Video Game & Internet Addiction

NorthwestNowHERO


Original Air Date: 12/16/2010

As Christmas approaches, advertisers are pushing the latest got to have it, mobile web devices so you can be online 24 hours a day, and newest video systems, that allow you to play soccer and have dance parties, all by yourself, from the comfort of home.

Americans spent $25.3 billion on video games and online devices last year, despite being in an economic recession. Would we spend that amount of money if all that these devices offered was fun, or is it something more than that? Are video games and the Internet addictive?  And what are they costing us in terms of personal relationships, social skills, and unrealized potential?

We are exploring video game and Internet addiction on this edition of Northwest Now.

Guests

Hilarie Cash, Ph.D, Executive Director of reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Center

Cosette Dawna Rae, Co-Executive and Program Director of reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Center

Neils Clark, Former gaming addict, author of Game Addiction: The Experience and the Effects and lecturer at the DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington

More Information

To learn more about video game and Internet addiction please visit:

reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program: http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com/
Internet Process Addiction Test: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4110034/Internet-Process-Addiction-Test
Recovery Resources: http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com/resources.html

Signs and Symptoms of Computer & Internet/Gaming Addiction

From: http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com/the-problem/signs-and-symptoms.html

Here is what to look for (3-4 yes responses suggest abuse; 5 or more suggest addiction)
  • Increasing amounts of time spent on computer and internet activities
  • Failed attempts to control behavior
  • Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and internet activities
  • Craving more time on the computer and internet
  • Neglecting friends and family
  • Feeling restless when not engaged in the activity
  • Being dishonest with others
  • Computer user interfering with job/school performance
  • Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of behavior
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities
Developed by Dr. Hilarie Cash, PhD. of Internet and Computer Addiction Services.