Gambling addiction: symptoms, stages, treatment. Computer addiction treatment methods
How to understand how harmless a computer game is? What is computer game addiction and how to deal with it?
Global technological progress has given us a lot of new and interesting things. The computer, which a few decades ago was a unique miracle of technology, accessible only to a select few, is now present in almost every home. It is difficult for a modern person to imagine his day without this universal device - it is our faithful companion both at work and at home, when we “rest” after a hard day. Undoubtedly, there is nothing terrible about watching an interesting movie on the World Wide Web in the evening or searching for the necessary data. But this is not all that a computer can offer us...
There are probably few people left on Earth who are not familiar with computer games, or at least have not heard of them. According to experts, the history of computer games goes back a little more than half a century - the first of them appeared in the distant 50s. By definition, a computer game is a program that serves to organize the game process, communicate with gaming partners and/or is itself a partner. Often such games are created based on books and films. And since 2011, in the United States, computer games have been officially recognized as a separate art form.
In recent years, the production of computer games has become a huge industry. Of course, demand creates supply, which means more and more people want to play. Naturally, an hour or two of gaming once a week “to relax” will not kill anyone. But is everything as simple with computer games as we would like to believe? Let's figure it out.
Computer gaming addiction, or gambling addiction- a form of addiction that manifests itself through obsessive passion for computer games and video games. Addiction forms especially quickly in cases where a person tries to solve his psychological problems and tasks with the help of games. For example, in the game you can feel like a completely different person, not the same as in real life; you can show feelings that are not customary to experience openly: aggression, anger; you can throw away real anxiety from the present time and go into the virtual world. According to research by experts, online games are the most addictive. History knows of cases of fatal consequences of such fun - for example, in 2005, a Chinese girl, who lost many days in a row at World of Warcraft, died of exhaustion.
At the moment, gaming addiction is not recognized as a disease. This disease is not officially included in the International Classification of Diseases. But debate over the adoption of this term is ongoing. According to experts, additional tests are needed to study in detail the impact of gambling addiction on the human body.
However, the results on the ground speak for themselves. Online games have captured the minds of humanity. The number of players is already in the millions. What is the catch in such a seemingly harmless activity? And the whole point is that, like any other addiction, it can drag you into its networks. The player forgets about everything in the world: food, sleep, basic hygiene, responsibilities to family, loved ones, children, not to mention physical activity and walks in nature. Unable to interrupt the gaming process, gambling addicts can lose their jobs and families. The real world for them is completely replaced by the virtual one.
But, naturally, it’s hardest for teenagers. These “no longer children, but not yet adults,” who are going through one of the most difficult periods in their lives, throw themselves into games “with their heads.” As a result, relationships with family deteriorate, exams fail, and exams fail. Former straight-A students fall into bad grades. In addition, over time, games begin to require more and more financial investments. Where can a person who does not yet earn money on their own get them? Many begin to beg from their parents, and when they stop giving, they take without asking. In such cases, urgent help is required - the young man is now unable to get out of this endless marathon alone...
How to recognize computer gaming addiction? Experts call these symptoms:
- Reluctance to be distracted from a computer game;
- Irritation when forced to be distracted from the game;
- Euphoria or just a good feeling while being at the computer and playing a game;
- Inability to schedule the end of a game session and time spent on the computer;
- Forgetting about home and work responsibilities, studies, agreements, scheduled meetings while playing on the computer;
- Large financial investments to ensure that devices and computer software are constantly updated;
- Neglecting sleep, hygiene, health, in favor of spending as much time as possible in the game;
- Refusal of normal meals, preference for mechanical “absorption” of irregular, monotonous food in front of the computer;
- Abuse of psychostimulants: coffee, various energy drinks;
- An obsessive desire to discuss a computer game with everyone who understands at least something about it.
In addition, addiction to computer games negatively affects both physical and mental health of a person. The following physical symptoms are common:
- Visual impairment, dry eyes;
- Headache;
- Changes in sleep patterns, sleep disorders;
- Digestive disorders due to irregular and unhealthy diet;
- Frequent back pain caused by prolonged sitting;
- Problems with posture;
- Decreased immunity;
- Constant feeling of fatigue;
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a lesion of the nerve trunks in the wrist area. This disorder occurs due to uncomfortable working conditions with the mouse and keyboard and prolonged muscle strain;
- Neglect of personal hygiene and related problems.
Psychological symptoms of addiction are less noticeable to the naked eye, but no less significant. The player himself may not even notice how much time he spends on games, how he forgets to eat and moves away from his family and friends.
According to psychologists, the most susceptible to computer gaming addiction are people who are insecure, have low self-esteem, have difficulty communicating, are dissatisfied with life and themselves, are naturally shy and have complexes. The game gives them the opportunity to escape into another reality, fulfill their desires, experience new emotions, feel strong, significant, and armed. That is, in essence, real life is being replaced by a virtual game.
Psychologists include the following as the main reasons for the development of computer gaming addiction:
- Lack of real quality communication. Most of all, this problem affects children and adolescents whose parents are too busy or prone to overprotection. The lack of real communications forces people to look for them in the virtual world;
- Lack of bright interesting moments in life. When a person’s everyday life is filled with dullness and boredom, he tries to “get” positive emotions in the game;
- Sexual dissatisfaction. Basically, the “victims” of gambling addiction are people who are dissatisfied with their personal life or do not have one. Also, sometimes a pathological attraction to games disguises various sexual disorders and deviations from the norm. After all, the beauty of toys is that the player is essentially anonymous, no one will “see through” him or poke fingers at him, which means he can express himself in different ways;
- Unformed psyche. Often players “get stuck” mentally in childhood or adolescence, not wanting to accept adult life with all its responsibilities;
- Social fears, phobias. Often behind an increased craving for games is a fear of interpersonal relationships, society as a whole, the inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, and a lack of creativity and flexibility. In this case, the virtual world of the game can replace a person with the reality that he is so afraid of and provide a more comfortable environment. All this poses a serious threat to success in real life;
- Conflicts, discord within the family. When everything is boring, “it’s not going well”, it’s not working out, there is a great temptation to go somewhere where you won’t be judged, and in general no one knows you;
- A chance to escape real life problems. A person begins to think that with the help of a game he can relieve his stress, anxiety, depression, “escape” from problems in school, overload at work, discord in the family and circle of friends;
- Presence of psychopathy. Psychopathy does not mean a disease, but pathological character traits, which under unfavorable conditions lead to prolonged stress and chronic diseases. Psychopaths are considered the most susceptible to various addictions.
