Problems developed faster among gamers who started early
People who start playing video games in early school years develop problematic gaming more quickly than people who start playing video games years later. A study from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden shows this.
The first author of the study is Annika Hofstedt, a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy, a psychologist and head of the Gambling Disorders and Screen Health Clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The study was conducted at the hospital.
“We can’t say for sure that early exposure to games leads to faster addiction, but it may be related. Those who start playing games at a younger age develop problems more quickly, and it could also be due to the fact that today’s young people are The results underline the need for preventive measures,” says Annika Hofstedt.
The findings are consistent with previous research showing early exposure to gaming for the first time is a risk factor for more severe gaming disorder. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
both adults and teenagers
The study included 69 patients aged 15 to 56 who met criteria for gaming addiction. Only three study participants were female. Patients were divided into two equally large groups: the younger group, aged under 25 years, and the elderly group, aged 26 years and above. Data were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires.
The study found that younger people started playing video games when they were six to seven years old, with problems developing by an average of 14 years old. It shows obvious problems.
different stages of life
Anna Söderpalm Gordh, associate professor at the Sahlgrenska Institute at the University of Gothenburg and director of research at the Department of Addiction and Dependence at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, is the senior author of the study.
“More and more people of all ages are playing digital games. Video games are not necessarily a bad thing, but we need to understand more about how gaming addiction develops at different stages of life. Our findings have important implications for society and Parents asked important questions.
About gaming disorder:
People with gaming disorder have an uncontrollable urge to play computer, video or mobile games. To be diagnosed with gaming disorder, these problems must have been present for some time, and gaming must have a significant adverse effect on relationships and other aspects of life.
Since 2018, gaming addiction has been classified as a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). Type of treatment.
2024-12-16 18:00:39