Gaming - computer game addicition
Do you easily get wrapped up in computer games and lose yourself in the gaming world? Do you play to have fun and socialise with others? Or to avoid having to deal with difficult tasks or emotions?
If you find it difficult to control how much time you spend on gaming, it may mean that you need help to reduce or quit it. Whatever the reason, it’s important to take the signs of computer game addiction seriously, as you may later regret the negative impact it may have on your studies, relationships, and mental health.
There is as of yet no diagnosis for gaming addiction in Sweden, but there are many who cannot control their gaming. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has added a diagnosis for computer game addiction called “gaming disorder”. Research shows that there is some connection between computer game addiction and gambling. Some computer games normalise gambling, which means that interest in it is increasing. It may be that you go to a casino or play the lottery in the game, or that you buy loot boxes.
When gaming gets out of control
Sometimes it can be difficult to see where the limit is for what is a moderate amount of computer gaming. When does it go from being an enjoyable leisure interest to becoming a problem? A clear sign is if your gaming begins to go have an effect on other activities and interests. Other signs include insomnia, social isolation, depression and anxiety. Do you feel bored and afraid of missing out on something when you’re not playing? This is also common. Many students who turn to the student health service for help with procrastination also engage in computer gaming several days a week or daily, for several hours at a time.
Social media use can lead to screen addiction
Social media and mobile games – many things draw our attention to the screen. And most of the time, we need to use screens to complete our studies or work tasks. For some, however, social media or mobile games are an escape from reality and a way of disconnecting from stressful moments in everyday life, for others they provide an escape from difficult tasks, thoughts or feelings. In the beginning, you may feel that you are just avoiding difficult things for a while. But in the long run, you may get increased anxiety from going on social media or playing mobile games. Can you not help checking social media when you pick up your phone? Or playing a game when you feel a little stressed? Then you may need to learn how to relate to your thoughts and feelings in a different way - and avoid the phone.
What can you do yourself?
- Make it harder to start playing/scrolling.
Move your computer or phone to another room, delete shortcuts and apps, or remove the network cable at certain times of the day. Put your phone on “do not disturb”, turn off push notifications, or delete the apps that make you scroll aimlessly. - Find out when and why you are playing/scrolling.
Is it when you feel bored, anxious, or need to tackle a difficult task? Make yourself aware of your escapism and try giving yourself a moment for reflection and the opportunity to make another decision before you start playing/scrolling. - Fill your time doing other things.
Think about other things to do and try out other activities to fill your time with as you reduce gaming and/or mobile scrolling. Cooking? Training? Taking part in a student activity? If you need to study: take 3 minutes and do one of the things you planned – read a paragraph, write two sentences, make a calculation… And so on.
Seeking help for gaming addiction
For many, it can feel difficult, or even impossible, to stop or reduce their mobile gaming or use of social media. There is good help available, so don’t hesitate to seek it. If you feel that you have or are starting to have problems with gaming, you can contact the student health service for guidance or information on where to get help. If you are under the age of 23, or under 25 in some regions, you can also seek help at the youth guidance centre.