(Young Voices Speak is eaglenews.ph’s blank space for the youth to share their opinions, views and perspective on any topic, issue, or matter)
By Precious Joshua Corpuz
Young Voices contributor
With the fast-paced development of online gaming technology, many of us can’t help but be hooked. According to a study posted in the website “Geek Wire” by Taylor Soper, more than 1.2 billion people are playing games worldwide. Of these about 700 million play online games.
Video games addiction
Video game addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug. It is very similar to pathological gambling. Video game addiction has also been referred to as video game overuse, pathological or compulsive/excessive use of computer games and/or video games.
Because of the increasing members of the gaming community, a lot of game developers have continually been coming up with new games and modifying each with new technologies and tactics to make the gamers want more and more!
So addicted that I even forgot my meals
I started gaming when I was still in grade school. The first game I played was a PlayStation console. I became so addicted to it that I can spend hours on end playing. I even attempted to play at a computer shop once. I got scared because my mom might scold me if she learned about it.
When I was in high school, I found out that some of my classmates also love gaming. They invited me to play with them at a nearby computer shop. I honestly tried to refuse their offer but in the end, I couldn’t resist it. I was so excited to play that time. When we reached the computer shop, I saw how many games there are and it was really awesome! My classmates taught me how to play some of the games until I became addicted to those. I became so addicted that I go to the computer shop everyday and even forget my meals.
Too much of anything is bad
Then the worst scenario happened–my grades dropped and I became so frustrated. I may have had fun playing with my classmates but I wasn’t able to focus on my priority which was my studies. Addiction to computer games affects various dimensions of health and increases physical problems, anxiety and depression, while at the same time, it decreases social functioning disorder. It’s true that some studies have shown certain video games can improve hand–eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind’s ability to process information. But too much playing of video games may lead to health problems. It’s hard to get enough active play and exercise if you’re always inside playing video games.
Gaming is not exactly a bad thing. It brings joy and relaxation. It creates friendship and bonding. Some people play to relieve stress and some often play to just have fun and escape reality.
But, it’s always important to keep in mind the priorities that needs to be attended to. Having fun is never a bad thing, but failing to attend to your priorities because of it, is. Remember, even too much of anything is bad.
Cited reference:
https://www.geekwire.com/2013/gaming-report-12-billion-people-playing-games-worldwide/
Precious Joshua Corpuz is a 4th Year AB Mass Communications student in New Era University. Aside from games, he is also into cars.
(Edited by Jay Paul Carlos, graphics by Erdy Peletina)
