I.

INTRODUCTION

There is a current phenomenon that is happening today. This concerns our Filipino youth

and their addiction to MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games). We said

addiction because these types of games are addicting. When a person plays one of these types of

online games, he or she is hooked into a fantasy world which separates the person from the real

world. The players in these games up to 10-20 hours a day.

When time on spent on the computer, playing video games or cruising the internet

reaching a point that it harms a child’s or adults family and social relationships, or disrupts

school or work life, that person may be caught in a cycle of addiction. Like other addictions, the

computer or video game has replaced friends and family as the source of a person’s emotional

life. Increasingly, to feel good, the addicted person spends more time playing video games or

searching the internet. Time away from the computer or game causes moodiness or withdrawal.

Video Game Addiction is hypothesized to be an excessive or compulsive use of computer

games or video games, which interferes with a person’s everyday life. For most young people,

playing games on a computer, video games console, or handheld device is just a regular part of

the day. Most are able to juggle the multiple demands of school, sports, work or chores, and

family life. Gaming becomes an addiction when it starts to interfere with a person’s relationship

or their pursuit of other goals, such as good grades or being a contributing member of a sports

team.
II. BODY

Video game addiction may present itself as compulsive game-playing; social isolation;

mood swings; diminished imaginations; and hyper focus on in-game achievements, to the

exclusion of other events in life.

Computer addiction is a new disorder, which affects the young population, especially

adolescents and young adults. Although it has nothing to do with the infection, it spreads

throughout the world with the speed of an epidemic. A lot of reports in the press show here and

there adolescent aggressive behavior led to tragic consequences.

The experts’ conclusions are not encouraging. Danger of becoming addicted to computer

games threatens anyone who spends playing video games more than two hours a day.

The computer addiction has the same roots as that of gambling. The brain of each person

is provided with the pleasure center. Direct stimulation of this center in laboratory animals leads

to the fact that they forget everything else. Refusing food consumption for the sake of pleasure,

laboratory animals die from exhaustion. The computer addiction is a gradually formed disorder.

If such a person can get access to the computer for 2 hours or more, he, like an alcoholic, will be

suffering from a hangover, experiencing withdrawal symptoms. While addiction remains a prime

concern in most societies, whether drug addiction, alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, etc.,

becoming addicted to video games seems more controversial despite high-profile cases.

Computer and video games, especially the massive multi-online role-playing games such as

“World of Warcraft”, allows players to behave very differently from their normal persona. A shy

child can suddenly became gregarious; a passive child can become aggressive. Young people,

who often feel powerless in their daily lives, suddenly have the ability to command armies, drive
(and crash) cars, and wreak havoc on a virtual world with no real-life consequences. This is

seductive! And when that boy or girl is already finding it a challenge in the “real world” to make

friends, computer and video games offer a way to interact with others in a “virtual world”,

without the distress of face-to-face interactions.

Video games are a part of today’s modern world. If you look around you, everyone is

playing video game. The father and son having a coffee and a milkshake are too busy playing

video games to communicate. The teenager who is struggling in school, instead of considering

his studies, is playing a video game because he is addicted to it. Most adolescents like to spend at

least part of their free time playing video games. But for some, what starts out as innocent

recreation can become an addiction. Soon, friends, family, school, and even personal hygiene are

neglected as nearly every spare moments is spent playing the game.

What is a video game? This electronic game involves human interaction with a user

interface to provide visual feedback on a video device. Are they good for you? Well, maybe

there are advantages. But, the disadvantages greatly outnumber the advantages.

Firstly, let’s consider the health repercussions of video games. Sitting in one place,

moving your fingers or thumbs around, cannot be good for health. According to research,

playing video games increases the risk of various diseases including heart diseases, arthritis,

diabetes, and many more. In addition, usually when sitting in one place, one tends to munch on

snacks, and these are not the healthy ones! Too many calories with too little exercise results in

obesity. Obesity can increase your risk of heart attacks and diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. So,

a healthy life is out of the window and this is the main disadvantage of playing video games.
 Secondly, video games are addictive. All you care about is for going ahead to the next

level. You sit and play for many hours and forget about everything else. All you care about is

overcoming your obstacles in order to get to the next level. So, the moment you come home, you

switch on your game and sit and play because you really cannot think of anything else. Your

friends call you to go out, your term paper is due in few weeks and all you that is on your mind is

your video games. You are falling behind in your academic studies and you don’t care. This form

of addiction is another disadvantage of video games.