According to psychologists, role-playing games pose the greatest danger. The very meaning of such games involves a person’s “entry” into the game, identifying himself with the character, the loss of the player’s individuality and his integration with the computer. And the stronger the immersion effect, the more difficult it becomes to tear yourself away from the game.
Computer games attract many people, but not everyone becomes a gamer. Players can be divided into 4 categories:
- Situational game. Such people play when there are external factors: free time, competition. If there is no external influence, there will be no interest in the game either;
- Episodic game. In such cases, people start playing computer games from time to time, but they are able to control themselves and limit the time spent in the game;
- Systematic game. Such players are fond of computer games, but wasted time and unfulfilled responsibilities cause them remorse, as a result of which they may stop playing;
- Gambling. For people in this group, gaming becomes the meaning of life and takes up virtually all of their time. When at the moment a person does not have the opportunity to play, he still plans the course of the game in his thoughts, waiting for the moment to return to it. Unfulfilled obligations, unclosed cases, losses, instead of being removed from the game, on the contrary, provoke him to continue further and further. In this case, we are already talking about true gambling addiction.
The development of addiction to computer games occurs in several stages:
- Stage of mild infatuation. At this stage, adaptation to the game occurs;
- Infatuation stage. Sharp and rapid formation of dependence. There is an increased desire to play, and gaming sessions become longer. The stakes in the game increase (if the game is played “for money”). At this stage, there is still no struggle between the desires to play or not to play, and a person can still refuse to play even if he wants to sit at the computer;
- Dependency stage. At this stage, the magnitude of the dependence reaches its maximum value. The struggle between motives to “play” or “not play” is clearly evident; it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose “not to play.” The time spent at the computer increases sharply, excitement increases, and it becomes very difficult to tear yourself away from the game. If a player receives cash winnings, they are immediately returned to the game;
- Attachment stage. The strength of dependence remains stable for a long period of time, then declines slightly and is fixed again and remains stable. Now the game turns into the center of the player's entire life. Money becomes only a symbol of the game. At this stage, a person can no longer overcome the desire to play on his own. The goal of the game is the process itself, not winning. It is very difficult for a person to abstain from gambling; such intervals are extremely small and only arise forcibly. The player is always immersed in his gaming fantasies.
What consequences does computer gaming addiction entail? Psychologists include:
- private and protracted conflicts at home, often family breakdown;
- loss of friends and close circle;
- loss of social status;
- large financial debts;
- personality degradation.
It is always easier to prevent any disorder than to cure it. And gambling addiction is no exception. According to psychologists, a very important part of preventing computer gaming addiction (as well as other addictions) is outreach work, primarily among young people. It is necessary to give them examples of how such addiction destroyed human lives, led players to poverty, to the loss of favorite activities and previous interests. It is important to point out that gambling addiction is often a consequence of a weak character and lack of willpower. Also in the prevention of gambling addiction among children, the positive example of the parents themselves and close adults is important - constantly observing how bright and interesting real life can be, independently taking part in it, the child is unlikely to want to exchange it for virtual life. And, of course, you should not neglect close emotional contact with your child - having found him among family and friends, the child will not be forced to chase him, running to the computer.
If such an addiction has already occurred, it is important to know that it is also treatable. But, depending on the stage of attachment to the game, its treatment may take months or years, full of prohibitions and restrictions.
Among the recognized methods of treating computer gaming addiction are the following:
- Conversations with a psychologist. The task of such sessions is to convince the player of the ephemeral nature of his virtual world, to show him all the beauty and perfection of real, real life;
- Drug treatment. An experienced doctor can prescribe special psychotropic drugs - antidepressants, antipsychotics;
- Attention to a loved one. It is very important to notice in time when a family member is immersed in games, try to pay more attention to him, diversify life, add new colors and impressions to it. After all, if a person, in addition to computer games, has other interests and hobbies, study, work, sports, a constant social circle, the likelihood of developing gambling addiction is negligible.
All these measures work best together, and under the supervision of specialists. Often, when treating a gambling addict, family psychotherapy is used - at the same time, many related problems of family members are solved.
If you are concerned about your family member's pathological passion for computer games, do not hush up the problem! It is very important to notice warning signs in time and seek qualified help. But don’t forget – a holy place is never empty. If you don’t fill the space freed up from games with lively, productive activities, there is a chance that other addictions will take their place - alcoholism or drug addiction. After all, in essence, a person who finds himself in such a difficult situation tries to find a way out for himself, a kind of “surrogate” for a normal life, which in reality does not exist for him. But to help find it, create it and love it - this is the specific task of the player himself and his loved ones. The task is difficult, but feasible, as many examples show.
“Be attentive to your loved ones, choose live communication, real life and always be happy!”
Anna Kutyavina
But there are other addictions that, in advanced cases, lead to mental disorders and other serious consequences. These include computer and gaming addiction - a pathological addiction to spending as much time as possible on a PC in order to “surf” the Internet or play games. And if Internet addiction is not yet so dangerous, since, in fact, it does not alienate a person from life, then gambling addiction is a real “escape from reality”, and is by no means harmless.
