The Controversy of Internet or Video Game Addiction

Video game or Internet addiction is a controversial idea, unlike like other behavioral addictions, which does not have definite remedies of cure. The enactment of video game habits as addiction is another area of controversy. Many experts still lay down to the thought and deny video game habit to be a major disorder or a serious addiction. Also, not to forget, Internet addiction counts under similar symptoms and circumstances. While video gaming research is showing some disturbing effects, particularly in younger players, there is a lack of long-term research and insufficient evidence to definitively conclude that video game overuse is indeed an addiction. In addition, cautionary messages from groups such as the American Medical Association, which believes that video games are potentially harmful, have to compete with the aggressive marketing of the video games industry, whose own research, unsurprisingly, shows no ill effects.rnHowever, the idea of overuse of video games or rather computer game addiction has rapidly spread across the industry and attracting kids to buy as many games as possible. Halfway between the toys and television, youngsters find it difficult to manage their playing habits and tend to overdo rnthe playing habits. Video game addiction is not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), the "gold standard" reference for mental health conditions. In addition, it has not been recommended for inclusion by the American Psychological Association. The American Medical Association has, however, wavered on whether or not to recommend insertion of “Internet/video game addiction” as a formal diagnostic disorder in Manual's next revision. Overdose of playing games or spending time on the internet are similar to other addictions in terms of the amount of time spent playing, the strong emotional attachment to the activity, and the patterns of social difficulties experienced by gaming addicts. As with other addictions, gaming addicts become preoccupied with the game, and it disrupts social routine of life with friends and family. rnChildren eventually develop dependence kind of behavior and it becomes difficult for the adults to control their impulse towards playing games. Addiction is defined as the obsession of doing any activity that may hamper your natural behavior and routine. As with other addictive behaviors, there are a range of different responses to the activity. Whether or not video game addiction is acknowledged as a real addiction or even as a mental health problem in and of itself, the APA is clear that excessive video game playing in children can be unhealthy, and can lead to other problems.