped with your friends. Video Games have been around since the late 1960s and people of all generations will have played one at some time but perhaps not so MMORPGs. Research tends to show that it is the MMORPGs with their wider social contact that lead to more damaging instances of addiction; but not always!
There’s some good news: quoted by BBC News, Keith Bakker, founder and principal of Europe’s first clinic to treat gaming addicts, reckons that 90 per cent of young people seeking treatment for compulsive computer gaming are not in fact addicted.
The Smith & Jones Centre in Amsterdam has treated hundreds of young gamers from all over the world since the clinic opened in 2006; but has changed its treatment methods since realizing that compulsive computer gaming is not a psychological illness but a social one.
The American Psychological Association in 2007, conducted research to determine if computer video game addiction should be added or not to the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders being released in 2012. Gamers will be happy to hear their conclusion was that there was not enough evidence to confirm that addiction to computer video games was a disorder.
This is one of three concise articles, on Computer Gaming Addiction. Submitted by a site dedicated to computer video and online gaming with the purpose of presenting a balanced and proportionate view of this important topic.
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This post was written by admin on March 8, 2010
