Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Competitive, Social Aspects Make Video Games Addictive

No shortage of horror stories about fun-seekers-turned-junkies

By Laila Weir,  Newser User

Posted Apr 22, 2008 7:23 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The American Medical Association may not yet rank video gaming as addictive, but players who call World of Warcraft “World of Warcrack” know the score, writes Kristin Kalning on msnbc.com. But what is it that drives obsessed players to neglect their jobs, their health and even their kids? Competing and socializing, says a therapist who treats Internet and computer addiction.

The urge kicks in when players feel they’re “competing against other people” and “really want to receive the admiration that comes with achieving a high status in the game,” said the therapist, who called many gamers in therapy “bored and lonely.” One gamer said he was addicted to “trying to be the best,” but quit when his work suffered and he got out of shape.

A gamer plays at a video game expo.
A gamer plays at a video game expo.   (Getty Images)
Gamers have nicknamed World of Warcraft World of Warcrack.
Gamers have nicknamed World of Warcraft "World of Warcrack."   ((c) flawedartist)
Tyrus Lackman, 15, plays the online game Runescape at his home in Center, N.D., Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. Jesse Lackman says his son devotes a dozen hours a week to computer games.
Tyrus Lackman, 15, plays the online game Runescape at his home in Center, N.D., Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. Jesse Lackman says his son devotes a dozen hours a week to computer games.   (AP Photo/Will Kincaid)
Video game fan Robert Overson, 31 from Highland, CA challenges his son Mathew, 10 to a Wii Sports tennis match game at the E for All Expo on Thurs., Oct. 18, 2007 in Los Angeles, CA.
Video game fan Robert Overson, 31 from Highland, CA challenges his son Mathew, 10 to a Wii Sports tennis match game at the E for All Expo on Thurs., Oct. 18, 2007 in Los Angeles, CA.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

A study relates game obsession to addiction, autism
Telegraph (UK)

Group pushes to classify games obsession as addiction
MSNBC

 
addiction • gaming • World of Warcraft • American Medical Association • video games

More Newser Stories

Gamers' Brains Have Bigger 'Reward Hub'

Angry Birds Soar Into Reality

How CityVille Sucked In a Hardcore Gamer

New Sega Games Let You Play With Your Pee

Interactive Porn Reaches Kinect
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne