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A disorder that involves online and/or offline computer usage and consists of at least three subtypes:
Excessive gaming, Sexual preoccupations, and Email/text messaging.
- Chatting Online
- Play Computer Games (Gaming) WOW, etc.
- Watching Porn
Internet and Videogame addicts miss out on real conversations and real human development; they often see their hygiene, home and relationships deteriorate. They often don't eat or sleep properly and don't get enough exercise. They often avoid intimacy with peers and delay the expansion of identity development in the outside world.
Internet Addiction warning signs are:
- Being preoccupied with thoughts of the internet
- Using it longer than intended and for increasing amounts of time.
- Repeatedly making unsuccessful efforts to control use.
- Jeopardizing relationships, school or work to spend time online.
- Lying to cover the extent of Internet use.
- Using the Internet to escape problems or feelings of depression.
- Physical changes to weight, headaches or carpal tunnel syndrome.
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"In the game, I could take on a new identity that's much cooler and easier to deal with than my own life."
(Gaming Addict)
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Videogame Addiction:
Research Data:
- Gaming is a worldwide phenomenon and has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. In the United States alone, the sale of video games and related products reportedly grossed between $7 and $10 billion in 2004.
- The average gamer is age 29 and averages between 6.8 and 7.6 hrs/week
(Entertainment Software Association)
- MMORPG (Massive Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games) make up 9% of gamers play but are the most commonly seen games creating an addiction due to the high level of competition, highly social nature and interactive real time services.
- Some research studies report approximately 10% of gamers meet criteria for videogame addiction.
Videogame Addicts often have high levels of emotional loneliness and difficulty with real life social interactions. They often find comfort in the virtual community while "trying on" new identities which often delays and inhibits real life emotional development.
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