Tasha Price
September 2012
Position/Proposal
Introduction
ad·dic·tion: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is
psychologically or physically habit-forming to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma
(Addiction). Most of us do not consider video games first when thinking about addiction. Just like
narcotics, alcohol and pornography, video games can become highly addictive and can cause severe
problems for many who play. Studies estimate that 10 percent to 15 percent of gamers exhibit signs that
meet the World Health Organization’s criteria for addiction. Just like gambling and other compulsive
behaviors, teens can become so enthralled in the fantasy world of gaming that they neglect their family,
friends, work, and school (Video Game Addiction).
Tactics
There are many tactics used to keep players playing video games. Video 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 allows 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 is one of the most easily recognizable hooks. Trying to beat the high score can
keep a player playing for hours.
o

Picture Source: Everquest 2

Beating the Game the desire to beat the game is fed as a player levels up.

Role-Playing games allow players to do more than just play - they get to actually create the
characters in the game and embark on an adventure that is 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 places that don't really exist)
can be extremely compelling;

Relationships 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 (Video Game Addiction).
Addiction
Many studies have been conducted researching video games and there addictive potential. One
study showed that video game addiction is associated with a strong desire to seek new sensations and
experiences, a favorable view of one’s intelligence, and a negative view of the gamers’ ability and
competence in relationships. Another stated that the same regions of the brain that are activated when
craving occur in alcohol and drug addicts are also activated in video game addicts when they see images
of computer games. A different study reveled that people who have higher levels of trait anxiety,
aggressive behavior, and neuroticism are at a higher risk for video game addiction (TechAddiction).
An article on WebMD about video game addiction states, “While most people associate addiction
with substances, such as drugs or alcohol, doctors recognize addictive behaviors as well. Psychiatrist
Michael Brody, MD, set forth the following criteria:
1. The person needs more and more of a substance or behavior to keep him going.
2. If the person does not get more of the substance or behavior, he becomes irritable and
miserable.
Young says compulsive gaming meets these criteria, and she has seen severe withdrawal symptoms in
game addicts. They become angry, violent, or depressed. If [parents] take away the computer, their
child sits in the corner and cries, refuses to eat, sleep, or do anything" (Feature).
Source: “Gaming Addiction”
Conclusion
Although video games have many tactics that keep players coming back, the video games
themselves are not the only factor contributing to addiction. Studies have shown that people with low
self-esteem, depression, anxiety, difficult home lives etc. are much more likely to develop problems with
addiction to video games. Like other substances or behaviors that are associated with addiction, video
games provide an escape from reality and a sense of accomplishment for the user.
Proposal
Addiction and Video Games
In 2007, a Harris Poll reported on youths addicted to video games. The poll showed 8.5% of youths
(between the ages of 8 - 18) in the US could be classified as video game addicts. While another 23% of
youths would say that they are addicted to video games (HubPages). Knowing how to protect yourself
and your family from video game addiction is important. By taking steps to insure that not too much
time is being devoting to gaming and also be able to recognize the signs of addiction can save you and
the ones around you from becoming a slave to gaming.
There are many warning signs of video game addiction to watch for in children as well as adults. Time
spent playing is one of the best indicators of addiction. People who are addicted spend most of their time
playing video games.
Fatigue while doing other activities such as school or work. Poor performance at school and work can
also be a sign that too much time is being devoting to video gaming. People who are addicted to video
games choose their game over spending time with friends and family. They are irritable when not playing
their video game. People who are addicted to video games are constantly obsessing over gaming even
when they are not playing. Addiction to video games can cause many problems in a person’s life; luckily
there are ways to prevent it.
As a parent it is important to set boundaries for your children. Limit the time spent playing video games
as well as the content. Monitoring what your child is playing and how often is the best way to insure
that they are enjoying video games without facing potential social and emotional consequences of
addiction. Use video games as a reward for various accomplishments instead of forbidding them to
play. Encourage your children to be involved with other activities such as sports, reading, theater,
music, art etc. Spend time with your children instead of relying on video games to babysit. These are
just a few examples of ways to monitor gaming for your children. Video games can be beneficial for
your children when played in moderation. Balance is the key.
Works Cited
"Addiction." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012.
<http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/addiction>.
"Everquest 2 Game Update 52 Patch Notes, and a Maltheas Extreeeeme Quester Update." Ark's Ark.
N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.arksark.org/blog/1208/everquest-2-game-update52-patch-notes-and-a-maltheas-extreeeeeme-quester-update/>.
Feature, Sherry RauhWebMD. "Video Game Addiction." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/video-game-addiction-no-fun>.
"Gaming Addiction." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012.
<http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/01568/en/survey.html>.
"TechAddiction." Video Game Addiction Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.techaddiction.ca/video_game_addiction_statistics.html>.
"Video Game Addiction." Internet Gaming Addiction. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.videogame-addiction.org/>.
"Video Game Addiction | Signs, Statistics, Help and Treatment." HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.
<http://whatsnews.hubpages.com/hub/Binge-Gaming-Signs-Stats-Treatment>.