admin answers:

“My project is about the connection between video game addiction and social interaction. I chose this subject because I like video games and there have been periods in my life when I would play video games for hours. It therefore seems important for me to know how it starts, what the risks are and how to prevent addiction. For this reason, I enjoyed undertaking this project. Parts of the project were quite easy to do, for example, finding evidence for addicted gamers, since the phenomenon has become more widespread all over the world. On the other hand, tasks such as carrying out an interview between addict and psychologist were harder to do, because it is not easy to have an understanding of what the addict thinks or feels when he plays video games and when he tries to give up his obsession.

The lesson I took from this project is to take everything in proportion and to try not to take anything for granted.

Addiction is a chronic but treatable impulse control disorder. People who are addicted cannot control their need for the substance or activity, and they face negative health, wealth and social consequences. When someone is addicted, he needs more and more of the substance or behavior to keep him going, and if he doesn’t get it, he becomes irritable and miserable. Gamers say compulsive gaming is comparable with regular addiction. For example, they become angry, violent and depressed when they haven’t played for some time. This addiction, like any other addiction, interferes with daily life.

Nowadays the addiction has become increasingly complex, detailed and compelling to gamers. With better graphics, more realistic characters and greater strategic challenges, it’s not surprising that some teens would rather play video games than socialise with friends, play sports or watch television. Many teens can play video games for a few hours a week, successfully balancing school activities, grades, friends and family obligations, but some prefer the fantasy world of gaming. As a result, they neglect their family, friends, work and school because the fantasy world makes them feel better. An intelligent child who is unpopular at school can compensate by becoming dominant in the game. For him, the virtual world becomes more appealing than real life and he gains both the confidence and satisfaction that he can’t get in reality.”