The health insurers are raising alarm. Are so many young people in Germany addicted to video games?
Since the advent of computer games, there has always been the accusation that the medium is particularly addictive. And while many supposed experts throw around a lot of bold theses to gain media attention, it has been high time in recent years to approach the topic with a more nuanced perspective.
According to a new study by the health insurer DAK, nearly 5.7% of all young people between 12 and 25 years old in Germany are affected by video game addiction. Among boys, the rate is 8.4%, while among girls it is only 2.9% – significantly lower.
The basis for this claim is a survey conducted by the Forsa Institute, which questioned over 1500 children and adolescents about their gaming habits. Using the “Internet Gaming Disorder Scale” (9 criteria regarding gaming and social interaction), it was evaluated how many of the participants have a serious problem with computer games. For instance, whether there have been disputes with parents, whether social contacts are neglected, and whether one feels bad when unable to play for a while.
The Federal Drug Commissioner finds the results “alarming” and plans consequences for video games. Adjustments to age restrictions are being considered. For instance, there should be no “From 0 Years” limit for a substance addictive in nature, as is currently the case for many games. Generally, however, a more open approach to the entire topic is necessary.
Cortyn says: The addiction to computer games is a quite interesting, yet also challenging topic. Finding a clear boundary between what constitutes “addicted” and what does not seems nearly impossible to me. Of course, extreme cases can be classified quickly, but especially in the “gray area” many cases are ambiguous. Are you addicted if you play for 6 hours every day, but otherwise manage your life? That can probably only be judged on a case-by-case basis. What a luxury it is if you can simply label 8 hours of gaming a day as “work”…
All jokes aside. I find the criteria and specifications for addiction quite challenging. That gaming behavior (e.g. “4 hours per day on weekends”) leads to disputes with parents is logical – but one must also ask: Would one have had a dispute over a 4-hour round of Pen & Paper? I often think that there is simply still a lack of understanding on the part of the parental generation – even though the “first core gamers” are slowly bringing their offspring into the world. An easy assessment, in my opinion, is not possible.
There was also a case where Hearthstone healed a gambling addict.
