http://www.computergamesdb.com/a-balanced-view-of-games-addiction/
A Balanced View of Games Addiction Don’t let it spoil your fun.
Problem or Not? We take a responsible look at Computer Game Addiction
The Positive Viewpoint
Computer Gaming” is a catch-all name for games played on Computers. It should be pointed out that there is a distinction between “Online gaming” and “Video Gaming”. “Online Gaming” invariably involves ”MMORPGs” – Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games – logging into a cyber arena and competing with several others, who are quite possibly total strangers. There may even be hundreds participating at any given moment. Video Gaming is usually played in private at home, perhaps on your own or maybe with family or friends on a totally local basis, with games on your own computer which you probably purchased by downloading, bought in a box from your local Video Games retailer or on eBay or even swapped with your friends. A great many of you will have played a Video Game at some time in your life but several will not yet have experienced MMORPGs. Research tends to show that it is the MMORPGs with their wider social contact that lead to more damaging instances of addiction; but not always!
Keith Bakker, founder and chief of Europe’s first clinic to treat gaming addicts is of the opinion that ninety percent of young people looking for treatment are not in fact addicts at all, according to BBC News.
Hundreds of young gamers from a worldwide catchment have attended The Smith & Jones Centre in Amsterdam for treatment since 2006 when it opened; but has changed its treatment methods since realizing that compulsive computer gaming is not a psychological illness but a social one.
In 2007, the American Psychological Association reviewed whether computer video game addiction should be included in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be released in 2012. The conclusion was that there was not enough research or evidence to conclude that computer video game addiction was a disorder.
This concise article is one of three dealing with the issue of Computer Games Addiction. Presented by a website dealing only with Video and Online Gaming and endeavour to put a sensible perspective on this important issue.
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