Game Addiction The Experience And The Effects
Games have been a part of humans’ daily lives for thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptian board game Senet to modern video games, people have been playing games for entertainment and relaxation. However, with the rise of digital games, game addiction has become a serious concern, especially in Indonesia. In this article, we will explore the experience of game addiction and its effects on Indonesian society.
What is Game Addiction?
Game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, is a mental health condition where a person has an uncontrollable urge to play video games. According to the World Health Organization, game addiction is characterized by impaired control over gaming, increased priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.
Although game addiction is not yet officially recognized as a mental health disorder in Indonesia, it is becoming a growing concern. The Indonesian government has started to take steps to address this issue, including creating a task force to tackle game addiction and organizing seminars to educate parents and teachers on how to recognize and prevent game addiction in children.
The Experience of Game Addiction
The experience of game addiction may vary from person to person, but there are some common characteristics. People with game addiction usually spend several hours playing games every day and lose track of time. They may also neglect other responsibilities such as school, work, or relationships, and feel irritable or restless when they are not playing games.
Game addiction can also lead to physical and psychological symptoms such as sleep disturbances, headaches, backaches, depression, and anxiety. People with game addiction may also experience withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and irritability when they are forced to stop playing.
The Effects of Game Addiction on Indonesian Society
The effects of game addiction go beyond the individual level and can have a significant impact on Indonesian society. One of the main concerns is the negative effect on children's academic performance. Children who are addicted to games may skip classes or fail to complete homework assignments, which can lead to lower grades and a reduced chance of future success.
Game addiction can also lead to social isolation, as people with game addiction may prefer to spend time alone playing games rather than interacting with others. This can lead to a lack of social skills and difficulty forming meaningful relationships. Furthermore, excessive gaming can lead to health problems such as obesity, eye strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Finally, game addiction can have an economic impact on Indonesian society. According to a 2019 report by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association, the Indonesian gaming industry generated around $1.1 billion in revenue. However, game addiction can lead to decreased productivity and a loss of income for individuals and businesses.
Preventing and Treating Game Addiction
Preventing and treating game addiction requires a comprehensive approach that involves parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Parents should monitor their children's gaming habits and set limits on screen time. They should also encourage children to engage in other activities such as sports, hobbies, and social events.
Educators can play a role in preventing game addiction by promoting healthy habits and teaching children about the dangers of excessive gaming. Schools can also organize activities that promote physical activity and social interaction.
Finally, mental health professionals can provide treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups to help individuals with game addiction. They can also help families and communities raise awareness about the negative effects of game addiction.
Conclusion
Game addiction is a serious concern in Indonesia that can have negative effects on individuals and society as a whole. It is important to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive gaming and to take steps to prevent and treat game addiction. By working together, we can ensure that games remain a source of entertainment and not a source of harm.
