Last year, WHO (World Health Organization) added gaming addiction to it’s list of 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) . Gaming addiction is defined by WHO as a “characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
While some gamers rolled their eyes at the thought of a medical addiction defining one of their favorite past times, others used the WHO definition of gaming addiction to discourage parts of the population from indulging in their ‘addiction’. But the tides seem to be turning.
Children were warned by their parents to stay off of games because of the potential harm it can cause and the fact it may take away from study time. While parenting styles and techniques differ, so does the conflicting sciences of gaming. Some experts argue that gaming can lead to addiction like gambling while others say that gaming is a great way to relieve stress, practice making decisions, and experiencing in-game consequences.
Psychology Today reports that gaming allows the younger generation to practice autonomy over their decisions after having every action dictated by authority figures at school or home. The article then continues to say “Of course, none of this is to say video games are a good substitution—quite the opposite. While a well-designed game attempts to satisfy these needs, it can’t come close to the deep satisfaction that real life and real human connection can provide. No game can give a child the feeling of competence that comes from accomplishing a difficult task or learning a new skill on their own accord.”
Then: coronovirus.
With thousands trapped inside their homes, many people who were originally apprehensive of gaming have changed their minds. Nintendo Switches have been selling out of stores, leaving retailers struggling to keep the shelves full. Activision Blizzard, Amazon, Jam City, Riot Games, Twitch, YouTube, and Zynga have joined together under the hashtag #PlayApartTogether in conjunction with WHO to create a new online movement. This movement encourages those stuck at home or those participating in social distancing to play together online instead of exposing themselves and others to the coronavirus in their areas.
Many critics are calling out WHO’s hypocrisy at this 180 turn by discussing WHO’s loose definition of gaming addiction which does not include hours but instead only discusses that gaming may interfere with other activities. Now WHO wants you to understandably follow health guidelines but also keep in touch socially with your friends and family…through gaming.
While many may be taking social distancing as a joke, I have mad respect for those of you taking it seriously. So stay inside and play a video game. You can even participate in the #PlayApartTogether. Who knows. When all this is over, will WHO reclassify a new wave of gamers as the new addicts? Will companies try to make games more addicting? Only time will tell.
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