GAMING ADDICTION RESEARCH PAPER

Fakhrul FAUZAN ARIFIN

2214100104
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Institute of Technology
Source : http://www.academia.edu/9690855/GAMING_ADDICTION_RESEARCH_PAPER
INTRODUCTION
Game is one of the most greatest technology industry right now. Developer canget so many advantages,
for example Destiny. Destiny has already smashed analysts 'expectations for first-week sales with a $500
million launch. From this, we can conclude that game industry is on of the greatest industry. But now,
gaming could make parents worry about their child. Game addiction certainly is a bad addict. This
condition make anxious for some side. Is your child playing video games instead of doing schoolwork? Is
he avoiding social situations and is his behavior worsening as a result of constant gaming?
Ive heard the desperation and concern in the voices of many, many parents whose kids seem to spend
all their time playing video games, as if possessed by some mysterious outside force. Stopping video
games for any reason has a long-lasting negative impact on childs emotions. He may becomes
depressed, moody, angry, aggressive or violent when he is unable to play. Child has stolen video games
from stores or friends, or stolen money from others in order to buy video games, more than once. He
frequently lies about how much time he spends playing video games. So what can you do to limit video
game playing and create healthy boundaries around it?
Gaming addiction is still the mysterious problem, more terrifying than alcohol or drugs addiction. Like the
expert from Amsterdam say, they are powerless over their addiction. But these addicts aren't hooked on
drugs or alcohol. They are going cold turkey to break their dependence on video games. The lure of a
fantasy world is especially pertinent to online role-playing games. These are games in which a player
assumes the role of a fictional character and interacts with other players in a virtual world. As Young puts
it, an intelligent child who is unpopular at school can "become dominant in the game." The virtual life
becomes more appealing than real life. We must respond to this problem seriously.
So far on this problem, no one can find why this problem easily happen and relatively difficult to be
solved. Its important to be investigated to know why are computer games addictive, how common is
computer game addiction in children, what are the effect, so we can keep off or treat this problem well.
To collect data to support this research, I will make the survey that will be answered by the children that
likes playing video game, the parents, and the game developer. Maybe GameTech college students and
game makers can be the informants to get their opinions and the information about video game. We can
use their opinions to underlie the problems and find some solutions that we can use, both for parents and
addicts themselves.

RESEARCH PROBLEM
1. Background
Game is one of the most greatest technology industry right now. Developer can get
so many advantages, for example Destiny. Destiny has already smashed analysts'
expectations for first-week sales with a $500 million launch. From this, we can
conclude that game industry is on of the greatest industry. But now, gaming could
make parents worry about their child. Game addiction certainly is a bad addict. This
condition make anxious for some side.
Its important to be investigated to know why are computer games addictive, how
common is computer game addiction in children, what are the effect, so we can
keep off or treat this problem well.
2. Research Problem
Gaming addiction is still the mysterious problem. We must respond to this problem seriously. I want to
investigate:

Is computer game addiction a diagnosable disorder?

What are the symptoms of computer game addiction?
Who is most at risk for computer game addiction?
How is computer game addiction treated?

3. Significance of Research
This research about gaming addiction will be useful because from this research we can get knowledges
about:

definition of gaming addiction

the symptoms of computer game addiction

the reason why are computer games addictive and maybe for the parents, you will know some
information like:
how common is computer game addiction in children
how is computer game addiction treated

