Video Gaming Test
Playing video games has made me arrive late for work or school.
I've been so absorbed in a game that I couldn't stop playing.
I frequently stay up late playing video games.
I've chosen gaming over hanging out with friends when invited.
I'd take more showers if I weren't so focused on video games.
I feel restless when I'm not playing video games.
I need to play longer each week to feel the same excitement as when I first started a game.
I occasionally hide my gaming habits from my spouse or parents.
I use video games to avoid dealing with real-life problems.
Video games give me a sense of security.
My loved ones have mentioned that I game too much.
When interrupted during a game, I usually ask for extra time before stopping.
I receive game-related alerts throughout the week.
I've overspent on in-game items or felt tempted to buy more than I should.
I've missed meals because I was gaming.
I've attempted to quit gaming but couldn't do it.
At times, it seems like video games have more power over me than I have over them.
Thinking about how many hours I've spent gaming makes me uncomfortable.
My school grades or work results would likely improve if I gamed less.
Finishing a game can feel like a task I have to complete.
20 questions remaining
What You Should Know
- Most people who play video games don't act in ways that are bad because of them. Playing games can be a fun way to unwind or relax. Studies say that 1 to 6 percent of gamers show signs of having a problem with gaming.
- Researchers have found that video games can activate the same dopamine pathways in the brain as some drugs or behaviours that are addictive, but at lower levels. Researchers have found that playing games roughly doubles the amount of dopamine in the brain. Addictive drugs, on the other hand, raise dopamine levels by about ten times.
- There are two kinds of games: finite games, which you can beat and finish, and infinite games, which you can play for as long as you want. People who have trouble with video games usually have even more trouble with games that never end.
- Research indicates that individuals who frequently engage in gaming exhibit reduced grey matter in regions of the brain associated with emotional regulation, attention, and impulse control.
- A lot of games use ideas from behavioural psychology to make them feel important and all-consuming, just like casino games do.
What to do
Check how you feel about gaming and how much time you spend on it. This can help you figure out if it's a bad habit or just a problem in your life.
Try a different hobby: Take a week off from gaming and focus on something else you enjoy. Check to see if you feel like you need to check on your game or if you feel less happy in life without your games.
Get help if you need it. If you're worried that gaming is taking over your life or making it hard for you to do well at school or work, you might want to see a therapist to help you get back on track and deal with your problems.