But what makes a game addictive? Are there certain characteristics that make some

susceptible than others to this kind of addiction?

As with any addiction, video game or “gaming” addiction is usually a multi-faceted issue.

For starters, video games are designed to be addictive. Not “addictive” in the clinical sense of the

word, but game designers are always looking for ways to make their games more interesting and

increase the amount of time people will spend playing them. There are Web sites devoted to

gaming design where gamers try to answer the question. “What makes a video game addictive?”

They want you- once you log in or pick up that controller- to never want stop playing.

Consequently, games are designed to be just difficult enough to be truly challenging,

while allowing players to achieve small accomplishments that compel them to keep playing. In

that respect, the design of video games is similar to the design of gambling casinos which will

allow players to have small “wins” that keep them playing.

 There are several “hooks” that are built into games with the intent of making them

“addictive”:

 The High Score

Whether you’ve tried out the latest edition of Grand Theft Auto or haven’t played

a video game since Pac Man, the high score is one of the most easily recognizable

hooks. Trying to beat the high score (even if the player trying to beat his own

score) can keep a player playing for hours.

 Beating the Game

This “hook” isn’t used in online role-playing games, but is found in nearly every

gaming system. The desire to beat the game is fed as a player “levels up”, or finds

the next hidden clue.

 Role-Playing

Role-playing games allow players to do more than just paly- they get to actually

create the characters in the game and embark on an adventure that somewhat

unique to that character. Consequently, there’s an emotional attachment to the

character, and the story makes it much harder to stop playing.

 Discovery

The exploration or discovery tactic is most often used in role playing games. One

of the most popular online games currently is World of Warcraft, and a good
 portion of the game is spent exploring imaginary worlds. This thrill of discovery

(even of the places that don’t really exist) can be extremely compelling.

 Relationships

Again, this is primarily an online “hook”. Online role-playing games allow people

to build relationships with other players. For some kids, this online community

becomes the place where they’re most accepted, which draws them back again

and again.

Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) can be especially

addictive because there’s no ending. Unlike standard games like Super Mario Brothers, where

you win when you save the princess, you can’t rescue the princess in an MMORPG.

Another consideration is that some people are more prone to addiction of any kind than

others, gaming or otherwise. Kids who are easily bored, have poor relationships with family

members., feel like outcast at school, or tend toward sensation-seeking are more easily drawn

into video game addiction because it fills a void and satisfies needs that aren’t met elsewhere.

In addition to the psychological addiction, it’s now believed that there may be a

psychological element to addictive game playing. Researchers at Hammersmith Hospital in

London conducted a study in 2005 which found that dopamine levels in players’ brains doubled

while thy are playing. Dopamine is a mood-regulating hormone associated with feelings of

pleasure. The findings of this study indicate that gaming could actually be chemically addictive.

As with most mental illnesses, it is the first to notice the change surrounding the nature

and behavior of the patient. It is very difficult to convince the addicted himself that he is sick.
 The first step in treating the patient is the realization of his pathological addiction to the

computer. It is important to positively adjust the patient to visit a therapist, for that purpose any

excuse in the form of psychological testing, vocational guidance can be used. The rest of the

work you can safely entrust to the professionals in the field.

Typically, people susceptible to the computer addiction are unsure of themselves, have

difficulty in communicating, feel dissatisfaction with their lives, having low self-esteem and

complexes. After the first session with the therapist, the addicted begins to understand the nature

of his addiction more critically. Such a therapy makes it finally possible to change yourself and

get rid of computer addiction after a course of psychotherapy.

An important stage of successful treatment of computer addiction is to identify reasons

why a person wants to escape from reality. The mainstay of treatment is psychotherapy. In case

of detection of latent depression, there should be drug treatment. Psych correction is conducted

both individually and in groups. As a result, the treatment improves the relationships with family

and peers, brought willpower, increases self-esteem, forms a new culture of life. It is important

to work not only with addicted, but also with members of his family. Only with their assistance,

the outcomes will be strong, and family relations – harmonious. On individual treatment

sessions, the therapist relieves the patient from the “game hypnosis,” and gives him indifference

to computer.

