Signs, mechanisms and consequences of videogame addictions: educational strategies and rehabilitation

The topic of video game addiction has garnered significant attention in research over the years. It involves excessive gaming using electronic devices, leading to interferences with daily life activities. In the last decade, many empirical studies have analyzed the origin of video games and video game addiction. However, it remains unclear if video game addiction meets the criteria of mental disorders; therefore, further research on this topic is required. According to some studies, the addiction is based on scientific facts and media hysteria. There are many misconceptions and beliefs concerning video games; for instance, some people perceive video games as beneficial, while others believe that they are harmful. Video game addiction can be determined by investigating the time spent playing and an individual's perception of the games. In this context, this paper first presents the history of video gaming and its benefits and then analyzes the cause, effects, and consequences of video game addiction. Afterward, it examines the educational and rehabilitative strategies used to help remedy video game addiction.