La Dipendenza dai Videogiochi: Come Riconoscerla, Come Funziona e Come Uscirne | #TELOSPIEGO

Summary

The video script discusses the evolution of video games from a simple pastime to a fundamental part of our culture, with millions playing worldwide. It highlights the potential hidden risk of gaming addiction, especially with the advent of online gaming. The World Health Organization has recognized gaming disorder as a health issue. The script explains the neurobiological mechanisms behind addiction, comparing it to gambling and substance abuse, focusing on dopamine and the brain's reward system. It also addresses psychological factors and social contexts that contribute to addiction. The video provides criteria to identify gaming disorder and advises seeking help if four or more signs are present over a year, suggesting talking to parents, teachers, friends, or a doctor for specialized assistance.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Video games have evolved from a pastime for children to a fundamental part of our culture, with millions of players across all ages.
• 🌐 The advent of the internet has significantly contributed to the transformation and popularity of video games over the last thirty years.
• 💰 Some video games are now considered real sports with enormous turnovers, reflecting their cultural and economic impact.
• ⚠️ There is a hidden risk of gaming disorder, especially when video games are played without awareness or are abused.
• 📈 In 2019, the World Health Organization included gaming disorder in the International Classification of Diseases, particularly focusing on online video games.
• 🧠 The neurobiological mechanisms behind video game addiction are similar to those of gambling, alcohol, and nicotine addiction, all involving dopamine and the brain's reward system.
• 🎰 Game developers exploit the variable reward system, akin to slot machines, to keep players in a state of constant anticipation and satisfaction.
• 🏆 Many games encourage competition among players, tapping into the innate human desire for status and recognition.
• 🛡️ Psychological factors contribute to video game addiction, with some using games as an escape from real-life problems, stress, or to manage anxiety and depression.
• 👥 Social context can influence the likelihood of developing a gaming addiction, especially when surrounded by friends or family who regularly play for long periods.
• 🚨 The international scientific community has identified criteria to understand if someone has a gaming-related disorder, with four or more signs over a year indicating a potential problem.

Q & A

How has the perception of video games changed over the past few decades?

Video games have transitioned from being a simple pastime for children to becoming a fundamental part of our culture, with millions of people of all ages playing them and some even being considered as real sports with significant business turnovers.

What is the hidden risk behind video game activities that may seem innocent?

The hidden risk is the potential for gaming disorder or addiction, especially if video games are played without much awareness or are abused.

What did the World Health Organization (WHO) do in 2019 regarding gaming disorder?

In 2019, the WHO updated the International Classification of Diseases to include gaming disorder, particularly related to online video games.

How does the neurobiological mechanism of video game addiction compare to other forms of addiction?

Video game addiction is very similar to gambling addiction and, more broadly, to alcohol and nicotine addiction because the governing mechanisms are practically the same, centered around dopamine and the brain's reward system.

What role does dopamine play in video game addiction?

Dopamine is released not only when we receive a reward but also when we anticipate or imagine receiving a reward. This anticipation triggers dopamine release in the brain, which motivates us to check for notifications or likes on our phones and continue the cycle of seeking dopamine.

How do video game developers exploit the brain's reward system?

Developers use the variable reward system, similar to a slot machine, where rewards and prizes for completing levels are distributed randomly, creating a strong sense of anticipation and a potent release of dopamine that encourages players to keep playing.

What psychological factors can contribute to video game addiction?

Some people may use video games as a means to escape real-life problems, stress, or to control anxiety and depression, making video games a refuge where they can feel competent, in control, and appreciated.

How can the social context influence the likelihood of developing a video game addiction?

An individual's social context, such as being surrounded by friends or family who regularly play for long periods, may make them more inclined to do the same.

What are some criteria established by the international scientific community to understand if someone has a gaming-related disorder?

If a person experiences four or more of the warning signs, such as preoccupation, tolerance, inability to reduce or stop gaming, disinterest in other activities, persistence, escape, lying, risky behaviors, and withdrawal symptoms, within a year, it may indicate a problem with video games.

What should one do if they recognize themselves in the warning signs of video game addiction?

It is advised to talk about it with parents, a teacher, or friends, and especially with a doctor who can refer them to specialized figures capable of helping manage the relationship with video games and understand the causes and protection measures against behavioral addictions.

How can the video's advice on video game addiction be summarized?

The advice is to seek help by discussing the issue with trusted individuals and medical professionals, learn about the causes of addiction, protect oneself from behavioral addictions, and manage the relationship with video games, all with the support of friends and family.