Gaming Addiction in College Students

There is nothing wrong with video games. But sometimes, they can lead to serious problems for the individual playing them. The World Health Organization recognizes gaming disorder as a disease, and while most prefer the term disorder or addiction, the bottom line is that more than 2 million students in the US are struggling to overcome the compulsive behavior.

Facts About Gaming Addictions

Men aged 18 to 27 are 20% more likely to become addicted to video games than wome
6.9% of young adults throughout the US are preoccupied with playing video games
Feelings of restlessness and anxiety are common when addicts don’t have access to their games
5% of gamers feel symptoms of withdrawal when they are not playing
More than 3% of players have reported losing jobs, relationships, and opportunities due to their gaming disorder
Physical ailments such as migraines and eye strains are common among gaming addicts
Many gaming addicts isolate themselves from friends, family, and classmates

Gaming activities typically begin in middle school as fun and can escalate as it becomes a stress reliever and coping mechanism for students. Their brain can become consumed by games. The time spent on gaming takes away from time from their studies. In fact, the average college student addicted to gaming spends 5-8 hours per day on gaming and a minimum of 31 hours per week. The results can include social isolation, failing grades, lack of networking opportunities, and possibly even withdrawal from college.

What Are the Warning Signs For Gaming Addictions?

Sleep deprivation
Skipping meals or eating while playing
Avoiding daily tasks so that they may continue playing video games or avoid interruption
Grades start to drop, missing classes, jeopardizing employment
Not having the time or desire to meet with friends or family
Constantly thinking about video games, even when not playing them
Feeling withdrawal when not playing
The need to play new video games
Withdrawing from hobbies and leisure activities
Using gaming as an escape from real life
Continuing to play video games despite acknowledging the negative effect it has on their life
Getting angry when a game is interrupted

If this describes you, there is good news.

The Arise Society is a transitional living, supportive therapeutic college environment for students who have not been achieving academic success or have been overwhelmed with everyday college life. Students come to The Arise Society to receive personalized counseling, academic, and social support. Young adults who come to The Arise Society can get better, regain a sense of confidence, independence, and improve their overall health as they move forward in life. We can work with our students to help them overcome their addictions to technology, among other issues.

Prospective students often ask if they will have access to their tech devices when at Arise. We understand technology is a part of life and instead of stripping our students of all devices, students are free to use technology. We offer counseling, social support, and some healthy limitations for our young adults coping with gaming addictions so they can become aware of the issue and find helpful ways to handle technology in today’s world.