Computer addiction- a broader concept than gambling addiction, and includes an addiction to any activity on a PC, be it updating programs, downloading pictures, chatting on forums, or hanging out in an online game. Currently, the number of people with this type of addiction is steadily increasing. A causes of computer addiction may be the following:
- Lack of impressions in real life. A person tries to get those emotions and feelings that are missing in everyday life through immersion in virtual reality.
- Psychological trauma. Negative experiences are drowned out by a kind of “drug” that allows you to distract yourself and get away from problems.
- Self-doubt, low self-esteem. In computer reality, you can be anyone (come up with a role for yourself on a forum or some specialized website, or become a superhero in a computer game), which elevates a person in his own eyes and allows him to assert himself.
Development mechanisms addictions in adults, adolescents and children somewhat different. Thus, among the latter, an addiction to the computer and activities associated with this technology develops faster. In addition, children and teenagers are subject to the influence of their peers, and if it is customary in a company to discuss and play games, as well as spend hours on social networks, then the teenager or child will certainly adopt this “fashion”. Adults are more likely to computer gambling addiction, allowing you to experience very strong emotions associated with the release of endorphins, or “hormones of joy” with another victory.
As mentioned earlier, gaming addiction- the most insidious among all addictions to virtual reality. Most consumers of online or regular computer games are teenagers or young adults, but sometimes adults are also overindulged in video games. It is not difficult to identify that a person suffers from a gambling addiction, since all the signs are present:
- Loss of control over time spent on the computer. It is difficult for a PC-dependent person to imagine how much time is actually devoted to this “hobby.” Often, an addicted person sacrifices sleep, sitting all night long playing games.
- Skipping meals, writing or eating near the computer.
- Irritability and nervousness. These emotions are especially pronounced when it is not possible to devote time to games, for example, when relatives are burdened with household responsibilities.
- Loss of interest in work or school. The gamer's circle of interests is limited exclusively to his favorite games, their heroes and superweapons.
- Memory impairment. A person often forgets about instructions given to him, appointments, etc.
- Constantly bringing up your favorite topic in conversations and the inability to switch to other topics.
- Indifference to the interests and problems of other people.
- Limiting communication with family and friends.
- Neglect of hygiene and personal care. At the stage when gambling addiction has already taken root, a person does not care what he looks like or what he is wearing. He may not change clothes, wash his face, etc. for weeks.
With a gaming addiction, a child’s performance at school decreases, mood swings and an inadequate reaction to a request to stop playing on the computer are noted. However, gambling addiction should not be confused with passion: the latter can be controlled and, in addition to favorite games, a person is interested in many other things.
Far-advanced addiction can become truly harmful due to the fact that the relationship between the dependent person and his environment is destroyed and the psyche is distorted. In particularly severe cases, a person may fall into severe depression and even think about suicide. In addition, spending a long time in front of a screen also negatively affects physical health - pain appears in the back and arms, visual acuity decreases, and constipation develops due to physical inactivity.
Officially, excessive addiction to computers and computer games has been recognized as an addiction relatively recently. Exists Diagnosis of gambling addiction, based on the connection between the clinical manifestations of gambling addiction and changes in the functioning of the human immune system, which are manifested by a decrease in some blood components responsible for receiving positive emotions from normal daily activities. Thus, the presence of special markers in the blood reveals the severity of gambling addiction.
Successful computer addiction treatment This is only possible if the person himself is aware of his addiction, as, in general, is what happens with alcoholism or drug addiction. But ordinary persuasion and intimidation will not help here. Computer addiction therapy includes several stages:
- Creating the right motivation. To convince the patient to undergo treatment, psychologists and psychotherapists also involve the addict’s relatives and consult them. Together with a specialist, a tactic of behavior with a gambling addict is created that will push him to realize his illness.
- Identification of the reasons for the formation of computer addiction. After which psychocorrection is carried out, if necessary, antidepressants and (or) sedatives are prescribed.
- Psychological assistance individually or training in groups. Such important and useful communication with specialists, as well as with “brothers in misfortune” is aimed at developing new life priorities and hobbies, nurturing the will, and teaching self-control.
An important condition for recovery from computer addiction is the creation of the right living conditions, in which there is room for a lot of interesting things and hobbies that allow you to push the computer and games not even into the background, but into the tenth place. The help and support of loved ones is also extremely necessary.
Computer game addiction- a type of addiction accompanied by a person’s strong craving for immersion in computer reality.
It would seem that this type of pathology is not as terrible as addiction to alcohol or drugs, which are accompanied by addiction to toxic substances. However, this is only at first glance, since addiction to computer games is in no way inferior in strength to any other. Modern games are visually getting closer to reality, so the number of people becoming their hostages is increasing every year.
Statistics on the prevalence of this dependence vary greatly, taking into account the opinions of different researchers. Doctor of Psychological Sciences A.G. Shmelev claims that about 10-14% of computer users should be classified as avid gamers.
At the same time, Harvard University psychologist Marez Orzack provides even less comforting statistics: he believes that among people who play computer games, 40-80% are addicted. Passion for games is observed to a greater extent among boys than among girls.
Young people spend twice as much time playing games. The higher a person’s level of education, the less interested he is in computer games (other goals arise, and an understanding of wasting time appears).
Causes
The main factors in the development of computer gaming addiction are the following:
- Lack of real communication. It most often occurs in children and adolescents.
- Lack of bright life moments.
- Dissatisfaction with sex life. Often among the “victims” of pathology there are people who do not have a personal life or are extremely dissatisfied with it.
- Mental immaturity. Often players mentally remain in childhood or adolescence, thereby avoiding the responsibilities of adulthood.
- Phobias and social fears. An increased craving for games is often a cover for fear of interpersonal relationships, society, and the inability to adapt to the world around us.
