Do you like to play video games? If you said yes, you're not alone! Billions of people all over the world love to play Video Games and Online Games.
Gaming can draw us in because it's fun and exciting. It lets us explore new virtual places, identities and experiences we could never do in the real world.
And young brains especially like to seek out these new adventures. When we finally beat the level we've been crushing, or get "likes" or new followers on Social Media, it gives our brain's reward centre a rush .... like that feeling you get from a roller coaster.
That feeling is what can cause some of our brains to want to keep gaming ... even when we should stop. For some people, Gaming can cause harm and start to affect other parts of our lives and relationships in a negative way.
Check out this video from Brain Connections about Young Brains & Video Games. It highlights how too much time on Video Games can cause problems ...
What keeps us gaming, when we should stop?
Like we saw in the video above, our young developing brains have a lot to do with what keeps us gaming, even when we should be taking a break to enjoy other important and healthy things that we love.
Gaming companies know this, and they use elements in their games, similar to gambling, that keep our brains engaged and wanting to play more and more. And spending more money on the game too!
- some games make it hard to level up unless you pay money, or make us wait a certain amount of time for a new update. This "pacing" can build excitement and anticipation in our brains. making us play longer
- games encourage you to buy "random rewards" and add-ons, like Skins, to make your character unique and more powerful
- games are full of promotions for micro-transactions like Loot Boxes and Player Packs so that you can unlock skills, weapons, characters, or equipment. These types of in-game purchases are linked to the development of gaming problems, and later in life gambling problems.
- some games might give us a "big win" early on which makes our brain want keep going, looking for that next big win.
- some games will use a "near miss" to trick us into feeling a win is right around the corner. so we just got to keep playing.
- some games even use "simulated gambling" but with no real money and no real consequences for losing. This makes our brain think it must be easy to win when gambling in the real world, which is not true at all.
Signs of Gaming Harm
When you game too much, your brain starts to change and feel unhealthy.
- you might feel you are isolated, like in a cave. The outside world you used to enjoy now feels like a strange and scary place
- you lose sight of the things you once enjoyed and skills for day-to-day living
- your urge to game is so strong that's all you think and dream about
- you feel low, depressed, anxious or irritable when you aren't gaming
- even when you are gaming, you are irritable and cranky when losing or being chirped by other players
- you lose control of the time and money you spend on games
- you lose real world friendships and choose gaming over spending time with loved ones and family
- you start lying about your gaming and maybe even steal money to spend on games
- you don't look after your self-care like eating, sleeping and good hygiene
What are some strategies for "Health Play All The Way"?
If your gaming has taken over and is causing harm, you might decide to quit totally, or cut back and make some serious changes to reduce that harm.
The good news is that young brains are always developing and changing, so exploring new experiences and connecting with the real world around you can set you up for healthy success.
Here's a few ways you can get on a healthier path ...
- Talk to family, friends, a counsellor or a health care provider about your gaming and how you are feeling.
- Help is available 24/7 at the PEI Gaming and Gambling Support Line by calling 1-855-255-4255.
- Set limits and priorities before gaming, like playtime and purchase limits. Ask a loved one to help you stick to them or set a timer.
- Turn off your devices at night and keep them out of your bedroom. Set up your gaming in a family space so you are not playing alone, and loved ones can check in on you
- Break things up and get moving ... get offline, get physical and try other healthy activities you love
- Focus on self-care like eating healthy, hygiene and good sleep
- Remember to keep it fun .... and when it stops being fun, it's time to take a break.