Why Gaming Can be Addictive

Now, more than ever, the digital era has made everything easily accessible to everyone. Through the internet, we can do almost anything. And among the mostly done online activities by the young generation nowadays is gaming. While it is not essentially a bad habit, some youngsters tend to get so hooked into it, that it becomes a form of addiction. It then becomes another form of internet addiction.

In this article, we will tackle some of the reasons why gaming can be an addictive activity.

Online games are generally enjoyable.

Gamers find joy and satisfaction in playing online and video games for various reasons. They could possibly hone their critical thinking and collaboration skills while playing multiplayer video games. Some even take pleasure in games taking them into another version of reality. They play a different version of themselves via their own character in the game. Additionally, it can be their way of escaping from the real world.

Gamers look for adventure.

Like the abovementioned, these online or video games provide new adventures to each player. There are various tasks or quests that need completion, and their creativity and skills will let them accomplish such.

They feel accepted in the gaming community.

Since the online gaming community is widely open to everyone, regardless of age, gamers feel accepted and appreciated. Some even build or join clans and teams so that they can fight together in games.

It gives them a sense of achievement.

Another major addictive factor is the sense of achievement a gamer feels when he wins each game. Such feeling triggers the release of the chemical in our bodies called dopamine, which then triggers the behavior again and again.

On the other hand, public icons such as popular game streamers get fame through their contents. This can be another form of achievement.

Some earn money through gaming.

If we can remember, famous Philippine gaming teams bagged millions of pesos during their gaming tournament vs. other countries. Additionally, vloggers and streamers earn a living while streaming the gaming in action. Since it is their source of income, they do it again and again, sometimes not realizing that they’re already addicted to it beyond the purpose of work.

In summary, the existence and availability of gaming is for people to express and enjoy themselves. However, there are these factors which can make it an addictive activity.

Are you a gamer? How often do you play? Can you tell if you’re already addicted to it?