Gaming is one of the most popular, growing addictions recently noticed. With the technology and special effects industries rapidly developing, gaming has become a prominent and well known addiction. Addiction to gaming can be defined as over excessive use of video games for long periods of time that results in negative consequences. This type of addiction can harm you and those around you in many ways such as, decreasing your social development, interaction with people around you, focus on school, and homework in the classroom.

Gamers often jeopardize relationships with close friends and family because of how distant they become from the real world. These addicts view the game as their entire world and they become very isolated from their loved ones, which hurts their relationships and friendships. Unitypoint Health says, “Those suffering from video game addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion, spend less time with real people in their lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward.” It’s true and it needs to stop.

Not only does this addiction have an effect on your close relations with others, but it has an effect on you and your ability to focus in school. It can take your mind off of your homework as soon as you get home because your gaming system is just across the hall waiting for you to play. It’s tempting, but people need to know how to control their urge because this can affect your grades in school and possibly your acceptance into college. This addiction can also start to mess with your mentality and self-confidence. Unitypoint Health also stated how boys and girls who change their “Avatar” to be a completely different person than they are. This is usually caused by low self-esteem and fears of inadequacy.

It’s important to be aware of this new condition to try and control it as soon as possible to help yourselves or others around you. Here are some warning signs:

• Playing for long periods of time
• Constantly thinking about games during different everyday activities
• Giving up other hobbies and becoming isolated from everyone
• Acting irritably when asked to cut down on gaming