- Intrafamily conflicts.
- An opportunity to escape from real problems.
- Psychopathy. This does not mean a disease, but a pathological character trait that leads to prolonged stress or chronic diseases in unfavorable conditions.
Psychologists believe that the most dangerous games from the point of view of addiction are role-playing games, when a person identifies himself with a character, losing his individuality. The stronger the immersion, the more difficult it is to return to reality.
Development of pathology
Computer games are of interest to many, but not everyone becomes a gamer.
Players are conventionally divided into the following categories:
- Situational game. People play when there is a favorable external factor, free time or competition. Without the manifestation of an influencing factor, interest in the game disappears.
- Episodic game. In this case, people play from time to time and are able to control themselves independently.
- Systematic game. The player is interested in computer games, but wasting time and failing to fulfill his duties can cause remorse.
- Gambling. People in this group perceive gaming as the meaning of life and spend almost all their time on it.
Even if a person does not have the opportunity to play, he mentally plans his actions after returning to the game. Defeats, unfulfilled responsibilities, unfinished business only stimulate greater immersion in the game. In this situation, true gambling addiction is observed.
A bad habit goes through the following stages during its development:
- Slight enthusiasm. A person is just adapting to the game.
- Passion. There is a rapid and sharp formation of addiction, and a strong desire to immerse yourself in the game is formed. The gaming session becomes longer.
- Addiction. Here there is maximum dependence, a contradiction and a struggle to “play” or “not to play” appears; it becomes increasingly difficult to lean in favor of the second option. The time spent in the game increases sharply.
- Attachment. The pathology has become stable, subsides slightly and becomes stable. The game has become the center of the player's life. A person is no longer able to give up the habit on his own. The goal became the process itself, not the achievement of a result. Breaks in the game become negligible and occur only under duress.
Forms of pathology
The manifestation of pathology is possible in the form of one of the following forms:
- Individualized. This option is the worst. The addict loses contact with the outside world, the person spends too much time on the computer, and the need to communicate with family and friends disappears.
- Socialized. This form is characterized by maintaining contacts with society. People in this category more often play online games, where the process is competitive. This form is considered less harmful to the psyche.
Symptoms
The main symptoms manifested by the pathology in question:
- loss of time control;
- a strong desire to return to the game;
- the time spent in the game increases;
- the daily routine is disrupted;
- priorities shift, irresponsibility develops;
- real communication decreases up to complete failure;
- other interests are lost;
- aggression and hysterical behavior appear;
- sleep problems develop;
- Fatigue increases, fatigue can be caused even by a simple trip to the store;
- pain appears in the shoulders and lower back, and back pain often occurs due to the constant sitting position.
Consequences
To understand the problem, you need to know why you need to get rid of it, and what the consequences of addiction to computer games are.
- Degradation. The main danger is the cessation of personal development. The person is not interested in studying, earning money, reading books, socializing or learning anything new. There is indifference towards loved ones. The person becomes withdrawn, lonely, and avoids society.
- Physical health deteriorates. Back problems are becoming more common, and vision is deteriorating quite quickly. Irregular diet leads to gastritis and ulcers. “Experienced” gamers acquire sand in their kidneys due to low activity. It is also possible to develop hemorrhoids. Blood pressure decreases and a person’s appearance becomes similar to that of a drug addict.
- Mental health is deteriorating. Since not everything goes smoothly in the game, the player often gets nervous and worried, which leads to a weakening of the nervous system. This condition makes emotions uncontrollable, which leads to aggression and depression.
- Cash spending. This point is more typical for adult men who like to purchase various things in modern online games to improve their character.
- Waste of valuable time. The younger generation spends a large amount of time on useless games, which does not allow them to properly engage in sports, study useful literature and study.
- Happening decreased self-esteem, there is a violation of self-awareness.
- The addict gets used to the fact that pleasure can be achieved without effort, so he stops showing real world activity.
How to get rid of the problem yourself?
It is necessary to treat addiction comprehensively, changing your overall lifestyle. Giving up computer games is quite painful and requires setting oneself the following tasks:
- It is necessary to analyze the problems that underlie the addiction and why there is a desire to return to the virtual world. Family troubles, self-doubt, difficulties at work are possible. If the cause is found, then you will need to do everything to eliminate it - raise self-esteem, improve family relationships, eliminate the problem at work.
- You need to learn to control the amount of time you spend working with a computer. Various timers or applications can help here. It is not possible to give up the habit overnight, so it is recommended to gradually reduce the time during which the player spends at the computer.
- Free time from the PC must be filled with interesting, useful activities. Fishing, hunting, rock climbing, driving courses, anything that can interest a person. Revisit old hobbies or find something new.
In order for the day to come when a person understands that a computer game is not interesting to him, support and help are needed at the stage of giving up the addiction, it is better if it is a close relative or friend.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is considered the most effective method. To overcome addictions, you need to use individual or group therapy. If a choice is possible, then a group lesson is a priority, since most computer addicts have difficulty building interpersonal relationships and working with a group. A gambling addict will never admit that he is addicted. But if he sees people who have acknowledged the problem, it will be easier for him to deal with his own. It will not be possible to overcome addiction in 2-3 sessions.
A multi-stage system will be required, a rough outline of which is presented below:
- At the initial stage, it is necessary to overcome objections regarding the presence of dependence. The person is not yet ready to change; he lacks an understanding of the problem. It is necessary to inform the addict as much as possible about the dangers of his habit.
- Awareness. This stage is characterized by understanding the problem, awareness of addiction and the need to get rid of it. It is necessary to make it clear to the addict that he is supported and helped, and not reproached.
- Treatment. This stage involves changing behavior, fighting addiction and negative emotional reactions that will inevitably arise during the treatment process. Simply getting rid of the computer is not a solution; it requires the addict to independently learn to control time.
