Video Games: A Modern Drug
Gaming is now a multi-billion dollar industry earning more money by not only programming highly GUI games but also by inventing something like a VR Box or a Joystick or a PS5. There are days when we used to play games like Super Mario, Pac-Man, or the Snake game on the old Nokia phone. But now, we’re surrounded by 2 billion gamers, which are 26% of the world population who’re taking a dunk in the ocean of PUBG, Free Fire, or the COD. Imagine this: the software companies are hiring people to just program the NPC’s with AI in these games. There are people out there making their livelihood by programming or playing these games, whereas few others play just for entertainment.
Video games may help in developing problem-solving skills and logical reasoning, but they’re also responsible for excessive fear and less sensitivity to pain in children. Video games can be linked with poor mental health, dopamine addiction, social isolation, and more importantly, poor academic or professional performance of the gamer. Video games also make the child dull, inactive, and also it brings him to lack of interest to involve in any physical activity. Gaming not only changes the function of the brain but also its anatomy. The addiction towards gaming is termed as the “Gaming Disorder”. So what exactly is Gaming Disorder?
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) entered gaming disorder into their list of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The WHO defines gaming disorder as “the behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming activity, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming precedence over other interests and daily activities, and the continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences”. This gaming disorder can result in a higher risk of obesity, sleep disorders, strain injuries, skin disorders, vision issues, musculoskeletal problems, obesity, and overweight.
Playing video games causes your brain to release Dopamine. Dopamine is important for learning and concentration, but it also is the same chemical released when you do drugs like cocaine. This causes addiction and results in gaming disorder. And now, we know why gaming is called the E-drug of the modern world. People wouldn’t play games if they’re not as addictive as they are. According to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA), it is said that gaming can also make us more aggressive. According to the research “Violent video games alter brain function in young men,” the frontal lobe of the brain, the region associated with decision making and cognitive function, gets deactivated after playing video games. This can also cause an increase in aggressive behavior.
Music, on the other hand, is very helpful to restrain the negative effects of video games. Music has been shown to improve cognitive function, instead of deactivating parts of the brain. According to the study “How musical training affects cognitive development: rhythm, reward, and other modulating variables,” learning to play music can improve verbal memory and reading ability. It is good, but it is not all.
Video games allow us to prattle over the internet with our friends. It also helps us make new friends. But what about the surprise visits or the parties you once liked? You cannot judge a person based on just how he plays the game or the way speaks to you online. So you end up making some bad friends. And when you commit these mistakes, you automatically will commit the next one, and that is not maintaining a social relationship with people. You feel like you could get out of the building and do whatever you want, other than just gaming. But you can’t even get out of your room because you’re addicted to the drug and you know that you can talk to people via video games.
Video games can be a form of entertainment, but not an addiction. It can lead to an increase in anxiety, testosterone, and cortisol (stress hormone). If you think you face any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, then it’s not too late to change. But also remember, it has already been. So, next time you play something, remember that your life’s not a game. And a game over is a GAME OVER.
