The impact of gaming on impulse control and gender differences are discussed in this article. It also discusses treatment options and symptomatology of the addiction. In addition, we look at how online gaming affects impulse control and gender differences. Hopefully, this information will assist you in determining whether you may be suffering from online games addiction. Also, consider the following tips to prevent gaming addiction from developing. Listed below are some important resources to help you overcome your problem.
Impact of gaming on impulse control
The effects of online gaming on impulsivity are well-documented. Researchers have studied the brains of 18 college students who spent 10 hours online daily Pragmatic Play World of Warcraft. They found that gamers had less gray matter in the brain than the control group. The gray matter is the area of the brain responsible for thinking. Researchers warn that these addictive behaviors may be the result of underdeveloped areas in the brain. Impulsivity is a symptom of depression and interpersonal relationship failure.
While this finding is not definitive, it is important to keep in mind that online gaming may lead to problems in impulse control. In other words, problem gamers who have high impulsivity are at a higher risk for addiction. The risk of relapse is greater among these problematic gamers. In addition, these problematic gamers are also more likely to relapse if they do not exercise selfcontrol. But research is still necessary to confirm the findings.
Symptoms of addiction
An individual may develop an addiction to online games for several reasons. One of them is psychological. An individual suffering from this condition may become secretive or isolated because of how much time they spend on the activity. While this behavior can seem normal to those who do not know the individual, it is often a warning sign of a deeper problem. The person may also start to deceive others by lying about the time they spend on the game. Eventually, the person may even withdraw from social circles and activities they once enjoyed.
The symptoms of online games addiction vary from person to person. They may be a
combination of physical and psychological symptoms. Those who play excessively may start to lose interest in other activities, such as sleeping, and may even stop engaging in healthy eating habits. It is difficult to detect such a condition when the person has not yet stopped playing. Some people may even lie about their gaming habits to avoid being caught cheating. A person suffering from this addiction may also begin to ignore other things around him, such as their jobs and relationships.
Treatment options
Fortunately, treatment options for online games addiction are now more readily available than ever. There are a variety of options to choose from, ranging from individual sessions to group therapy. These treatments are most effective when the cause of the addiction is identified as something more serious, such as an over-use of computer games. If the addiction has reached the point where you feel overwhelmed and depressed, you may want to consider a therapeutic boarding school or wilderness camp. Therapeutic boarding schools and wilderness camps offer children a break from their normal environment and provide opportunities for socialization and relaxation.
Video game addiction is often treated with behavioral modification techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which help an individual identify and change destructive thought patterns. Holistic methods like exercise, meditation, and nature can also be incorporated into treatment. A family counseling program may also be necessary to educate other loved ones about the disorder. A marriage counselor may help a couple create a stable home environment. While a traditional treatment for online games addiction focuses on the mind, family therapy helps the entire family cope with the disorder.
Gender differences
Previous studies have suggested that males are more susceptible to internet gaming addiction. However, there are also gender differences in specific types of internet usage and behaviors. A meta-analysis of existing studies has examined gender differences in internet gaming addiction as well as the moderating influence of regions. The study included 53 effect sizes from 82,440 participants from 21 countries. The results of this meta-analysis are promising for further studies of internet addiction.
The gender differences in exposure to online games have been attributed to different perceptions of the games. However, in reality, the gender-based discrepancy in gaming time may be more about perception than fact. It is also important to note that female gamers spend just as much time playing online games as men do. Therefore, future studies need to examine gender-based stereotypes of virtual play. Furthermore, gender-based discrepancy may have implications for third-person effect studies and gender and technology.