Computer Game Addiction
Nowadays, computer games are very popular among all ages. People play computer games for entertainment and enjoyment. Because computer games are fun and challenging, people enjoy trying to win the games and get higher levels, eventually they are addicted to the games. According to www.addictionrecov.org, “video game addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and 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”. Computer game addiction can be very harmful on young people. Children will spend more time in front of their computers and less time on other activities. Computer game addiction causes three main effects on children.The first effect is unhealthy relationships. Children lack communication with people around them when they spend too much time playing computer games. They will isolate themselves from social interaction and do not want to talk with anyone. In order to play games on computers, they might start to lie to their parents. In addition, when their parents try to stop them from spending too much time on computers, they will be angry because of being interrupted and unable to play their favorite video games.
The second effect is poor grades. Children with computer game addiction will not pay attention in class due to being distracted and thinking of their video games all the time. Staying up late at night playing video games could make it hard for children to wake up early in the morning. They will skip school because they are tired. When they are at home, they will spend most of their time playing computer games and are not responsible for their homework. Children will procrastinate and cannot be successful in school.
The final effect is health problems. Children who spend many hours on computers are not interested to do other physical activities or exercise. This lifestyle can lead to weight gain and disease such as diabetes and heart disease. Playing games late at night before sleep can cause sleep problems. Additionally, a lack of enough sleep can cause stress and mental health.
In conclusion, three main effects of computer game addiction on children are unhealthy relationship, poor grades, and health problems. Parents should limit computer time and make balanced schedule for their children. To prevent computer game addiction, children should not spend time on computers more than two hours per day.
