Addictions

So recently, certain people have been playing 'Tetris Battle' - me included but thankfully, I've been able to control my playing habits :)

The motivation for this post came about coz I was aware of, let's call her, Jane, playing Tetris the whole time (afternoon and night) whilst I was doing work.

I know of people who have worser addictions to gaming. Let's put this into perspective first. Here's a definition given by good old Wiki:

"Video game addiction, or more broadly video game overuse, is excessive or compulsive use of computer and video games that interferes with daily life. Instances have been reported in which users play compulsively, isolating themselves from, or from other forms of, social contact and focusing almost entirely on in-game achievements rather than broader life events."

Also, here are a few characteristics on addictive behaviour:

There are many common characteristics among the various addictive behaviors:

1. The person becomes obsessed (constantly thinks of) the object, activity, or substance.

Yup, Jane is somewhat obsessed with Tetris Battle. She complains when she's out of 'battery life' on Tetris. She'll do anything to get some more - including doing surveys...

2. They will seek it out, or engage in the behaivor even though it is causing harm (physical problems, poor work or study performance, problems with friends, family, fellow workers).

Jane doesn't do work. Well, for 30 minutes top... out of 1000000000 hours game time.

3. The person will compulsively engage in the activity, that is, do the activity over and over even if he/she does not want to and find it difficult to stop.

From point 1, yup, she is constantly playing it. Constantly.

4. Upon cessation of the activity, withdrawal symptoms often occur. These can include irritability, craving, restlessness or depression.

She got bored straight after she lost her 'battery' and felt irritable. In fact, she started playing another game... on another device. LOL.

5. The person does not appear to have control as to when, how long, or how much he or she will continue the behavior (loss of control). (They drink 6 beers when they only wanted one, buy 8 pairs of shoes when they only needed a belt, ate the whole box of cookies, etc).

6. He/she often denies problems resulting from his/her engagement in the behavior, even though others can see the negative effects.

HAHAHA. This point is so true. She denies her playing the game at times, when it is blatantly clear that she is. I can hear the keyboard -.-

7. Person hides the behavior after family or close friends have mentioned their concern. (hides food under beds, alcohol bottles in closets, doesn't show spouse credit card bills, etc).

I'm not sure about this but she somewhat mentioned it to a family member. In any case, we tried an intervention. She didn't want to hear it. HAHA.

8. Many individuals with addictive behaviors report a blackout for the time they were engaging in the behavior (don't remember how much or what they bought, how much the lost gambeling, how many miles they ran on a sore foot, what they did at the party when drinking)

9. Depression is common in individuals with addictive behaviors. That is why it is important to make an appointment with a physician to find out what is going on.

10. Individuals with addictive behaviors often have low self esteem, feel anxious if the do not have control over their environment, and come from psychologically or physically abusive families.

Jane doesn't come from a bad family. Her self-esteem, well. Can't say much about it. Could be due to a lot of work cropping up.

[source from: http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/addictiveb.html]

So why do people become addicted to games? Some causes that crop up is that they find better beneficial gains on these games than in real-life. This would link to some possible psychological causes. Who can blame you though, if life isn't smooth sailing at the moment but you know you can excel and totally own in a game? I'd keep on playing. I quote: "I've gone up a rank! My life has purpose now!" Honestly, if playing games when you get up and before you sleep... don't you think you might need some sort of... life?

In the case of Jane, well. I guess she's just so used to having it in her life - even if for a few days. Her attitude towards always winning might be taken into account. She NEEDS to be good, really good at something. So, I guess this Tetris Battle thing, seeing that you're playing against other people, you've a 50/50 chance of winning. You win, you're happy... you lose, you get frustrated and try to 'get back your star'.

In any case, it's hilarious watching Jane play or any other person who has an addiction to games, especially once you take it away from them:)

I am evil.

A toute l'heure~

Sofie :)