THE RISE IN COMPUTER GAMING
WRITTEN BY:
Muhammad Ahmed (62634)
BS – Cyber Security
Riphah International University
This report explores the growing concern of computer gaming addiction among
teenagers. While gaming can be a fun and social activity, for many teens it has become
a harmful habit that affects their health, education, and relationships.
The report looks into the major causes behind this addiction—such as easy access to
games, online pressure, and using games to escape real-life stress. It also discusses the
negative effects, including poor academic performance, health issues, and social
isolation. Finally, it offers practical solutions that parents, teachers, and teens
themselves can apply to manage and reduce gaming addiction.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1
Cause Of Gaming Addiction ............................................................................ 1
Effects Of Gaming Addiction ........................................................................... 2
Solution To Help Gaming Addiction ............................................................... 2
Conclusion .................................................................................................... 3
REFERENCE ........................................................................................................ 3
APPENDIX ........................................................................................................ 4
Appendix A: Informal Survey of Teen Gaming Habits .................................. 4
Appendix B: Average Weekly Gaming Hours Among Teenagers ................. 4
Appendix C: Glossary of Gaming Terms ....................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION:
These days, it's hard to find a teenager who doesn’t play video games.
Whether it’s on a phone, computer, or press, gaming has become a huge part of
immature people's lives. For many, it's just a pleasurable way to relax or hang out with
friends. But for some, gaming turns into a dependence where they can’t stop playing,
indeed, when it starts hurting their practice, health, and connections.
You've probably seen it yourself, or a friend who stays up all night gaming, skips practice
to play, or gets angry when they have to stop. It’s not just about playing too much; it's
when gaming takes over their life. So why is this problem growing worse? What damage
does it do? And most importantly, how can we help teens find a healthier balance?
This report looks into why gaming addiction is on the rise, how it affects teens, and what
we can do about it.
CAUSES OF GAMING ADDICTION
1. Easy Access to Games – With smartphones,
computers, and gaming consoles easily available,
teenagers can play games anytime.
2. Online Multiplayer Games – Games like Call of Duty
encourage long hours of play to contend with others.
3. Escape from Reality—Some teens use games to
avoid stress, loneliness, or problems in their lives.
4. Social Pressure – Friends and online communities
pressure teenagers to keep playing to stay connected.
EFFECTS OF GAMING ADDICTION
1. Poor Academic Performance – Spending
too much time gaming leads to lower time for
studies, resulting in lower grades.
2. Health Problems – Sitting for long hours can
lead to obesity, back pain, and eye strain.
Lack of sleep is another common issue.
3. Social Isolation – Addicted gamers may
withdraw from family and buddies, preferring
virtual relationships over real-life connections.
4. Mental Health Issues – Excessive gaming
can lead to anxiety, depression, and irritability
when not playing.
SOLUTION TO HELP GAMING ADDICTION
1. Set Time Limits – Parents should encourage fixed
gaming hours and ensure a balance with other
activities.
2. Encourage Outdoor Activities – Sports, hobbies,
and family time can reduce reliance on games.
3. Examine Game Content – Parents should check
game conditions and restrict violent or highly
addictive games.
4. Open Communication – Teenagers should be
educated about the risks of addiction and
encouraged to discuss their habits.
CONCLUSION
Gaming addiction among teenagers is a growing concern. While gaming can be
entertaining, uncontrolled play can harm a teen’s physical and mental health.
Parents, educators, and teenagers themselves must take steps to ensure
responsible gaming habits. By setting limits and promoting a balanced life, gaming
addiction can be prevented.
1. Pathological Video Game Use Among Youth: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study.
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-1351
2. The Cognitive Psychology of Internet Gaming Disorder. Clinical Psychology Review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101771
3. Gaming Disorder. World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/gaming-
disorder
4. Promoting Healthy Technology Use for Children. American Psychological Association
https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/technology-use-children
Appendix A: Informal Survey of Teen Gaming Habits
S.NO QUESTIONS YES NO
1. Do you play games every day? 4 5
2. Have you stayed up late just to play? 3 7
3. Has gaming affected your schoolwork? 4 5
4. Do you feel addicted to any game? 3 7
Appendix B: Average Weekly Gaming Hours Among Teenagers
Appendix C: Glossary of Gaming Terms
S.NO WORDS MEANINGS
1. Multiplayer Games Games where many players compete or collaborate
online.
2. Grinding Repeating game actions to earn points or progress.
3. Rage Quit When a player suddenly quits a game out of frustration.
4. AFK Stands for 'Away From Keyboard'; used when a player
is temporarily inactive.
5. Leaderboard A scoreboard showing top players, often increasing
competition and playing time.