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Gaming addiction classified as disorder by WHO

Gaming addition has been listed under WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) for the first time, though some countries have already identified it as a major health issue.

The guide suggests that abnormal gaming behaviour should be evidenced over at least 12 months, but that this could be shortened in cases of severe symptoms.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42541404
Any addiction is a disorder
Funnily enough, gaming is my favourite hobby yet I find it the least addictive. If you're addicted to gaming, it's probably because you have other stuff going on in your life. Youtube binging though? That should be considered a disorder lol. Seriously, I don't even like binge watching Youtube videos (it makes me fuzzy and unfocused), yet I seriously struggle to stop myself. It's like scoffing a packet of digestives when you're full up. Gaming relaxes, excites and inspires me and enriches my life.
Feel free to dismiss me as a tinfoil hat wearing nutter but I think this is just the aftershocks of the attacks on gaming by religious fundamentalist, the mainstream media and far-leftist/3rd wave feminist game journalists over the past two decades. For some reason, vaious elements of our society just can't seem to give gaming and gamers a break. They would be ready and waiting to jump on the "GAMES ARE BAD FOR YOU" bandwagon.
We should focus our energies on eradicationg loot-boxes, microtransactions and all that anti-consumer tripe. They have the potential to actually cause gaming addiction
Reply 3
Avatar for Napp
Napp
22
Well this is... odd.
Original post by PhilanderingBum
Funnily enough, gaming is my favourite hobby yet I find it the least addictive. If you're addicted to gaming, it's probably because you have other stuff going on in your life. Youtube binging though? That should be considered a disorder lol. Seriously, I don't even like binge watching Youtube videos (it makes me fuzzy and unfocused), yet I seriously struggle to stop myself. It's like scoffing a packet of digestives when you're full up. Gaming relaxes, excites and inspires me and enriches my life.
Feel free to dismiss me as a tinfoil hat wearing nutter but I think this is just the aftershocks of the attacks on gaming by religious fundamentalist, the mainstream media and far-leftist/3rd wave feminist game journalists over the past two decades. For some reason, vaious elements of our society just can't seem to give gaming and gamers a break. They would be ready and waiting to jump on the "GAMES ARE BAD FOR YOU" bandwagon.
We should focus our energies on eradicationg loot-boxes, microtransactions and all that anti-consumer tripe. They have the potential to actually cause gaming addiction


Gaming has always been blamed (unfairly, in my opinion) for various social problems like anti-social behaviour, truanting from school, violence, drug taking etc. but the scientific evidence for this is non existent.

Nothing to do with left wing either, its the conservative and far right that want it banned because gaming supposedly inspires a healthy disrespect for authority in young people (who tend to be left wing). Which is probably why I'm a Leftie. Video games made me do it LOL.
Reply 5
Avatar for NJA
NJA
20
As with other addictions, there is an unresolved issue to begin with, the person turns to gaming/drugs/pornography ... as a temporary alleviation but it doesn't solve the issue so they end up doing it more as an escape from the problem in their real life.
Listen here.

The answer is to seek counsel of people that have overcome the problem.
Original post by NJA
As with other addictions, there is an unresolved issue to begin with, the person turns to gaming/drugs/pornography ... as a temporary alleviation but it doesn't solve the issue so they end up doing it more as an escape from the problem in their real life.
Listen here.

The answer is to seek counsel of people that have overcome the problem.


how ? this is a serious problem in society for some people

Take up gardening ?
cooking ?
bike riding ?
Reply 7
Avatar for Fluxisms
Fluxisms
7
Gaming addiction is certainly a serious, behavioural issue, however I disagree with the identification of it being a disease.

Other examples of addiction, such as gambling or drugs, are not seen as a disease but solvable tendencies. The significance of most addictions are the health implementations of a single event, rather than the direct addiction.
Reply 8
Avatar for NJA
NJA
20
Original post by Nalk1573
how ? this is a serious problem in society for some people

Take up gardening ?
cooking ?
bike riding ?


The human soul was made by the best so, get re-united ..

Testimony 1

More here.
The oxford dictionary of disease is "a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury. "

Can hardly see how a gaming addiction relates to this.
Seems like WHO are back at it again with the propaganda.
Original post by The PoliticalGuy
The oxford dictionary of disease is "a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury. "

Can hardly see how a gaming addiction relates to this.
Seems like WHO are back at it again with the propaganda.


the definition is irrelevant

if you play video games 12 hours a day you have a serious problem
Original post by Nalk1573
the definition is irrelevant

if you play video games 12 hours a day you have a serious problem


The definition is relevant because they have now classified it as a disease when there is no correlation between the definition and gaming addiction.

What is so bad about playing games 12 hours a day?
If someone has a healthy diet and/or exercises, are perfectly healthy whats the problem?
as my my mum would say "THIS IS NO LONGER AN ADDICTION, IT IS A DISEASE"
Original post by The PoliticalGuy



What is so bad about playing games 12 hours a day?


everything
Reply 14
Avatar for Napp
Napp
22
Original post by NJA
The human soul was made by the best so, get re-united ..

Testimony 1

More here.


What a load of hooey.
It is now a disease, not just a disorder. Does this mean gamers will be entitled to benefits if it affects them so much they can't get a job?

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