Various research and scientific studies have been conducted to show the effects of gaming addiction on a person’s physical and mental health. While playing video games is considered to be a form of entertainment and most players often get hooked when they start winning, losing the game, however, makes them feel anxious.
In a study conducted by the State of Online Gaming 2018, gamers spend an average of 5.96 hours each week—just playing games without any physical activity. The market research also provides a detailed report that gamers in the United Kindom spend the most time playing each week with an average of 7.15 hours compared to the weekly average of South Korean gamers at 4.42 hours.
To show the effects of game addiction on the human body, OnlineCasino.ca, a website that provides comprehensive casino reviews and rankings, created a life-sized dummy named Michael. The unpleasant-looking dummy is based on how avid gamers will probably look like in 20 years if they stick to their poor gaming lifestyle.
Head
Black rings under eyes, bloodshot eyes aka digital eye strain, hair loss, indent in the skull, and hairy ears.
Body
Hunchback and rounded shoulders, muscular stiffness, obesity, eczema, pale skin, varicose veins, and swollen ankles.
Hands
Playstation thumb and blistered fingertips, Nintendo arthritis (aka ‘Nintendinitis’), trigger finger, and First-person Shooter or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The World Health Organization, cited that a “gaming disorder” can be identified through an “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
Although playing online games is one way to help develop a person’s problem-solving skills and intuitive abilities, it is still important to find and maintain a good balance in your life. So, stay fit and healthy!
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