4.Research Method
To collect data to support this research, I will make the survey that will be answered by the children that
likes playing video game, the parents, and the game developer. MaybeGameTech college students and
game makers can be the informants to get their opinions and the information about video game.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Computer
game
addiction
generally
refers
to
an
excessive,
unhealthy
amount
of playing computer games. Rather than engaging in the real world, an addicted userdevotes the majority
of his or her time to gaming ( Conrad, 2011). The issue of game addiction is getting spread widely and
uncontrollable. Gaming addiction became a mysterious problem which is still difficult to treated, more
terrifying than alcohol or drugs addiction. Whereas, in fact, Dr Shumaila Yousafzai (2009) from Cardiff
Business School said popular online video games warned players not to overuse their products.
These warning messages also suggest that the online video game industry might know how high the
percentage of over-users is, how much time gamers spend playing and what specific features make a
particular game more engrossing and addictive than others (Yousafzai, 2009). In other hand, Cyber
psychologist Dr Zaheer Hussain, from the University of Derby, said warning messages were not enough.
As a first step online game developers and publishers need to look into the structural features of the
game design, for example the character development, rapid absorption rate, and multi-player features
which could make them addictive and or problematic for some gamers (Hussain, 2008).
Parents across the globe are increasingly concerned about their sons online gaming habits. They are
sure that there is a problem but counselors unfamiliar with online gaming addiction dont understand how
seductive they can be (Young,2009,p.4).
Fraser (2012) mentions that kids are among the most vulnerable to video gameaddiction, experts said,
and may become violent when their "drug" is taken away. Video game and Internet addiction usually point
to other mental problems including anxiety, depression and trouble forming healthy relationships.
Kimberli Young (2009, p.12) says, not only are children, teenagers, and college students effected by
online gaming addiction, but a growing number of adults are becoming hooked to online gaming.
While such cases are rare, mental-health professionals say the fantasy worlds offered by computer and
video games can become the stuff of very real addictions that destroy marriages and careers. People of
all ages are quickly becoming immersed in this virtual fantasy world whereby they can easily escape
problems in their lives. As in any treatment program, the primary step to take in the path, according to
Kimberly (2009, p.18), to recovery is to accept and not refute denial, a defense mechanism that addicts
frequently employ and that effectively stops them from accepting treatment.
Once this obstacle is conquered, treatment can be performed more effectively than it would otherwise.
Tracy Miller (2013) add because computer game addiction is a new development in the world of mental
health, treatments are not as well established as those for depression, anxiety, anger, etc. Most
interventions take a cognitive-behavioral approach which involve changing how the addict thinks about
the addiction.

METHOD OF THE STUDY

In this research, we use the quantity method based on the result of the surveys. We are probably
measuring variables and verifying existing theories or hypotheses or questioning them.
The questionnaires which made maybe will be answered by the children that likes playing video game
and the parents to analyze the symptoms of the gaming addiction, the reason why gaming is addicted,

and the effect of the gaming addiction. We also need interviewing the game makers, game developers, or
maybe GameTech college students to get their opinions and the information about video game.
The survey will begin with making questionnaire that be adapted, children
or parents to know the reasons of gaming addiction and the parents responses. Some questions for the
interview also prepared to explore the information from the experts.

DISCUSSION
Computer game addiction generally refers to an excessive, unhealthy amount of playing
computer games. Rather than engaging in the real world, an addicted user devotes the majority of his or
her time to gaming. The addicted gamer often isolates him/herself from others, ignores more important
responsibilities, and is often obsessed with obtaining higher status / rankings / achievements in his/her
favorite
computer
game.
According to the DSM-IV
(the current manual for classifying emotional, psychological, and mental disorders), no.
Although there have been calls from some mental health professionals (and parents) to recognize
computer game addiction as a "real" disorder, it has not been granted official diagnostic status. As more
research on the effects of excessive gaming is conducted, many believe that it is only a matter of time
before computer game addiction is classified as a compulsive behavior similar to gambling addiction.

Figure 1 : The Factors Affecting The Person Who Became Addictive In Online Gaming

Because there is no official diagnosis of computer game addiction, there is obviously no universally
agreed upon list of symptoms. Psychologists and other mental health professionals initially adapted the
diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction and used this as a rough assessment tool for computer game
addiction. This classification approach is rarely used today and for better or for worse, it is essentially up
to the individual researcher or clinician to define the symptoms of computer addiction. Still, there are
some signs and behaviors that are almost always included in definitions of computer addiction, such as:

Significant interference with school, work, or relationships

Often avoiding other commitments in order to keep playing.
Frequently turning down social invitations in favor of gaming
Using most or all of one's free time for gaming
Regularly playing late into the night and which results in poor sleep habits
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Regular gaming "binges" of 8 hours or more nonstop

Although virtually anyone who plays computer games could become addicted, certain groups appear to
be more likely to develop unhealthy levels of play. These groups include:

