A deep dive into the debate surrounding video game addiction, as the scientific understanding of what it means to be addicted continues to evolve
The latest research suggests it's not far-fetched at all — especially when you consider all the societal and cultural factors that make today's games so attractive. Tweets: @cecianasta , @ferrisjabr , @ferrisjabr , @ferrisjabr , @ferrisjabr , @ferrisjabr , @camerondare , and @gamingthemind Tweets: Cecilia D'Anastasio / @cecianasta : A very angry PhD researcher reached out to me this morning about the Times' article on gaming addiction: https://www.nytimes.com/... Ferris Jabr / @ferrisjabr : The World Health Organization recently added video game addiction ("gaming disorder") to its clinical guidebook, the ICD. This parallels the APA's 2013 decision to recognize pathological gambling as an addiction in the DSM. Both moves are founded on considerable evidence. Ferris Jabr / @ferrisjabr : Accepting the reality of video game addiction does not mean that all games are inherently “bad.” But it's also a mistake to completely vindicate games and push all the blame onto gaming addicts and their parents. Both views fundamentally misunderstand addiction. Ferris Jabr / @ferrisjabr : In conversations w/ dozens of gaming addicts another important factor emerged: loneliness. Most gaming addicts are single men and research suggests men are particularly vulnerable to social detachment. Social isolation increases the risk of addiction & addiction is isolating: pic.twitter.com/OQEu9SmR5W Ferris Jabr / @ferrisjabr : Concerns about video game addiction are often dismissed as technophobia, moral panic, or a misuse of the term. But the latest research suggests that video game addiction is a real phenomenon afflicting a small percentage of gamers. Ferris Jabr / @ferrisjabr : For @NYTmag I wrote about the controversy surrounding video game addiction, the allure of virtual worlds, the relationship between social isolation and mental health, and the evolving scientific understanding of what it means to be addicted https://www.nytimes.com/... Cam Adair / @camerondare : The video game industry's response to addiction has not been honest or based in reality. Frankly, it's been embarrassing. The filthy tobacco industry all over again. https://www.nytimes.com/... @gamingthemind : A deep dive into gaming disorder and the changing concept of addiction itself. Understanding problematic gaming as a multifaceted issue that is bigger than dopamine and reward circuits. ...And some promotion for a treatment center but hey what can you do https://www.nytimes.com/...