Preparing for virtual danger is what video gamers do best. But they may not be ready for this real-world health hazard: too much playing time.
The World Health Organization has revised its disease manual. WHO specialists now consider compulsive video game playing a mental health condition. They say classifying “gaming disorder” as a condition will help families and health care workers be more watchful and ready to identify the risks of gaming.
Most experts admit cases of gaming disorder are rare—with no more than 3% of gamers affected. But the conclusion confirms the fears of some parents of avid young gamers.
God graciously gives us all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17) He even gives cravings! From the beginning, Adam and Eve craved food and beauty and fellowship. (Genesis 2:9, 18) But when cravings—“the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life”—overtake the craving for God, they are wrong. (1 John 2:15-16)
Some people welcome the gaming disorder label. They say identifying addicts quickly is important because compulsive gamers are usually young people—those who often don’t seek help themselves.
Others worry the label may brand too many gamers. “People need to understand this doesn’t mean every child who spends hours in their room playing games is an addict,” says Dr. Joan Harvey of the British Psychological Society.
Dr. Mark Griffiths has researched gaming disorder for 30 years. He says most people play video games for entertainment. “You have these short, obsessive bursts and yes, people are playing a lot,” he says, “But it’s not an addiction.”
Griffiths believes many compulsive gamers probably have other problems—like autism or depression. Those problems feed their playing too much.
The American Psychiatric Association knows gaming is a problem. APA studies show that playing video games triggers something in some people’s brains “in the same . . . way that a drug addict’s brain is affected by a particular substance.” Still, the association believes doctors need more research before calling compulsive gaming a disorder.
What are symptoms of a gaming problem? Here’s a partial list:
—Anger, nervousness, or sorrow when gaming is taken away
—Needing to spend more time gaming
—Failed attempts to quit
—Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
—Lying about time spent gaming
—Using gaming to feel better
—Risking jobs or friendships because of gaming
The dangers of excess are clear. Too much of a good thing—food, sleep, exercise, or video games—is just that: too much.
The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. — Proverbs 22:3
Hey, 4 pages of comments!
Hey, 4 pages of comments!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
yes!
me to
my brother and i are homeschooled to!
A.R.
Awesome Julia! I like his Matthew's begats song. Have you listened to Slugs and Bugs with Andrew Peterson and Randall Goodgame? They are really fun kids songs!
A.R.
Matthew's Begats is probably my favorite. I haven't listened to Slugs and Bugs, but it sounds cool!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
I have!
lol so many comments
I don't really play video games all that often. I mean, when I babysit, I let the kids play for 20-30 minutes, but I don't really play any. My cousin is addicted to video games, lol, and I watch him play sometimes. Every once in a while I'll play too, but not a lot. I don't want my brain turned to mush, lol. Question, what kind of music do you guys like?
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
TobyMac and Disney.
Yea, Disney, Chris Tomlin,
Yea, Disney, Chris Tomlin, The Piano Guys, and the Greatest Showman. Oh, and the Newsboys.
Music
Imagine Dragons is good
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
I love all of them!
Music
Piano Guys, House of Heroes and Star Wars soundtracks are my favorites : )
Wow, I love this! <3 So much
Wow, I love this! <3 So much comments. Let's shoot for 200! P.S. We got our new puppy! Her name is Moxie. SHE IS SO LIGHT!!! Thanks for the name ideas!
What even is this article
Just because we play video games a lot doesn't mean we're addicted we just enjoy gaming. For some people gaming gives them a sort of mask to put on and be able to socialize with people if they are too anxious to talk to people normally. It increases puzzle solving skills (Most games not FPS but like RPGS and puzzle games) and a interest in game design. Dont stero type gamers as always playing games. Many gamers (such as my self) Play sports and spend time with family and friends.
i also love how this comment
i also love how this comment section has turned into a full on convo about american ninja warrior and music
A.R.
TobyMac is awesome! (who has his newest song "Scars"? He just released it!), I also like Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle, Andrew Peterson, Shane and Shane, King and Country, and Tenth Avenue North!
we are allowed to play half
we are allowed to play half an our on saturdays. its plenty enough
Dinosrawrs
Does Anyone have Jurassic World Evolution? Probably not because its one of the smallest triple-A games at the moment, but I thought I'd check.
TobyMac!!!
I love tobyMac!! Scars is amazing :) :) I love I just need U. and Everything too :) And tbh like every other songs he's ever made! I so insanely excited for the elements to drop next week!!!!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
Me too!
A.R. @ Alayna J.
Yeah, I think he wrote Scars for his son Truit.
@A.R.
@A.R. my favorite singer in the WORLD is Lauren Daigle! its like she doesn't even have a bad song. I got her new CD (Look up Child) and I have so much things of hers. My friend and I are going to a concert of hers in March. I also love Toby Mac song too ;)
@Natalie T
My cousin is in love with video games too! At his birthday party last year, he spent all of the party (Except for opening presents and eating) playing video games. *eye roll*
My favorite singers would be.
My favorite singers would be... 1. Lauren Daigle 2.Toby Mac 3. Disney 4. Taylor Swift
@A.R
Yep..He did write it for Truett. Since he's graduated and living out in the world, Toby wrote it to encourage him :) TO ALL: What is your favorite tobyMac song? Mine? Probably Scars right now but all time probably Made to Love :) Though Everything and I just need U. are at the top of the list :D
My favorite Toby Mac song(s)
My favorite Toby Mac song(s) would probably be... Love came through (At least I think thats what its called lol) Scars, and Light Shine Bright.
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
I play Wii U, and I'm pretty good at Mario. How bout you guys?
Hm.......
Well, we just got our Wii U last month, so I'm not that great yet. I think I'm pretty good at Mariokart (Wii) though.
Mario
New super Mario bros Wii is probably the best Mario game.
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
Yup.
video games r not an addiction
they r just a good way to pass time
keegan is a good boiiii
he really is a good boi
judah is a bad boiii
yeah you r
keegan is a good boiiii
no he isnt hes relly bad trust me i have classes with him and he an sing looooool
judah cant even spell really
you might need a tutor buddy
gaming reeeaaly????????
gaming reeeaaly???? why would someone let themselves do that. I mean they probably can't control it but still they could try to stop could'nt they?
@ Isabel B
Yes! tobyMac and Taylor Swift are the top 2 on my list :) Ok I got another question. Have any of you traveled internationally? And if so, where? In 2016, I went to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, and Austria. France was terrible. As soon as we got there, a few people tried to pickpocket us as we got off the train. Most of the people there were very rude, and the toilet didn't work where we stayed. (it didn't in england either.)
Canada
I think I went to Canada once, but I don't remember it.
@Natalie T
I've never been out of the U.S. but I would love to see England, Germany and Canada.
A.R.
Who's listened to the newest TobyMac song that came out this morning? "The Elements" is the newest one, I really like it! My favorite TobyMac songs include, Get Back Up, Lose Myself, Til' The Day I Die, Unstoppable, and I'm For You. Of course I have many other ones I like including the new ones (but I've already mentioned them).
A.R. @ Isabel
So cool that you're going to see Lauren Daigle!
A.R.
I've been to the U.S. and Canada!
Lots and lots of comments!
6 more comments till 200!!!!
New TobyMac!
I've heard the elements...I actually went to bed right around midnight on Thursday night/Friday morning so I heard it before I went to bed :) :) :) Its great! I get an NF vibe from it which is so different for Toby. But so cool :)
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
Wowsers! 196!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
197!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
198!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
199!
(THIS IS ANDREW H.)
200!!!!! Wahoo!
@A.R.
I've been to one of her concerts before when i was 8.
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