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While electronic games can have benefits and drawbacks, their impact largely depends on the type of game and the duration of playing. Purposeful and moderate gaming can improve problem-solving skills, decision-making, focus, logic, and teamwork in multiplayer games. However, excessive gaming can lead to multiple risks and negative effects, including the following:
An article on Harvard Health Publishing, a website affiliated with Harvard Medical School, highlights that excessive use of electronic games can lead to certain health issues. These issues include:
Prolonged gaming sessions without engaging in sufficient physical activity, taking breaks, or practising healthy eating habits are associated with obesity and overweight problems.
Extended exposure to high-brightness electronic screens can cause eye problems commonly referred to as "Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)", which includes symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
Sitting in a fixed position for long periods during gaming can lead to involuntary curvature of the neck and shoulders, resulting in problems and pain in the back and neck over time.
Exposure to blue light emitted from electronic screens, especially before bedtime, blocks the release of the melatonin hormone, which is responsible for regulating sleep. This can lead to insomnia and difficulty sleeping.
Moreover, late-night gaming can heighten brain alertness and stimulation, raising blood pressure and heart rate, especially when playing action-adventure games. This can make it challenging to unwind and relax, ultimately leading to difficulty sleeping.
The overuse of game controllers can lead to a range of hand issues, notably "carpal tunnel syndrome". This syndrome is caused by the pressure on wrists nerves, leading to inflammation, pain and numbness. "Nintendo thumb", named after the Nintendo Switch game console, is another condition caused by excessive use of game controllers.
This condition is also known as “gamer’s thumb”, as it results from repetitive thumb use while gaming. It causes inflammation and swelling of the thumb tendons, as well as pain and stiffness when moved.
A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that excessive gaming is associated with psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. Another study published in the same journal in 2018 indicated that 89% of gamers were diagnosed with depression and video game addiction, highlighting that this issue extends beyond mere excessive use.
It is essential to note that some gamers may develop depression or see their existing symptoms intensify due to unhealthy gaming habits. This often results from neglecting other aspects of life, such as social relationships, physical exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Consequently, they may turn to video games to escape their problems or alleviate their symptoms, not realising that excessive gaming can exacerbate these issues instead of easing them.
In general, excessive gaming can lead to emotional dysregulation, impairing one's ability to manage and respond effectively to different emotions. This can result in difficulties in expressing emotions, adapting to challenging situations, or making sound decisions. Furthermore, this is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many popular electronic games involve violent content, requiring players to attack and fight against other virtual characters. Excessive exposure to such games can desensitise individuals to violence, potentially leading them to resort to aggressive behaviour as a means of problem-solving in real-life situations.
Prolonged gaming and withdrawal from social interactions with family and friends can manifest “social isolation” risks. Indeed, the gamer finds it challenging to form relationships with others or interact with them in real-life settings. This isolation is often accompanied by physical and psychological complications, such as depression and sleep disorders.
Furthermore, excessive gaming can also cause “social anxiety”, characterised by fear and tension during in-person interactions, as individuals become accustomed to indirect communication through these games.
Winning in electronic games triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. However, with prolonged excessive gaming, the brain becomes accustomed to high dopamine levels. As a result, gamers struggle to enjoy anything else that produces lower dopamine levels, leading to addiction as they strive to maintain the high dopamine levels required for satisfaction.
Video game addiction can lead to an uncontrollable behaviour, where gamers lose control over themselves and feel a constant urge to play, often at the expense of other responsibilities in life, whether at home, school, or work. Gamers can not curtail gaming time despite causing them various problems such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, social isolation, deterioration of social relationships, poor concentration, impulse control issues, decline of academic performance, and cognitive deterioration.
In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing and proactive efforts of the UAE government in raising awareness about the potential risks of electronic games and taking steps to address these issues within the UAE and across the Arab world. Through The Al-Ameen Service, affiliated with the State Security Service in Dubai, citizens are regularly informed about the dangers of gaming addiction and obsession, which can lead to isolation, aggression, and diminished self-esteem, especially among children.
Moreover, the Arab Electronic Media Committee emphasises in its meetings the significant efforts the United Arab Emirates makes to go beyond limiting excessive gaming. The country is committed to eliminating the phenomenon of harmful electronic games, particularly those involving violence and murder. This is achieved by focusing on moral education and instilling values of belonging and civic responsibility in students through school curricula.
Generally speaking, using electronic games moderately is recommended to avoid their risks and drawbacks. This involves limiting gaming time to a maximum of two hours per day for adults. However, gaming time for children aged six and above should be restricted to 30-60 minutes per day on weekdays, while it can be extended to a maximum of two hours on weekends.
Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a comfortable and healthy posture while gaming, take breaks between sessions, prioritise regular physical activity, engage in other interactive activities, socialise with others, and cultivate strong relationships with family and friends by staying away from the internet. It is also preferable to get sufficient sleep each night, averaging 7 hours per night.
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