Gaming Addiction


Who is most likely to become addicted to video and computer games?




While video game addicts can come in any age or gender, it appears that largest target is definitely males ranging in age from 15-25 and they are the group that is increasingly growing strong. There is also a smaller group of females who are playing the more aggressive video games which have been known to be mainly male dominated. Another large percentage is accounted for in what is termed the multiplayer gaming world or MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game). They actually make up the biggest group of gaming addicts. While playing these games, players can team up with other players and create characters that are totally in control in a world where there are no rules. Further to complicate the matter more, MMORPG’s have no ending. You just continue to build your power and your forces and battle your foes. A gaming addict looks at missing an hour from his game is like leaving his home and family unattended because the virtual world of fantasy will still continue while he is away. With children, they are most likely to become addicted to video gaming if they have many hours of free time, a TV or computer in their bedroom or in a secluded spot, if they are overachievers and suffer from stress to perform. Many claim that regular video gaming does not have the impact that MMORPG’s do. They seem to take over your mind and body and even when you are not playing, it is all you can think about. Adults who are struggling to establish a career or interpersonal relationships are at high risk too because they will use the games as a way to divulge into a world of fantasy and become someone else entirely. The game that all experts agree that brings forth the most danger in forming an addiction is World of Warcraft as it is the most popular among all age groups. Some people start out using the video and computer games out of boredom but they find that escape and that rush from the thrill of the game. It takes them over completely and soon they have isolated themselves from life completely. The manufacturers of most of the video and computer games have always geared their games and marketing tactics toward males but the multi billion dollar industries are working on a strategic plan to lure in the female segment as well. There is not enough information available to fairly break down essentially who is at the most risk to become a video and computer games junkie but because this is a problem that is just gaining recognition there is a great lack of misunderstanding on how to deal with it. Kids are away at college becoming gaming addicts, kids are at home, many times alone and the World of Warcraft is actually their babysitter. Parents are clueless even when they see their children spending countless hours on the computer. So it is very difficult to pinpoint who is really most at risk because it seems that no one is exempt from this problem. It is growing strong and will continue to grow if some major changes are not made soon.