- Correction of relationships within the family and society. They move to this stage after a person learns to control behavior. The risk of a breakdown is still present, so you need to improve family relationships, filling your free time from the computer with hobbies and communication with loved ones.
- Overcoming the consequences is the final stage. The problem as such has disappeared, but its consequences still remain. These could be problems with work or study, or difficult communication with relatives. All problems need to be eliminated, and a psychotherapist will help you deal with this situation correctly.
The presence of computer addiction in children requires family psychotherapy, since such addictions do not appear out of nowhere.
Most children who have developed addiction do not have normal family relationships, so treatment in this case will also depend on solving the problems of adults that caused the failures in raising the child.
Remember: if such a thing as a computer causes behavioral changes in an adult or child, preventing him from functioning normally, then this is a very alarming sign!
Computer addiction treatment
Treatment for computer addiction is based on the experience of addiction therapy in general.
As a rule, the work begins with developing the teenager’s motivation for treatment. The child needs to be shown that there are many other, most interesting things in the world, that there are people around him who love him and who are ready to spend leisure time with him. (A common cause of computer gaming addiction in children is loneliness due to the busy schedule of adults. The child is forced to organize his leisure time himself, and he does this as best he can, using “improvised” means).
If family and friends are unable to persuade a computer gamer to seek treatment, contact a professional child psychotherapist - he will help develop a joint strategy for work and behavior in this situation.
Treatment of computer addiction at the Minutko clinic
In our clinic, treatment for computer addiction begins with a thorough analysis of the situation and diagnosis. Correctly identifying the cause of the disease is already half the treatment.
Treatment is carried out both individually and in groups through the use of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. Family psychotherapy is actively used, aimed at improving relationships between the child and people close to him.
The ability to control your emotions plays an important role, which can also be achieved by the biofeedback method.
If necessary, diagnosis and subsequent treatment of depression, a frequent companion of gambling addiction, is carried out.
Unfortunately, in our practice, we often encounter “advanced” cases of computer gaming addiction, when the joint work of a psychotherapist, a clinical psychologist, a social educator, and sometimes a child psychiatrist is required, who will actually teach the person to live again. This happens because relatives downplay the severity of the problem (up to a certain point). Computer addiction treatment requires an individual approach and long-term efforts, both from the patient, relatives, and the psychotherapist.
Remember: computer gaming addiction, like any other, is a disease, the timely initiation of treatment for which will help to avoid serious problems. Treatment in our clinic is completely safe.
Slide number 1
Don't run from reality, because reality is what makes you human.
What is gaming addiction in children? A painful predisposition or a consequence of upbringing? How can you fight this?
Gambling addiction - the reasons are within us.
Today, gaming addiction is one of the most common problems in childhood education, which mainly affects children from 8 to 16-18 years old.
Modern children often master computer literacy earlier than language or mathematical literacy: we live in an era of high technology and crazy speeds. In principle, this is neither good nor bad, the main thing is how to manage the resources we have. After all, the same computer and the Internet can become both a tool for creativity and obtaining new information, and doping is akin to drugs. Despite the fact that among children and adolescents computer addiction is acquiring alarming proportions, the public treats this fact rather condescendingly: they say, it will go away with age. They say it’s better when a child sits at home at the computer than hangs out in an unknown place and with whom. Computer games captivate and captivate, but at the same time they emasculate feelings, and real life ceases to be a source of pleasure.
Slide number 2
Many experts agree that humanity owes such terrible diagnoses as depression, burnout syndrome, chronic fatigue, alcohol and drug addiction, and suicidal tendencies to high technology. The task of parents is to form in their child an adequate attitude towards the computer world, to make his life so bright, interesting and rich that no virtual fun can compete with it.
Slide number 3
The child does not feel the difference
Until the age of seven, a child is not able to draw a clear line between fiction and real life. And if at such a tender age the baby “dives” into computer games and TV, they become his reality. But the experience acquired in the first seven years of life largely shapes our life attitudes and values. What kind of “baggage” does a young gamer get? Agree, the virtual world, at first glance, may seem much more interesting than the real one: the colors on the monitor are brighter, events change at any speed, and you don’t need to make any special efforts to win. In psychology there is such a thing as a sense of life: the ability to be surprised and rejoice at everything that surrounds us, to perceive life as a miracle, to live “here and now.” A child immersed in an illusory world is unlikely to be happy with, say, a blossoming flower - why, if with one click of a computer mouse he can “grow” a virtual jungle on the screen?
Spider-Man doesn’t gallop along real streets and dinosaurs don’t run around – but pseudo-reality is replete with characters that excite the imagination.
As a result, the baby becomes uninterested in exploring the world around him and getting to the bottom of things. Such a child does not see any other way for himself to obtain pleasure except to immerse himself in surrogate emotions and experiences.
Boys are at risk
Most often, it is boys who fall into computer addiction. Girls' games - the same as daughters and mothers - are full of emotions, so girls do not need to be fueled by surrogate experiences. Girls are “allowed” to cry, be offended, and throw tantrums. Boys are dominated by a historically established stereotype: you have to be strong. As a result, boys are forced to constantly suppress their true feelings and emotions. In addition, due to the peculiarities of male psychology, the stronger sex is more likely to “withdraw into oneself.” For boys, the “zone of productive solitude” is vital - for recovery, accumulation of strength, and analysis. And if this niche is absent in reality, the teenager will create it artificially. Well, then, the instinct of a winner has been in men’s blood since cave times - that’s why boys get hooked on all sorts of “shooting games” and “adventure games” (if girls play, it’s more likely to play strategic or logical games).
Where do legs grow from?
To claim that virtual fun is the root of all the troubles of “problem” teenagers means to confuse cause and effect. After all, a “different reality” can only aggravate existing problems.