Males
Children and teens
People with other psychological difficulties (e.g., depression, low self-esteem, anxiety)
Individuals with long periods of unstructured time (for example, a teen who isnot involved in other
activities outside of school)
Those with higher levels of neurotocism
Children who are more impulsive and have weaker social skills

Why are computer games addictive? First, note that some types of compute games are clearly more
addictive than others. For example, most research suggests that MMOs (like World of Warcraft) and FPS
games (like Call of Duty) are more addictive than racing games and plat formers. In brief though, the most
additive video games usually employ many well-established psychological principles to encourage longer
and longer periods of play. For example, the most addictive computer games are based on a leveling
system that requires only minimal effort to "level-up" in the early stages which slowly evolves into very
long gaming sessions to reach the next stage as the game progresses are openended with no clearly defined end require cooperation with otherhuman players to advance in the game
which creates a sense of obligation and dedication to one's teammates which translates into more and
more time strengtheningcharacters and improving skills are based on variable-ratio or variableinterval
schedules of reinforcement that encourages long periods of gaming even in the absence of rewards.
Depending on the research methodology and the definition of computer addiction used, estimates range
from 2 to 10% of all children who play video games. More accurate and consistent estimates should be
possible if formal diagnostic criteria for computer game addiction are introduced.
Computer Game Addiction refers to excessively playing games on a PC. Most often these games are of
the MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) or the FPS (First Person Shooter) genre. Competing online with
and against other players is a significant factor in what makes these particular genres more addictive than
others. Video game addiction refers to excessive play on computers, home consoles, or handhelds
systems. The terms "internet addiction" and "online addiction" are occasionally used to describe computer
game addiction, but more appropriately describe excessive web surfing, email checking, instant
messaging, Facebook addiction, or downloading movies, images, or music.

Whereas alcohol and drug addictions involve both psychological and physiological addiction, computer
game
addiction
is
often
viewed
as
an
impulse
control problem involving psychological addiction only. In this regard, computer gameaddiction has more
in common with gambling addiction than alcohol or drug addiction. Although somewhat similar to the
symptoms of computer game addiction, the negative consequences of excessive gaming are often
divided into five main categories:

Social Consequences - As a computer game addict spends more time gaming, he /she tends to
spend less time interacting with others in person. As such, he / she may lack face-to-face human
contact, experience isolation & loneliness, and the loss of friends or relationships.
Academic / Career Consequences - Children and teens who are addicted tocomputer games very
often experience falling grades and decreased academic performance and
dedication. Completing homework, studying for tests, and efforts during school become very low
priorities. Adults who are addicted to computer games may experience a similar deterioration in
work performance, job dedication, and career aspirations.
Financial Consequences - Adults and teens may spend large amounts of money on new games,
expansion packs, micro-transactions, service fees, and computer upgrades. In extreme cases,
jobs may be lost due to poor work performance, playing while at work, and frequent absences.
Family Consequences - Computer game addiction often leads to deterioration in family
relationships. Tension and conflict between family members escalates as requests to cut back or
stop are ignored. The addicted players may initially deny that a problem exists, try to hide how
much he / she plays, and accuse the other of trying to "control" his / her life. Parents of addicted
children may disagree on how to address the problem, which may lead to frequent arguments
and conflicts.
Health Consequences - Computer game addicts may neglect personal hygiene, have poor sleep
habits, give up healthy physical activities, and may make meal decisions based on quick and
easy preparation (so that gaming is not interrupted)rather than dietary needs.
Emotional / Psychological Consequences - Those addicted to computer games may experience
depressed mood, low self-esteem, social anxiety, low frustration tolerance, anger, and feelings of
guilt and shame for not being able to control their gaming habits. Of note, it seems likely that
difficulties in other areas can cause and be caused by computer game addiction.

