Roseanna Singletary
ENC 1102-Warren
Digital Nation Essay
February 18, 2013
Gaming Addiction
Gaming addiction affects the social, physical, academic, career, and material life of an
individual. Addiction refers to the excessive use of something. Excessive utilization of a
substance or product can produce tragic results. There are various areas of addiction that can be
experienced. One of them is Internet gaming. While internet gaming may have some positive
effects on its users, such as building social relationships and entertainment. The negative effects
of gaming seem to outweigh the positive and often lead to addiction.
Gamers on the other hand may have a different view that is in support of online gaming.
First, arguing the point that gaming is entertaining and a stress reliever. Secondly, by showing
how playing games and analyzing different ways to beat their opponents build analytical skills.
The contemporary world has become digital and internet connection has reached remote parts of
the world. As a result, many activities can be accomplished online. We have become accustomed
to using computers in every aspect of our daily lives, using them for everything from
entertainment, school, banking, music and even reading books. We now see computers as
necessities, which add to the growing number of Internet misuse.
Singletary 2
The film “Digital Nation” brings the world into the reality of Internet usage and points
out various effects. The film offers information related to digital life and investigates the risk
myths, possibilities and realities posed by the culture of the digital lifestyle. One area of concern
raised in the film is gaming addiction. (Digital Nation Roundtable 4).
Internet gaming is an enjoyable activity undertaken by many people, especially the youth during
their leisure time. There are various gaming systems to choose from, they include Play Station by
Sony and Xbox by Microsoft. The two systems are accessed for games, such as FIFA versions,
Halo, Ever quest, World of War craft and Need for Speed among many (Griffiths 808).
Individuals addicted to these games play them all day every day. The social life of these people
becomes tied to their playing partner and the computer.
Gaming addiction can be compared to other addictions such as drug and alcohol
addictions. Gaming addictions result from the tendency of the game to hold the interest of the
participant. This can also be both positive and negative. Players find games entertaining. The
entertaining capability of the game holds the interest of the player and also leads to the addiction.
Internet games also provide a challenge and a struggle to win. The tendency of winning fuels the
participants need to play. Those addicted to Internet gaming master various skills needed to beat
the game. The adrenaline rush they get from winning or moving on to the next level increases
their desire to play. This in turn further fuels the addiction and breeds the negative effects that
not only have an impact on the player but, also affects their family, friends and others they have
close ties to.
Singletary 3
As the addiction progresses the gamer devotes more time to the game, ignoring important
activities. Gamers give little or no attention to real world activities such as academics, family,
relationships, and work. Addiction to computer games also has an impact on the financial
position of gamers. Digital Nation estimates that more than 100 hours of work are spent by
gamers. Gamers often stay up all hours of night the playing games, resulting in them calling in
frequently and eventually to stop showing up for work all together. This means the productivity
of these people suffers and translates to further financial loss. Some internet games also are
played at a fee. This means more money being spent on virtual items (Griffiths 35).
Addiction to computer games affects the health of gamers. Spending more time than
required on the computer can result in skipping meals and less physical activity or exercise.
Children lacking physical exercise combined with poor eating habits leads to obesity (Ferguson
808).
In addition, addiction to computer games results in physical strain. People who suffer
from physical strain experience symptoms that include headache, backache, eye strain and could
even result in a condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel Syndrome is an
inflammatory disorder usually caused by repetitive hand or wrist movement symptoms include
numbness and pain in the shoulders, wrist, elbows and hands. Addiction to computer games
increases aggressive behaviors in children. According to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic
(5), players addicted to shooter-style computer games are detached from society. They develop
aggressive thoughts, which affect their interaction with people.
Singletary 4
Addictions to computer games are on the rise. Although the contemporary generation is
inclining toward adoption of digital technology in most areas, the negative effects of technology
ought to be considered by those using it. Computer games are praise worthy innovations, but for
those who develop a problem for there, may need to be some regulations put in place.
Singletary 5
Works Cited
Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research. “Children and TV: Limiting your child’s
Screen time.” 2012. Mayo foundation for medical education research. 8 February 2013.
< http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/children-and-tv/My0052>
Digital Nation Roundtable. “Digital Nation Roundtable discussion, Freedom.” 2010. Public
Broadcasting Service. 8 February 2013
< http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/veiw/#roundtable.
Ferguson, Christopher. “The influence of television and video game use on attention and school
Problems: A multivariate analysis with other risk factors controlled.” Journal of
Psychiatric Research 45.6 (2010): 808-713
Griffiths, Michael. “Online video gaming: What should educational Psychologist know?”
Educational Psychology in Practice 26.1 (2010): 35-40.