In other words, a happy, harmoniously developing child is unlikely to experience an increased craving for the computer world.
“When parents complain at a reception that their child is stuck on the computer, I suggest they look within themselves for the reasons,” says Svetlana Roiz, child and family psychologist. – I ask moms and dads: “Who showed a child a computer game for the first time? What do you know about your child’s preferences, what games does he play? How much time do you spend with your child, what do you talk about? Name a few bright events in the child’s life in recent months.”
We, parents, must be aware: we sit our child in front of the TV, buy him computer games - after all, we have work, laundry, cleaning, and often we simply do not have time to play other (sports, board) games with our child. This position of the parents drowns out the seeker instinct in the child, assigning him a safer, at first glance, role of the spectator.
Dependence (any: alcoholic, emotional, computer) indicates that a person’s contacts with his immediate environment are disrupted. Think about it: how do you communicate with your child, do you have access to his inner world? At the same time, it is important to remember that every phenomenon has both a negative and a positive side. Often very sensitive and creative children with a fine mental organization are immersed in the virtual world. The task of parents is to help the child reach his potential.
Slide number 4
The main causes of computer addiction may be:
1.Lack of communication with peers and people significant to the child.
2. Lack of attention from parents.
3. Lack of self-confidence and strength, shyness, complexes and difficulties in communication.
4. Children’s tendency to quickly “absorb” everything new and interesting.
5. The child’s desire to be “like everyone else” of his peers, to follow their hobbies, to keep up.
To some extent, computer addiction and gaming addiction may result from the influence of the school environment. Because when other children actively discuss games, then your child wants to take part in their conversations, to be part of this aspect of school, children's teenage life.
6. The child has no interests or hobbies, or any other attachments not related to the computer.
7.The formation of a child’s computer addiction is often associated with the characteristics of upbringing and family relationships.
For example, conflicts in the family, when a child runs away to an online club, into the computer world from the real world. Why? Because he lives there in a different reality, in one where there are no quarrels with his parents, where there are no quarrels between parents, where his life is simple and understandable.
Slide number 5
According to statistics, every fifth or sixth child with signs of computer addiction is cured of computer gaming addiction independently and without consequences.
However, one should not hope that addiction to computer games in children will go away on its own; a fragile child’s psyche may not be able to cope with the influence of the addiction that has arisen.
If long hours in front of a screen make you worried about your child, pay attention to
Signs of computer addiction:
1. The child develops an obsessive desire to play on the computer (console, tablet, etc.) He will gladly prefer the company of an “iron” friend to any, even his most favorite pastime.
2. Friends suddenly disappeared somewhere. If someone comes to visit him, it is to play together on the computer. He himself goes to his friends for the same purpose.
3. An incomprehensible emotional upsurge, which is abruptly replaced by a bad mood. Taking a closer look, you will understand that all this is connected with virtual successes and failures in the game.
4. Staying at the computer all night and refusing to eat because there is a “very important battle” going on online.
Computer addiction develops much faster than any other traditional addiction: smoking, drugs, alcohol, gambling.
Thus, experts identify the main symptom of computer gaming addiction – a constant obsessive desire to play computer games.
Slide number 6
The dangers of computer addiction.
1. The computer becomes a powerful stimulus and the main object for communication.
2. At first, the computer can compensate for the child’s lack of communication, but then this communication may become unnecessary at all.
3. While playing or surfing the Internet, the child loses control over time.
4. A child may show aggression if he is deprived of access to computer games.
5. Permissiveness and ease of achieving goals in games can affect the child’s confidence that in real life everything is just as simple and you can “start” the game again.
Slide number 7 (continued)
6.Due to a neglectful attitude towards food, vitamin and mineral deficiencies may occur.
7. Many hours of continuous exposure to a monitor can cause blurred vision, poor posture, decreased immunity, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.
8. Children stop fantasizing, the ability to create visual images decreases, emotional immaturity and irresponsibility are observed.
9.Depression may occur when you are without a computer for a long time. Home and family fade into the background. There may be problems with studying.
10. The child’s social circle decreases and, as a result, the lack of life experience and communication experience.
11. The child’s psyche and worldview may be disrupted.
A child who has become addicted to gaming gradually changes and changes quite a lot.
Problems begin with studying at school, attention falls, and any interests outside of games disappear.
We observe in our school (!) that a child often cannot tear himself away from playing in class, during recess, and is constantly distracted during the lesson if some hero “lives” in his phone or other gadget (for example, a “tablet” or (sorry) “poop”), which must be served, cleaned up, fed, etc., in order to score the necessary points. This is becoming a craze, with catastrophic levels of involvement. Teachers here are sometimes powerless to change anything. We are no longer talking about the moral side of “serving” such game heroes. To what level of thinking are our children slipping at this moment???
Or simulation games, where children imitate completely adult relationships with vivid intimate components between a guy and a girl. Of course, after such an emotional shock, he will no longer be interested in studying...
Slide number 8
Many scientific studies have been devoted to studying the specifics of interaction between children and adolescents with computers (O. N. Arestova, L. N. Babanin, Yu. D. Babaeva, A. E. Voiskunsky, S. A. Shapkin, M. Cole, etc.) .
We would like to introduce you to the results of one of them.
The study involved 146 students in grades 5–6 of secondary schools in Nizhny Novgorod, of which 76 boys and 71 girls aged 10 to 12 years.
According to the results of the study, it was found that younger adolescents with a high degree of computer gaming passion have lower levels of mental abilities than their peers. This may be due to the fact that, unlike real games with peers, computer games have a destructive component for the full development of younger adolescents. Computer games developed according to a given (template) scenario cannot fully reflect life situations, simplify methods of solving various problems, do not contain moral tasks, and thereby contribute to the primitivization of thinking.