You’ve been searching all day. You’ve traveled hundreds of miles, sometimes

backtracking to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Some areas are so infested with hostile

creatures were destroyed. After all that, you’ve finally…. Finally, found what you’ve been

looking for- the secret passage that transports you to another place. You’ve moved up to the next
level! You’re so excited that you barely notice how much your back hurts, nor do you notice that

you’re on the verge of getting a migraine headache… again.

It may sound like a strange story, but it’s all too familiar for video game players

(gamers). Whether they play on Xbox or online games, they enter worlds filled with witches,

elves, dragons, and more, by travelling to mysterious and sometimes secret locations. They

spend so much time in this other world; they begin to physical damage to their bodies.

Physical consequences of gaming addiction include carpal tunnel, migraines, sleep

disturbances, backaches, eating irregularities, and poor personal hygiene.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome has long been associated with computer use, so it’s no surprise

that it’s physical symptoms of gaming addiction. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when the

main nerve between the forearm and hand is squeezed or pressed. This occurs when the carpal

tunnel- the area of the wrist that houses the main nerve and tendons- become irritated or swollen.

Overuse of a computer mouse can cause such irritation and swelling, as can excessive use of

video game controller.

Migraines

Migraine headaches typically start in one spot and slowly spread, getting more painful as

they progress. In severe cases, the pain can be so extreme that it causes the sufferer to vomit.

Light and noise can cause excruciating pain. Someone who plays video games for extended

periods of time is more prone to migraines because of the intense concentration required and the

strain put on the eyes.

 Sleep Disturbances

The term “sleep disturbances” covers several sleep-related disorders, including insomnia,

narcolepsy, sleep apnea, nocturnal myoclonus (periodic leg or arms jerks during sleep), and

parasomnia (sleepwalking, night terrors, and nightmares). Sleep disturbances are caused, in part,

by overstimulation of the brain. However, some people can’t get a good night’s sleep simply

because they think obsessively about the game they’re playing.

Backaches

Backaches are a common physical symptom of gaming addiction because most gamers

stay seated in the same position for hours on end. The lack of movement causes stiffness and

soreness, but could deteriorate into chronic back problems.

Eating Irregularities

Eating irregularities are caused by gaming addiction simply because most addicted

gamers don’t want to take the time to eat properly. Rather than eating healthy, balanced meals,

they eat food that is quick and usually unhealthy. In extreme cases, the gamer may choose not to

eat at all.

Poor Personal Hygiene

An addicted gamer is not going to take the time to properly care for himself. Showers,

face-washing, and brushing teeth and hair all get put on the back burner. It simply becomes less

of a priority, if it’s a priority at all.

These physical consequences will occur in varying degrees from one gamer to another.

Though the severity of physical consequences is often tied to the severity of the addiction; this is
not always the case. A gamer that is already in poor physical condition will be more susceptible

to these effects early on.

Computer vision syndrome is a condition many computer users get by staring at a

computer screen the whole day. This is not a specific problem; rather it is range eyestrain and

pain associated with frequent computer use. This is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. Continued

focus on one thing can strain the eye muscles. It is very different to the focus you give when

reading because a computer screen has a glare in the background, the screen flickers from time to

time etc. Most often, constant use of computers or video games can cause blurred vision, double

vision, headaches and eye irritation all related to computer vision syndrome.

Video games can have may disadvantages for children. For example, according to

research, violent games produce aggressive children. Playing video games that have a lot of

shooting and killing in them increases children’s anger and brings out aggressiveness behavior.

Though the debate rages on as to whether gaming addiction is a diagnosable disorder, the

behavior undeniably exists.

The combination of intentional programming by designers and the predisposition some

teens have to addictive behavior means this is a real issue that parents, teachers, and friends

should be aware of and take action to prevent it.

An addiction to video games or computer games should be treated in much the same way

as any other addiction. Like other addicts, gamers often are trying to escape problems in their

lives. Video and computer games offer a particularly appealing escape to socially maladjusted

teenagers, most often boys, who find it intoxicating to become immersed in a world completely

under their control.

 “When they play, the brains produce endorphins, giving them a high similar to that

experienced by gamblers or drug addict. Gamers’ responses to questions even mirror those of

alcoholics and gamblers when asked about use”, said one addiction counselor.