Because computer game addiction is a new development in the world of mental health, treatments are not
as well established as those for depression, anxiety, anger, etc. Most interventions take a cognitivebehavioral approach which involve changing how the addict thinks about the addiction (for example,
recognizing cognitive distortions designed to convince the gamer that it is not a problem), and
simultaneously changing his/her behaviors (for example, setting strict limits for play, taking care of other
responsibilities before gaming, using game blocking software or devices, etc.).Treatment can take a
variety of forms including:

Individual therapy with a psychologist who specializes in treating computer game addiction or
who has experience with addictions in general.
o Pros: Treatment is tailored to the individual player and is based on established psychological
principals and interventions.
o Cons: Computer game addiction specialists are quite rare and it may be difficult or impossible
to find one locally. Treatment can be quite expensive if multiple sessions are required (which is
usually true).
Family therapy - especially if the addicted player is a child or younger teen.

o Pro: Computer game addiction almost always affects other family members, and the chance for
recovery is increased if these members are involved in treatment and are working together
toward mutually agreed upon goals.
o Cons: It may be even more difficult to find a computer game addiction specialist who is also
experienced offering family therapy. Additionally, some family members may see the problem only
as the addict's responsibility and may be unwilling to participate in therapy.
In-patient treatment facilities (very rare in North America but much more common in counties
such as China and South Korea).
o Pro: Intensive daily interventions offered by a team of specialists.
o Cons: Very expensive (tens of thousands of dollars), few facilities
in North America and Europe, and little research on the efficacy of the treatments.
Wilderness therapy in which the addicted gamer enters an outdoor
treatment program focused on survival skills, team-building, goal-setting, and developingselfconfidence. The programs typically last at least thirty days and
the participants have absolutely no access to video games (and limited access to other
technologies).
o Pros: Complete removal of game for an extended period of time in a wilderness environment
with an emphasis on personal responsibly and character development.
o Cons: Very expensive (again) and a limited number of programs are available. There are few
programs specifically for computer game addiction and participants generally come with a wide
variety of behavioral problems. Wilderness therapy is generally only offered for children and
teens.
Treatment books on computer game addiction (see TechAddiction'sdownloadable video game
addiction books).
o Pros: Convenient, affordable advice from computer game addiction specialists or mental health
professionals.
o Con: Advice and interventions may be based on outdated research and techniques unless the
book is frequently updated (Note: The books above are updated several times per year).

Is it possible to play computer games in moderation? Yes. Most people can and do play in moderation.
They play games for casual entertainment, as a way to relax, and to socialize with friends. However, there
are those who are far more likely to become addicted to computer games.
For these people, certain games (very often MMOs)appear to present a high risk for addiction and may
need to be avoided (adults) or banned (children) in order to prevent unhealthy gaming habits.

CONCLUSION
Game is one of the most greatest technology industry right now. Developer can get so many
advantages, but game addiction certainly is a bad addict and still be the mysterious problem. It can make
parents worry about their child. Game addiction can attack anyone, no matter teens or adult, but the most
are kids. We must monitoring and reminding each other to keep off this problem. Actually, this addiction is
very difficult to solved, but if we can execute this well and correctly, it will succeed and can
help patients. There are some ways to resolve that, such as by individual therapy, familytherapy, facilities
treatment etc. Most people can and do play in moderation. They play games for casual
entertainment, as a way to relax, and to socialize with friends. However, there are those who are far more
likely to become addicted to computer games.

REFERENCE LIST
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Young, Kimberly (2009). Understanding Online Gaming Addiction and Treatment Issues for Adolescents.
The Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA
Young, Kimberly (n.d.). Understanding Gaming Addiction. The Center for InternetAddiction Recovery,
Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA
Conrad, Brent. (n.d.). Computer Game Addiction - Symptoms, Treatment, & FAQs. Retrieved from
http://www.techaddiction.ca/computer_game_addiction.html
Conrad, Brent. (n.d.). Computer Game Addiction - Ten Arguments For and Against the Disorder. Retrieved
from http://www.techaddiction.ca/computer-game-addiction.html
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Miller, Tracy (2013). Video Game Addiction and other Internet Compulsive Disorders Mask Depression,
Anxiety, Learning Disabilities. Paper presented on New York
Daily News. Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/kids-addicted-video-gamesviolent-experts-article-1.1298338
Rauh, Sherry (2006). Video Game Addiction No Fun. WebMD Feature, Reviewed by
Louise Chang, MD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/video-game-addictionno-fun
Bean, Sara (n.d). "Does My Child Have A Video Game Addiction?" How To SetLimits Around Video Game
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Parent Further: Guide to Video Game Addiction. An online resource from Search Institute, Minneapolis,
MN; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. All rights reserved.