WHO (The World Health Organisation) are to publish an account where they will classify gaming addiction as a mental health condition. This comes after many parents being concerned for their children who are glued to their headsets, and after 'Fortnite' has become one of the most popular online games of all time.
This means that people will now be able to receive treatment for this addiction, and children will receive it for free.
WHO defines it as persistent or recurring gaming behaviour, and when gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities. They posted details on their website;
Gaming disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by: 1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context); 2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and 3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
Between 1% and 6% percent of young people are addicted to video games, along with 2.6 million people playing it regularly.
Online and video gaming has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto being heavily criticised.
Many people believe this is a step in the right direction for recognition for mental health illnesses, but many also think it's a bit of an over-reaction and will only cause parents to worry more.
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This makes perfect sense. And important today with the current climate of the video game industry where micro transactions and pay for perks are becoming the norm in mainstream gaming. Very similar affect to the slot machine reward system that triggers addiction. https://t.co/FzHclqmzVA
— Brandt Brickell (@brandt_brickell) June 18, 2018
So "Gaming Disorder" is now actually recognised.
If this isn't the wake up call people need that the mental health crisis sweeping our species is due to rabid corporatist capitalism, I don't know what is. pic.twitter.com/AdHsB9B1dU
— Steve Topple (@MrTopple) June 17, 2018
#bbcbreakfast gaming disorder sounds ridiculous. Bringing down a whole genre of entertainment because kids are spending too long on them. Gaming helps people already secluded meet new people, kids on games are not out on the streets smoking or taking drugs.
— The Claire Cast (@TheClaireCast) June 18, 2018
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I mean, at least TRY to interview at least a couple of people who don't, you know, have a direct commercial interest in stoking parental panic around games? And don't summarily dismiss all concerns and doubts about the WHO ruling as the games industry defending itself.
— Keith Stuart (@keefstuart) June 18, 2018
Controversial but overdue. Likely to be the new ADHD - heavily misdiagnosed, stigmatized and weaponized by frustrated parents & older folk.
But in a world being overtaken by AI, this is a baby step in the right direction for research in our field. https://t.co/aOLPQ89rvd
— Brittany-Marie? (@JamaicanSlayage) June 18, 2018
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