But there is another very real challenge when quitting an activity that occupies all your

free time and involves pretty much everyone in your social network. Kids who are addicted to

virtual reality have lost, or may never have had, the ability to comfortably communicate with

people face-to-face. They’ve spent all of their time to edit what you say. There’s also a very little

risk when the person you are talking with is in a different time zone, let alone a different country.

Shy or socially awkward kids are at greater risk of video game addiction than children

who compete in sports or participate in group activities like afterschool clubs. Take away their

computer or their game console and how will they spend their time? Helping them change will

likely require some outside help. They need to build confidence in order to feel comfortable in

the “real world.”

As anyone who has quit smoking or been on a diet knows, it is much harder to quit when

the object of you addiction is always in your face and when everyone you know is participating

in it. It’s likely that a child addicted to computer games also has to use the computer for

schoolwork. And their friends are likely all gamers as well. So how do you begin to fight the

addiction?

A therapist or treatment program that specializes in adolescents would be a first place to

start. For example, a summer camp or wilderness program will get your child out of his normal

environment and into a situation where he forced to experience reality. His time will be filled
with activities that are designed to install confidence, develop healthy passions, and foster social

skills.

Of course, choosing the right program, preferably one that has a therapeutic element, will

be essential. Sending a socially challenged child to a rough-and-tumble military or boot camp

with highly competitive activities could do more harm than good. Therapeutic boarding schools

and wilderness camps for teens that specialize in treating addiction and behavioral issues may be

just what your child needs to turn his life around.

Computers have made an impact in virtually all areas of our lives. They have changed the

way things are done by increasing accuracy and speed. We no longer need to rely on manpower

to execute repetitive and tedious work that can be automated by computers. They have also

brought down the cost of doing business. Today, computers are a staple in most disciplines

including medicine, accounting, education, engineering and others. Despite all the merits of

computers, they also have their downsides.

So, does this mean playing video games has to stop? No. It simply means that we must

know when to stop and say “that’s it! I’m done for today”. We must be able to get up and walk

away, have a good social life and lead a healthy life. These are far more crucial than a game.

Parental concerns

According to ABC News, parents have many concerns about their children playing video

games, such as:

 Age appropriateness: There is really no guideline to when a child should be introduced

into the game world. Children have their own game of rights passage. There comes a
 time when a parent will know that their child is developed enough emotionally and

socially and is ready for video games.

 Play time: The National Institute on the Media and Family suggests that a child should

have no more than an hour to play video games daily.

 Health and Obesity: For some parents this should not be a concern because there are

now video games that involve a lot of physical movement (Wii, Connect). Parents should

also require at least two hours of outdoors activities for their children.

Notable Deaths

Globally, there have been deaths caused directly by exhaustion from playing games for

excessive periods of time. There have also been deaths of gamers and/or others related to playing

of video games.

China

In 2007, it was reported that Mr. Zhang died in Jinzhou after playing online games persistently

during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday as a result of a heart attack, brought on by a lack

of physical activity. During the same year, reports indicated that a 30-year-old man died

in Guangzhou after playing video games continuously for three days.

In 2009, Kim Sa-rang, a 3-month-old Korean child, died from malnutrition after both her parents

spent hours each day in an internet cafe, rearing a virtual child in an online game, Prius. The

death is covered in the 2014 documentary Love Child.

Vietnam

An Earthtimes.org article reported in 2007 that police arrested a 13-year-old boy accused of

murdering and robbing an 81-year-old woman. A local policeman was quoted as saying that the

boy "...confessed that he needed money to play online games and decided to kill and rob..." the

victim. The article further related a police report that the murder by strangling netted the thief

100,000 Vietnamese dong (US$6.20).

Ohio teen Daniel Petric shot his parents, killing his mother, after they took away his copy

of Halo 3 in October 2007. In a sentencing hearing after the teen was found guilty of aggravated

murder, the judge said, "I firmly believe that Daniel Petric had no idea at the time he hatched this

plot that if he killed his parents they would be dead forever." On 16 June 2009, Petric was

sentenced to 23 years to life in prison.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Alexandra Tobias pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for shaking

her baby to death. She told investigators that the baby boy's crying had interrupted her while she

was playing the Facebook game FarmVille. She was sentenced to 50 years in December 2010.

