By Andrew W., 6th Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
With the digital world rapidly growing, video games are monopolizing life, especially for adolescents. As new games infiltrate the market, people find it harder than ever to put down the controller. The European Mobile Game Market estimates more than 2.5 billion video gamers hail from around the world. If the gaming addiction continues, people’s lives could change dramatically.
According to Dictionary.com, an addiction is “… something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.” Addiction often refers to drinking, smoking or drug use, but in recent years, more people are calling video game play an addiction. According to Kristen Wavle, Middle School Counselor at Krieger Schechter Day School, “Gaming addiction is labelled as a disease by the World Health Organization, which estimates that nearly 15 percent of teenagers are addicted,” a figure that Wavle finds fascinating.
Many gamers find video games accessible and comforting to play; they serve as an escape from reality. “It’s a way to hang out with your friends and play with them without actually having to go over to their house,” said Jonah Z., a 6th grade student at KSDS. Also, Jake W., a 4th grader at Summit Park Elementary School said, “[Video games are] just really fun to play.”
But this is not the only reason there are so many gamers today. According to the New York-based website Pix, “Games like Fortnite, which has accumulated at least 125 million players since its July 2017 debut, is constantly adding new updates.” This, experts say, is what is keeping gamers hooked, what is keeping them online. Games like Fortnite are not pay-to-win, but more like pay-to-feel-cool and be accepted. In addition, according to Business Insider, people are spending outrageous amounts of money on video games; in fact, $36 billion was spent in 2017 alone. Many purchase “skins,” or what non-gamers would call costumes, ranging from $8-$20 each, and with updates coming out weekly, people continue to spend money on video games.
Video games also cause other problems. According to KidsHealth, “Too much video game playing may lead to health problems.” Additionally, people who play video games can become more aggressive, physically violent, have a shorter attention span, and be less patient.
Sadly, some people just cannot stop playing video games; they do not go outside, read a book, or simply enjoy life’s pleasures. It is very easy to get addicted to video games, as more and more people are finding out, and the consequences can be serious.
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