Gaming has been burdened with a large stigma. Despite how gamified our society may be, there are many people who continue to have a sense of detachment to gaming and are mystified as to what hides behind the electronic veils of iPhones, 360s, and PCs. This has led many to make quick assumptions of gamers and one common claim is that many people are addicted to video games.
With so many video game rehabilitation centers popping up across the globe, we have to understand what is behind this gaming addiction that so many parents fear.
Teenagers and children are an important audience in gaming as nearly one-fifth of gamers in the US (according to a 2011 ESA report) are under 18. And accordingly, many of these game rehabs target specifically to these youth.
Parents or loved-ones may send their children to these centers for a gaming detox program. They believe their children have an addiction with gaming. Granted, each situation is different for each family, but it's not hard to think that there may be families out there unnecessarily placing their children in these programs.
If someone is neglecting their relationships and responsibilities, it may be time for someone to step in. But for many, gaming offers an opportunity to escape from reality. If someone is engrossed in an experience for hours in front of their television or computer monitor, why is it frowned upon while those who endlessly read books or paint are given applause?
While parents are becoming increasingly involved with their childrens' gaming habits, there are still those who just seem to stand by and become bewildered with what the kids are doing with that controller.
In the end, it is hard to judge if someone has an addiction to gaming if they just sit back and observe from the side. Parents need to understand how gaming impacts their child's life. Is it a strong passion that they have? Does it allow them to experience life in whole new perspectives? To really think about how harmful gaming can be to a child, parents need to analyze how beneficial gaming can be.
