Extensive Gaming is Like Drug Addition, Scientists Say

by Anton Shilov

[ 11/16/2005 | 05:51 PM ]

A number of scientists in <%BANNER[article_nw]%>Germany claim that excessive computer gaming has the hallmarks of dependence and even show the results of recent experiments on “drug memory” to prove their standpoint. The researchers argue it should that excessive gaming should be classified as addiction, enabling “addicts” to start seeking help.

Computer games can train and teach, however, in case a person plays too much, he or she becomes dependant of games and frequently withdraw from other activities, such as learning, working or socializing. Experiments show that when being shown screenshots from their favourite games, the so-called hardcore gamers began to desperately feel the desire to play, believing that they would feel better afterwards.

In another test, the researchers monitored the response of a large muscle in the eye, to see how much the volunteers could be startled while looking at a game-related image. Scientists theorise that the most pleasing stimuli prompts the smallest of startle reflexes. They found that excessive game players could not be easily startled, unlike those, who control the amount of gaming.

Sabine Grüsser of the Charité University Medicine Berlin, in Germany says that addictions stem from relying too heavily on one coping strategy, which eventually becomes the only activity that can activate the dopamine system and bring a person relief. “It’s the same mechanism in all addicts,” she says.

• NewScientist: Gaming Fanatics Show Hallmarks of Drug Addiction.