When it comes to online gaming, those who are addicted usually invest a lot of time playing, at the detriment of their relationships and health. Addicted gamers span across all ages, with a minute fraction being those who are quite old. Those who are hooked on online gaming tend to put aside their responsibilities which they are meant to carry out.
Asides the fact that neglect affects the relationships of online gamers, they take much time in discussing the game, which of course, tires people out, making them individuals who they do not want to be around. It becomes difficult for them to have real-life conversations, without having to integrate the online gaming world.
It would also be difficult for them to provide the necessary support and assistance to their family and friends, because they have little or nothing to contribute. For instance, an addicted teenager would find it difficult to develop necessary social skills, because his ability to do so, has been impaired. He would not know how to make friends, how to communicate with people, except those who are just like him.
To make things worse, the society greets the teenager with a look and feeling of weirdness, which makes the teenager to withdraw to himself, and seek solace in a world where he would be readily accepted. Christian treatment centers can usually help and support gaming addictions.
Below are some effects of being addicted to online gaming:
- Aggression: Studies have shown that those who are addicted to online gaming, tend to be more aggressive than usual, especially in teenagers. It exposes them to violence, and they take on behaviours which are not typical of their age.
- Poor performance at school and work: Online game addicts would find it very difficult to perform well in school. This is because they would spend most nights on the internet playing games, and the next day in school, they would be inactive. The same applies to the working-class adults. A good number of them reduce in productivity because of insufficient rest each night.
- Adverse health effect: Extreme gaming has a detrimental effect on the health of a teenager, as they spend more time playing online instead of undergoing physical exercise which is beneficial to the body. The long hours spent facing the screen also affects the eyesight of an individual.