While most people perceive video games as a fun hobby, they can be a dangerous habit too. The World Health Organization recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition. It will be added to the International Classification of Diseases in 2022.
Video gaming addiction certainly is the topic of several research studies. However, since there aren’t any formal diagnostic criteria or symptoms that define the addiction, stats tend to vary. According to the latest gambling addiction data, the most common physical symptoms of problem gamblers are dark eye circles, losing weight, sleeping problems, and headaches. In most cases, the same applies to those who are developing or already have a video game addiction.
Care to learn more about this worrisome yet relevant topic? If so, keep reading to discover the most common signs of video game addiction, interesting statistics, and where to seek help.
What Is Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is uncontrolled usage of video games to a point where it affects daily functioning and relationships. It is often regarded as a form of Internet addiction, and the disorder is becoming a significant concern for parents. Video game addiction can develop at early ages just as easily as it can develop among adults.
Video Game Addiction Symptoms
Just like with any other form of addiction, video game addiction has its warning signs and symptoms. It’s essential to pay attention and recognize those signs if you’re an avid gamer or notice someone close taking the activity too far. According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, video game addiction symptoms can be physical and emotional.
Physical Signs of Video Game Addiction
Several research studies have shown that the most common physical symptoms of video game addiction are:
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Tiredness or lack of energy.
- Frequent migraines as a result of intense concentration.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is triggered by the overuse of a computer mouse or a controller.
Emotional Signs of Video Game Addiction
Besides the physical symptoms, there are some common emotional symptoms as well. These include:
- Isolation from family and friends.
- Lying about the amount of time spent on video gaming.
- Feelings of anxiety and irritability when not able to play.
- Obsessive thinking about previous and future online gaming sessions.
Video Game Addiction Statistics
Video Game addiction is a huge problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Although most experts still don’t understand its magnitude, this is a widespread issue that requires attention.
Global Video Game Addiction Statistics
According to statistics, over 150 million people in the US and more than 2 billion people on a global level play video games. Numerous surveys indicate that 1-10% of the population in North America and Europe is affected by Internet Gaming Disorder.
For example, 0.3-1% of the general population in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany can be classified as video game addicts. More than 600.000 children in South Korea struggle with video game addiction. The numbers range between 0.7% and 27.5% in Japan. Furthermore, a study performed on gamers from Norway indicated that 1.4% of the participants are addicted gamers. On the other hand, 7.3% can be classified as problem gamers.
Statistics Based On Geographic Location
According to Vladimir Poznyak, a WHO researcher, geographical location is not a risk factor for addiction development. Many nations in the world struggle with video game addiction. For instance, around 48% of all Europeans and 59% of Americans have played or still play video games. Also, 56% of Norwegians have developed a gaming habit.
Asian countries also struggle with gaming addiction. Estimates show that 10% of children in Singapore are Internet and gaming addicts. Around 13.9% of the male students in Hong Kong spend more than 20 hours on video games weekly. However, with 22.8%, video game addiction is especially prevalent in Iran.
Gender-Based Statistics
Although more in the past than now, it seems that men are dominant in the gaming world. Studies have shown that 8.4% of children and teens in the world are video game addicts. 11-12% of them are boys, and 6-7% are girls. Nowadays, the gender breakdown is more balanced. Recent studies showed that 10.8% of a sample group tested for gaming addiction were males, and 5.5% were females.
Age Breakdown of Video Game Addiction
Some statistics show that young males between 18 and 24 years are at a higher risk of becoming video game addicts. A national study of Internet addiction in Japan reveals that 1.3 million females and 1.82 million males above 20 live as Internet addicts. Also, a German study showed that over 6% of the adolescents in the country struggled with video gaming addiction.
Where to Get Help
Video game addiction is a compulsive disorder that can have severe negative consequences and put a person in danger. But, even though sometimes recovery can be challenging, it is not impossible. First of all, you have to acknowledge the addiction’s existence. Once you recognize the problem, it’s time to reach for help and seek treatment. Do not hesitate to contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline. That’s how you can get more detailed information on treatment facilities around you and begin the road to recovery.
Bottom Line
All in all, video game addiction statistics are approximate and non-specific. Different surveys and studies have adopted different methodologies. However, we know that this is a growing global problem that cannot be ignored. We need more studies and more accurate stats to understand how video gaming addiction impacts different parts of the world as well as various target audiences. That way, we can recognize potential risk groups and treat the problem before it blows out of proportion.