How Does Too Much Gaming Affect Human Health?

If a computer, console, or mobile device can be used to play the game, it is considered a video game. In existence since the 1970s, video games have been more popular across a wide range of mobile and stationary platforms, including computers and consoles. Social networks and multiplayer video games have both benefited from technological advancements, notably those on mobile devices. More than 2.7 billion people throughout the globe are expected to be gamers by 2020, and the figure is expected to keep climbing.

As video games have become more popular, there has been an increase in the number of individuals who have been harmed by their use. The thrill of a late-night gaming session can't be matched by anything else for a dedicated player. Gaming may provide a dopamine rush, but excessive gaming might have a detrimental effect on your health.

Gaming is most popular among teens despite the fact that it does not need physical endurance and is thus not restricted in any way by characteristics such as age, gender, or fitness. It was officially recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 as a "gaming disorder" (ICD-11). Gamers may benefit from greater attention management and spatial thinking, but it isn't obvious how much of this advantage extends beyond video games into the real world. There is conflicting data on this. There are also medicinal uses for games like teaching patients with degenerative illnesses to better their balance, helping teenagers with ADHD improve their cognitive abilities or instructing surgeons on how to do technically difficult surgeries.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies for individuals with a variety of problems are made easier with the ICD-11, a comprehensive list of diseases and medical conditions. It's not only teenagers that play games, contrary to common opinion. Only 21% of gamers were under the age of 18, according to a recent poll. There are health hazards associated with excessive gaming, even while it may be a pleasurable diversion or pastime for others (and is increasingly becoming a competitive sport on many college campuses). What are the negative consequences of this behavior, and what can be done to prevent it?

What Is Gaming Disorder And What Should You Know About It?

Gaming disorder was added to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in 2018. Health care providers utilize the ICD-11 to establish a diagnosis and devise treatment strategies for a wide range of illnesses and medical problems. Overuse of video games and the internet as a way to escape from reality may lead to a condition known as "gaming disorder," in which a person prioritizes gaming above other activities and interests in their everyday lives, even when doing so may have harmful repercussions. However, gamers are often unable to stop playing and focus on other aspects of their daily lives, such as attending to social commitments or obtaining a decent night's sleep.

To be diagnosed with a gaming disorder, a person's behavior must be so extreme that it significantly impairs personal, familial, social, educational, or vocational functioning, and this impairment must have been present for at least a year before the diagnosis could be made. APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists online gaming disorder (IGD) as a disease that needs additional investigation. Gaming disorder has some characteristics of IGD. IGD is not an official condition according to the APA at this time.

Despite the fact that many studies on gaming disorders have focused on adolescents, young adults, and young adults at heart, it is not only a problem for those in these age groups. Everyone, regardless of age or sexual orientation, may be affected by this kind of disordered conduct.

Only a tiny number of gamers are affected by gaming disorders, therefore they need not be alarmed. However, extreme care should be used if gaming time starts to interfere with one's normal routine or health. Other mental health disorders including sadness, anxiety, and stress have been linked to gaming disorders according to the research. Users with these underlying difficulties may develop a habit of excessive gaming since it offers an outlet for their bad emotions; it may be the only thing that makes them feel better. As a result, those who are diagnosed with gaming disorder are more likely to suffer from a range of physical, emotional, social, and mental issues.

The Effect Of Gaming On Health

For many people, gaming on a computer for long periods of time is bad for their physical health. Playing video games for long periods of time might make you forget about the need to eat healthily; drink water; exercise; and take care of your general well-being. Fast food that's high in sugar and carbs is more convenient while you're in the middle of a marathon gaming session. While a microwaveable pizza or a bag of chips may seem like a fast and easy option, they will just reinforce the same health concerns associated with inactivity. Caffeine-rich energy beverages targeted toward gamers may also cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and dehydration.

There is no substitute for face-to-face social engagement, no matter how many multiplayer games you play. When gaming, even unintended isolation may lead to melancholy, a lack of social skills, and other negative consequences. In order to enhance self-esteem, reduce stress, and preserve mental health, it is essential to engage in social activities with others who care about you. If you're a fan of video games, be sure to take regular pauses to get some fresh air, exercise, and recharge your batteries. As a bonus, you may notice a boost in your gaming abilities as well!

Musculoskeletal issues are also a possibility for those who play on a regular basis. Video game use has been linked to an increase in physical complaints among kids, according to one study. People may complain of anything from hand and wrist discomfort to neck and back pain. In addition, a nine-year-old referred to a Playstation thumb in a case report. The blisters and numbness of the Playstation thumb are produced by the constant contact between the thumb and the controller. It was determined that the patient had hemorrhages and onycholysis (the loosening or separating of the fingernails) when dermatologists used dermoscopy.

Consistent video game use has been linked to weight gain. This might be due to the fact that athletes aren't getting enough exercise. Obese people may gravitate toward less physically demanding pursuits, such as gaming, as a result of their lack of physical fitness. Television and video games have been related to an increase in the Body Mass Index in various studies (BMI). Children in the United States are said to watch television or play video games for 25% of their waking hours. In addition, obesity is more common in youngsters who spend more time watching television or playing video games.

Extensive use of digital gadgets is the primary cause of eye strain, even if you don't play a lot of video games. Just two hours a day of screen use may cause headaches, blurry vision, painful eyes, and difficulties seeing. Late-night gaming might be difficult to stop, particularly if coffee is keeping you up. However, if you have to be at work or school in the morning, you're limiting the amount of rest time you have available. However, even when you finally do go to bed, the quality of the sleep you do receive is diminished due to screen time.