Video Game Addiction: Each individual enjoys indulging in their favourite activities, but the question is how far is it wise to stretch a hobby, especially when it comes to video gaming? In recent years, video gaming has evolved into a mainstream form of entertainment and even a lucrative career path, particularly for the youth. With advancements in technology, the appeal and accessibility of video games have skyrocketed. However, the growth of this industry has been accompanied by a concerning rise in video game addiction, particularly among adolescents and youth.

It is important for society to recognise and understand the phenomenon of video game addiction, its causes and its impact. Let explore deeper into the nature of video game addiction, exploring what drives it and the consequences it can have on individuals and communities.

What is Video Game Addiction?

Video Game Addiction or Internet Gaming Disorder is a state when a person loses control over video gaming habits and eventually it becomes a compulsive habit. Usually people are seen playing excessive video gaming creating mental, social and physical health issues. The World Health Organization officially recognised ‘Gaming Disorder’ as a mental health condition in 2018. Many adolescents have been addicted to smartphone games like PUB-G Mobile, Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile and many more.

Causes of Video Game

Some of the factors that contribute to video game addiction are:

• Psychological factors: Gamers believe that gaming relieves stress, anxiety, and depression through the fact that many people are escaping from their real world, where they cannot enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pleasure.

• Social Factors: Online multiplayer games create a sense of community and belonging that is appealing to those who feel isolated with their real-life relationships.

• Attractive Game Designs: Modern games are designed such that they are visually engaging and players remain captivated by the visuals. Features such as reward systems, levelling up, and in-app purchases are big hooks to keep players engaged.

• Varying Personality Traits: People with certain traits, such as impulsivity and low self-esteem, tend to attain video game addiction. Such traits make it hard for a person to control their gaming habits and resist playing.

Impact of Video Game Addiction

The consequences of video game addiction on an individual may be deleterious to their physical, mental, and social status. The impacts are mentioned below:

• Deterioration of Physical Health: All-night gaming can cause eye problems, posture and sleep disturbances. Lack of exercise may lead to obesity and related health problems.

• Bad Psychological Outcomes: Video Gaming Addiction tends to lower social interaction skills, increase violence and can give rise to linked psychiatric diseases as well. 

• Hampering Social relationships: Continuous gaming could exert an additional amount of pressure on an individual’s relationships with family and friends. Time consumption causes a person to neglect their personal and social responsibilities, often leading to arguments and exclusion.

• Adverse Impact on Academic and Professional Impact: Video gaming addiction in students leads to poor academic performance as it lowers their focus and dedication towards studies. For working professionals, it can lead to decreased productivity and job performance, potentially jeopardizing career prospects.

Treatment For Video Game Addiction

• Seek Professional Help: A mental health professional can really offer insight and advice on coping mechanisms. Video Game addiction can be effectively treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy by making an individual change his or her thought process and behavior.

• Setting Limits: Having a routine and schedule of playing times can help manage game time. Encouraging breaks and balancing between the time spent playing and other activities is the key.

• Suggest Alternate Activities: Pursuing hobbies or activities that provide similar levels of reward and satisfaction, like playing sports or engaging in creative pursuits, will diminish the reliance on gaming.

• Foster Real-Life Connections: As video game addiction gives rise to a community of friends with similar interests and people get attracted towards it. Similarly, developing real life connections around an individual can help them quit their addictions.

Know The Most Effective Way to Quit Video Game

Video game addiction is a complex and multi-dimensional issue. Often, those who fall into this addiction find themselves unable to control their compulsion. However, it’s important to remember that any form of excessive use or addiction is harmful. In India, various societal issues can be likened to curses, including substance abuse, meat consumption, the exchange of dowry, bribery, and increasingly even video game addiction. Despite so many awareness campaigns and therapies for victims of video game addiction, they are unable to quit gaming forever. 

The only solution for an individual to free themselves of addictions like video gaming addiction forever, is by going under the refuge of a Tatvdarshi Sant. The blessings and speech of a Tatvdarshi Sant contains unmatched powers that can heal any disease and reverse any curse that exists.

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the only Tatvdarshi Sant (Complete Saint) in today’s world. After coming under His refuge, disciples have effortlessly quit previous addictions like alcohol abuse, eating meat, social evils like taking dowry, giving and taking bribes, to name a few. By listening to His discourses, one realizes that activities like gaming only adds to our sins, wasting our precious human life, and guarantees subsequent births in hell. As rightly said, a word to the wise is sufficient and, therefore, a wise man would opt to give up these activities rather than going into hell.

To know more visit www.jagatgururampalji.org or visit ‘Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’ youtube channel.