When studying self-esteem, we looked at indicators based on criteria such as: confident, capable, happy, sociable, hardworking, smart.
It was found that younger adolescents with a high degree of computer gaming orientation are more confident and less sociable compared to ordinary peers.
Discrepancies between the level of intelligence of a younger teenager and his self-esteem may indicate an inadequate attitude towards himself as a result of significant discrepancies between the “real self” and the “virtual self.” During the game, the psyche of a younger teenager forms its own virtual world, which has a certain degree of stability. Game reality acts as a kind of transformer of the child’s consciousness. At the same time, emotions are concentrated around the computer game character and the actions taking place with him. The altered state of consciousness reacts sensitively to the slightest changes in the playing space. The victories of the virtual character are perceived as personal achievements, the child feels like a hero. Victory is a positive self-esteem and positive emotions. The game becomes a medium for the formation of personal qualities, an indicator of success. Teenagers who have not undergone role identification in social reality find their image in the game.
A predominance of risk-taking propensity was revealed in younger adolescents with a high degree of
gaming computer orientation compared to younger adolescents with a low degree of orientation at the level of significance.
A computer game allows a child to experience a special excitement - a feeling of personal success and importance.
The delight of getting the desired result and the excitement of waiting for it become more attractive than all the other joys of life.
Children with a high degree of gaming computer orientation have low scores on such parameters of subjectivity as: the ability to reflect, freedom of choice and responsibility for it, understanding and acceptance of others, self-development.
Younger teenagers with a high degree of computer passion are characterized by insufficiently developed self-control and self-control in the process of activity.
The results of the study indicate that computer players have a poorly developed ability to reflect, which is a means of self-knowledge; in life situations they find it difficult to variably choose types of activities, social circles and methods of self-expression.
Volitional qualities in younger adolescents of the first group are significantly lower than in the second group.
When studying social environmental factors, it was revealed that in families in which parents often buy computer games for their children, the risk of adolescents becoming increasingly interested in computer games is significant. Most parents have a positive attitude towards the fact that their child has this form of hobby; they do not see the destructive functions of computer games; they specifically buy various games so that the child can spend more time at home under parental supervision.
The social circle of younger teenagers with a high degree of computer gaming passion mainly comes down to communication with friends and heroes of computer games.
All the leisure time of such children mainly comes down to playing on the computer. Low rates of communication with relatives and literary heroes were obtained.
A computer game serves as a means to satisfy those needs of a younger teenager that are not satisfied in real life, a means of compensating for life’s problems. The personality begins to be realized in the illusory game world, and not in the real one, this entails a number of serious problems in the development of personality, in the formation of self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as the higher spheres of the personality structure.
Taking into account such age-related characteristics of younger adolescents as weak volitional regulation, it becomes obvious that computer games provoke children to systematically fail to complete homework, as well as skip school classes, and a child’s psychological separation from school with all the ensuing consequences is possible.
“When a child’s main pastime becomes computer games, Internet chats and TV, his emotional and sensory sphere suffers first of all,” says Natalya Yeshchenko, a specialist in Waldorf pedagogy, teacher and art therapist. – Judge for yourself: becoming a superhero in a fictional life is much easier than in the real one. In order to win a virtual victory, mental effort, reaction speed and certain skills are enough. But in real life, success is impossible without the ability to feel, negotiate with people, hear your intuition, and use creativity! Computer games form a distorted idea of life, lack of will and passivity, which are hidden behind bright exploits in the virtual world. Is it any wonder that, having grown up, yesterday's gamer refuses to take responsibility for his own destiny?! In recent years, doctors have increasingly had to deal with hyperexcitable, hyperactive children. There is a simple explanation for this phenomenon. It is very important for children, especially small ones, to experience emotions through the body (this happens, for example, during outdoor games). And when a child enthusiastically watches a cartoon or races in virtual rallies, his brain works very intensively. But the body remains static, it does not experience this activity! And then the parents wonder why the child turns the whole house upside down and wakes up every two hours at night.”
Slide number 9
Experts note that different types of computer games can have different effects on a child.
1. The most dangerous are considered to be role-playing games with the view “from the eyes” of a computer hero.
This type of games is characterized by the greatest strength of “dragging” or “entering” into the game. The specificity here is that the view “from the eyes” provokes the player to fully identify with the computer character, to fully enter into the role. After a few minutes of play (the time varies depending on the individual psychological characteristics and gaming experience of the player), a person begins to lose touch with real life, completely concentrating on the game, transferring himself to the virtual world. The player can take the virtual world completely seriously, and consider the actions of his hero to be his own. A person becomes motivated to be involved in the plot of the game.
2. No less dangerous are games with an outside view of “your” computer hero. This type of games is characterized by less strength in entering the role compared to the previous one. The player sees “himself” from the outside, controlling the actions of the game hero. Identifying oneself with a computer character is less pronounced, as a result of which motivational involvement and emotional manifestations are also less pronounced compared to games with a view from the eyes.
3. Strategic games, “leadership” games, are less dangerous, but can really engage a child. This type is so named because the player is given the right to direct the activities of the computer characters subordinate to him. In this case, the player can act as a leader of various specifications: the commander of a special forces detachment, the commander-in-chief of armies, the head of state, even a “god” who leads the historical process. In this case, the person does not see his computer hero on the screen, but invents a role for himself. This is the only class of role-playing games where the role is not given specifically, but is imagined by the player. As a result, the “depth of immersion” into the game and one’s role will be significant only for people with a good imagination. However, motivational involvement in the game process and the mechanism of formation of psychological dependence on the game are no less strong than in the case of other role-playing games.
4. Next come non-role-playing games: arcades, puzzles, speed games, gambling.
Slide number 10
Subconsciously, the child chooses exactly those games that best reflect his suppressed needs.
