You may have heard about the video game addiction lawsuits being brought against video game manufacturers by parents and young adults over internet gaming addiction. While it might seem easy to dismiss the idea as “that would never happen to my child,” thousands of parents are learning that the epidemic is real and causing significant harm to some children. Studies suggest that as many as 90% of teens play video games regularly, and parents need to be aware of just how real, common, and dangerous the risk is. Furthermore, parents need to know what to do if their child suffers from video gaming addiction and what the costs are. Lastly, when should you talk to a video gaming addiction lawyer about your situation?
What is Video Gaming Addiction?
Video gaming addiction, a/k/a internet gaming disorder, is often described as the reduced inability to control one’s game-playing habits to the extent that it disrupts one’s life, affecting things such as self-esteem, ability to interact and communicate with others, self-care, self-control, or ability to perform in school. It is an addiction to the multi-player internet games that have become so popular. However, internet gaming addiction is more than just an obsessive desire to play games. Medical studies have shown that excessive gaming can lead to changes in the developing brain of children. The addiction can cause kids to become withdrawn, act out, lose focus on school, and even develop poor social interaction skills.
How Common is Internet Gaming Addiction?
Studies have suggested that as many as 15% of all young gamers, or over five million children, may be addicted to video games. While 15% is a small percentage of the total gaming universe, it is a lot of children who may need help. Some have required detox treatment that costs thousands of dollars every month. Suicide is another injury that has been alleged as a result of the addiction.
What Are the Symptoms of Video Game Addiction?
The symptoms of video gaming addiction have been compared to alcohol or drug addiction. Obviously, spending more and more time online playing is common, but they may lack the self-control to stop when it is time to do homework, go to school, or go to work. They may skip work to “get a new skin” or seek some other reward from the game that requires their attention at a set time. Addicts may play on end while ignoring chores, obligations, and personal self-care. People addicted to video games may show withdrawal symptoms if kept from their game, including irritability, depression, or anxiety. Lying to others about game time, explosive outbursts vs. normal interactions and responses, and stealing or spending excessive amounts of money on in-game purchases. Some have alleged and attributed autism, add, and/or suicide attempts to video gaming addiction.
What are Your Rights?
Video gaming addiction can be a serious problem, potentially causing changes in the brain and substantial disruption to a person’s life. The causes and effects of this are still being studied. If you or someone you love suffers from internet gaming addiction, you may be entitled to bring a claim for damages. If you or your child played multi-player online games for a minimum of 15 hours a week over at least a four-month span and was ultimately diagnosed with video gaming addiction, sought treatment for gaming addiction, or suffered significant injury or death you believe was related to internet gaming addiction call us at 800-298-0111 to learn how to get connected with a video game addiction attorney.
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