Brazil

In 2014, in Rio de Janeiro, 16-year-old Gabriel Cavalcante Carneiro Leao was hit by a bus

distracted while playing the Google Alternate reality game Ingress which is played on cellphone

and requires visiting real world locations. After four days in a coma, he died.

Philippines

In March 2014, a 17-year-old boy assaulted and killed his grandmother in Quezon City after she

scolded him for playing Defence of the Ancients at a local internet cafe.
III. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the argument of video game addiction is not only our own. Many other

countries are facing similar problems. There are now camps and psychologist dedicated to

gaming addiction and this is only the icing on the cake of reality. As I watch my cousin (obvious

game addict) play games 24/7 as well as my friends. And take no time to see what friends he

says he has; I can only imagine the problem is getting worse with newer generations. What face

book addiction is to us, gaming addiction is to them. Do we need to start everyone on detox? No,

I believe that the only step to getting "Clean" is to realize you have an issue (like a drug). These

gamers believe these 10 hour nights of gaming is merely habit and the creators of the games they

are playing see it as profit even if they cover it up with "moderation is the key to everything"

speeches. We are living in a technological world filled with kids that know nothing outside of

Call of Duty, Second Life, or World of War craft. These games are not made to be finished; they

are made to be a second life. This second life kills their first lifes social skills and GPAs and

leaves them with a tough future to face. These are the kids who will be building the world in the

future.

When you’re talking to someone about a possible gaming addiction, try not to be

judgment or angry. It’s common for a person who is confronted about an addiction to get

defensive. He might feel ashamed or embarrassed and not want to admit there’s a problem. Be

honest about the behavior you’ve noticed and make sure your friend knows you’re talking to him

about this because you care.

 Telling your friend you care about him is a great way to switch from talking about

gaming addiction symptoms to possible consequences of the addiction. You can tell your friend

that you’ve read about what can happen to people who are addicted to gaming and that you don’t

want to see any of those things happen to him.

IV. REFERENCES

1. Jump up^ "Computer Game Addiction". Berkeley Parents Network.

Retrieved 25 June 2007.
2. Jump up^ Hauge, Marney R. and James Robert 'Paynee' (April 2003). "Video
game addiction among adolescents: Associations with academic performance and
aggression"  (PDF). Retrieved 25 June 2007. Paper presented at a Society for Research
in Child Development Conference, Tampa Florida
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c Tanner, Lindsey (22 June 2007). "Is video-game addiction a mental
disorder?". Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-05-09.
4. Jump up^ "Conditions for Further Study". Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders(5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved  31
August 2014.
5. Jump up^ Christopher J. Ferguson (5 November 2014).  "Does Media Violence
Predict Societal Violence? It Depends on What You Look at and When". Journal of
Communication 65(1): E1–E22. doi:10.1111/jcom.12129.
6. Jump up^ Przybylski, Andrew K.; Rigby, C. Scott; Ryan, Richard M. (June
2010). "A motivational model of video game engagement". Review of General
Psychology 14 (2): 154–166.doi:10.1037/a0019440.
7. Jump up^ "Negative Effects of Violent Video Games May Build Over
Time". Psychcentral.com. December 11, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
8. ^ Jump up to:a b Petry, Nancy. et. al. 2014: An international consensus for assessing
internet gaming disorder using the new DSM-5 approach An international consensus for
assessing internet gaming disorder using the new DSM-5 approach - Petry - 2014 -
Addiction - Wiley Online Library Access via Researchgate
9. Jump up^ Khan, Mohamed K. (2006). "Report of the council on science and
public health". Retrieved 25 June 2007.
10. Jump up^ Brown, Gerald L. (15 March 2004). "Impulse control disorders: a
clinical and psychobiological perspective" (PDF). Retrieved 25 June  2007.
 Philippine Normal University
The Indigenous Peoples Hub
North Luzon Campus

COMPUTER/ VIDEO
GAME ADDICTION

A TERM PAPER
IN
ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IN THE CONTEMPORARY
SOCIETY

SUBMITTED TO:
ARLENE M. GAFFUD

SUBMITTED BY:
JOANA MARIE P. DOROL
IV-BEED1