Strategic – the child lacks structure. At the same time, he has the potential to have leadership qualities; such a person can lead others. A positive “substitute” for computer strategies is chess, construction (by the way, “strategists” are the easiest to get rid of the craving for a computer).
Sports - activity is suppressed, perhaps there are some bodily blocks. If a child is chasing a virtual puck or ball (team games), he has a great need to be part of a peer group that is significant to him. Switch his attention to real sports fun.
“Shooters”, horrors – unlived aggression or suppressed sexuality. By the way, aggression is one of the emotions necessary for the survival of the species (in psychology there is even such a concept: a normal level of aggression). Another thing is how much there is and in what direction it is directed. Such a child needs to move more, and he also needs tactile contact (hugs, massage) with his parents.
According to the standards of the Ministry of Health, 7-10 year old children can spend no more than 45 minutes at the computer. per day, 11-13 year olds - two times for 45 minutes, older ones - three times.
Slide number 11
Who is more addicted to computer games?
1. Children of those parents who are most often not at home.
2. Children of wealthy parents or workaholics who are constantly busy.
3. Children of those adults who are often comfortable that the child is busy and does not distract them with requests to play.
4. Children of parents who are themselves dependent on the computer and the Internet.
As psychologist Anatoly Klivnik notes, the most dependent and, at the same time, undesirable age is 12-15 years.
For one dependent teenage girl there are up to 10 boys, this is due to the fact that the crisis of adolescence is more difficult for boys, and there are many times fewer computer games for girls.
A child caught in a computer addiction network needs help.
Slide number 12
How to deal with gambling addiction?
1. First of all, do not prohibit. The aggressive position of parents, aimed at a sharp, strict prohibition of the game, as a rule, will lead to the establishment of a barrier between the parents and the child. Moreover, the child will still play, but outside the home: at school, with friends, in online clubs.
When trying to “pull” a child out of the computer world, parents should act tactfully. The forbidden fruit, as we know, is sweet: the greater the resistance, the stronger the desire. You cannot forcibly take away a child’s computer without giving him anything in return.
Stereotyped behavior must be changed. Is your child used to getting a beating for his computer games and unfinished homework? Experts have proven that if a reaction is repeated 7 or more times, it slides into the subconscious. In other words, the child simply does not hear the reproaches addressed to him; for him they are nothing more than an annoying background noise. To change the situation, try to demonstrate sincere (!) interest in your child’s world.
As Russian folk wisdom says: “If drinking cannot be prevented, it must be led.” So it is here. If gaming addiction is already a reality for you, try to share it with your child. Discuss games with him, weed out those games that contain scenes of violence, encourage aggression in him or serve as a source of excessive drive. Play educational games with him together. Establish and deepen contact with your child, understanding that gaming addiction is, first of all, a call indicating that we have problems in mutual understanding with our child.
2. Another important aspect is the development of interests in the child that are not related to the computer world. Thus, a sports section, where he can practice karate, football, roller skating, and skateboarding, can be a good alternative to gambling addiction, since there he will communicate with other children who also have interests outside the world of games.
And as a result, this will make it possible to ensure a normal healthy balance of interests for our child.
3. Remember that you yourself are an example for your growing baby. If you are constantly on VKontakte or Odnoklassniki, or constantly talking on the phone, then, first of all, you show your child that this is how you should spend your time.
You can awaken a child’s interest in real life only by your own example.
Find time for heart-to-heart conversations, read books together, share your experiences, organize joint leisure time with your child, sports games, nature trips, fishing, ski slopes, etc.
Slide number 13
Prevention of addiction to computer games.
1. Personal example of parents - if you allow your child to play for some time a day, then you yourself should not spend more time at the computer.
2. List of joint activities, games, clubs, additional activities, etc.
Everything must be planned so that the child does not have a free minute.
3. Use the computer as a reward, for effective education, as encouragement.
4. It is important to clearly control the games the child plays. You should know what kind of game it is and monitor any deviations in the child's behavior after he has played the game.
Irritability, agitation, and insomnia may occur. All this indicates that either the playing time has been exceeded, or the game is not suitable for the child.
5.Give preference to educational games and sites. Discuss with your child those games that, in your opinion, would be more useful for him to play.
6. Treatment with the “beauty” of reality: exploring the world, museums, theaters, parks, traveling, communicating with interesting interlocutors.
7. Installation of special network filters and specialized software that allow you to control and limit the child’s communication with the computer.
Slide number 14
The mental and spiritual state of children is an indicator of the well-being or ill-being of the entire family. In psychology there is a concept - an identified patient. It denotes a person whose problematic symptom reflects disharmony that exists within the family. That is, something is broken in the family, in the relationships of its members with each other, but only one of them is the carrier of the symptom creating the problem.
When an identified patient appears in a family, for example, a child addicted to a computer, the whole family, as a rule, sees the problem only in him and seeks psychological help in connection with him, formulating his request: “what to do with him?” or “how to fix it?” It is very difficult for a child to overcome computer addiction if the existing system of relationships in his family, which led to addictive behavior, does not change. If, without understanding this, you try to influence only the child, then it will be almost impossible to achieve good results. The right way out is to restore normal, mature family relationships.
Slide number 15
So, in principle, any child and teenager can become addicted to a computer, but the chances are reduced if:
– there is an atmosphere of friendliness, peace, comfort and trust in the family;
– the child has diverse interests and hobbies;
– the child knows how to establish positive relationships with others;
– the child knows how to set at least the smallest goals.
Slide number 16
The task of every child is to become an adult, an independent person who can make constructive decisions, be responsible for his actions, make informed choices and build his life based on healthy spiritual and moral principles. The task of adults is to help him in this difficult task. It is important to remember that the foundation of independence and responsibility is laid gradually, but you should start building it as early as possible.