According to the China Internet Network Information Center, this number increased 16 percent by 2018, with over 30 percent of minors suffering from gaming disorder. In 2007, around 14 percent of Chinese adolescent internet users-about 10 million teenagers-met the diagnostic criteria for internet addiction. In China, problematic video gaming has been recognized as a public health crisis. With nearly three billion people playing video games worldwide, 3-4 percent of them-more than 60 million gamers-are likely to be suffering from gaming disorder. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) included an Internet Gaming Disorder in the DSM-5, and, in 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated Gaming Disorder (GD) will be listed in the 11 th addition of the International Classification of Diseases. While the classification of video gaming addiction as a mental illness is somewhat controversial, organizations have recently spoken up about the issue. Likewise, the comorbidity rate of the gaming disorder with depression, anxiety, and ADHD is significantly high, as many young gamers use gaming as a coping mechanism. In 2014, a study by Zhejiang Normal University discovered that gaming addiction can lead to “lower volumes of gray and white brain matter,” which can cause impairment in decision-making, regulating emotions, and impulse control. As a subset of internet addiction, video gaming addiction is often when gaming is taken to the extreme-ultimately impairing an individual’s ability to function either socially, academically, or financially. One of the most significant impacts of problematic internet-use gaining momentum is the onslaught of video gaming addiction. Īlthough the evolution of technology and the internet has brought numerous benefits, many negative ramifications have been uncovered as well. ![]() Especially during the recent pandemic, where isolation and a lack of social interaction was prominent, the ability to engage with others via gaming provided much needed “social connection, escapism and relief for millions of kids and teens”. ![]() Daphen Maurer of the Visual Development Lab discovered gaming can improve eyesight and increase dopamine levels and cognitive neuroscientists at the University of Rochester found video games can enhance decision-making skills. For instance, a 2009 study in the Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine found gaming can alleviate stress and depression Dr. Video gaming has beneficial and adverse effects on the cultural attitudes, psychological development, and lifestyle choices of young gamers. As video game addiction becomes increasingly prevalent, understanding, and ultimately comparing, the different prevention approaches is vital in protecting the health and development of younger generations. Currently in the Western world, video game-related regulations are limited to rating systems which evaluate content and maturity-levels rather than the overuse of gaming. to take into consideration.ĭouglas Gentile, developmental psychologist and the Director of Research for the National Institute on Media and the Family, estimated that over 8.5 percent of children and teenagers-roughly 3 million Americans-exhibit multiple signs of gaming addiction. ![]() After reviewing scholarship and research studies which analyzed the previous laws enacted by China and South Korea, the latter’s new, more flexible approach appears to be most promising for the U.S. Ultimately, South Korea recognized the flaws in their previous law and is modifying their game plan to include less restrictions and encourage more self-regulation. With both countries entering the year enforcing similar policies of reducing the amount of play time available to minors, it came as a surprise when China’s increase in limitations was met alongside South Korea’s plan to abolish the harsh restraints. government and American gaming companies. This raises the issue of which country serves as a better model for the U.S. To wrap up summer vacation, the two leading countries combating internet and gaming addiction-China and South Korea-took a step in diverging directions.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |