Andrew P. Doan, MPH, MD, PhD
Hooked on Games:
The Lure & Cost of Video Game &Internet Addiction
Hooked on Games:
The Lure & Cost of Video Game &Internet Addiction
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About Dr. Andrew P. Doan
Andrew P. Doan, M.P.H., M.D., Ph.D. specializes in ophthalmology, aerospace medicine, neuro-science, and public health. Dr. Doan received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. He completed an Internal Medicine Internship and Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Iowa. He spent three years with psychiatrists and psychologists to study and research media addictions and has studied media addictions for over 13 years. Dr. Doan has trained over 2000 healthcare providers on media and gaming addiction, and has a following of over 93K on Facebook and over 23K YouTube Subscribers.
Dr. Doan’s website: https://www.andrew-doan.com
The Positives of video games
Video games hold a complex place in modern culture, acting as both digital salves and potential vices. When played in moderation, approximately 1 to 2 hours daily, video games offer a range of health benefits. They have been shown to reduce the perception of pain during intense medical procedures like burn treatments and even during labor. Additionally, strategic and problem-solving game elements can enhance mental cognition, offering a reprieve from depressive symptoms and improving hand-eye coordination.
Video games hold a complex place in modern culture, acting as both digital salves and potential vices. When played in moderation, approximately 1 to 2 hours daily, video games offer a range of health benefits. They have been shown to reduce the perception of pain during intense medical procedures like burn treatments and even during labor. Additionally, strategic and problem-solving game elements can enhance mental cognition, offering a reprieve from depressive symptoms and improving hand-eye coordination.
However, when played too much, there are negatives. Even water is lethal if ingested in large quantities. Scroll down for more information.
However, when played too much, there are negatives. Even water is lethal if ingested in large quantities. Scroll down for more information.
The dark side of gaming
The flip side of this digital coin reveals a more concerning picture. Excessive gaming can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and autistic symptoms known as “virtual autism”. It can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to significant sleep deprivation and violent tendencies. Perhaps most notably, the immersive and often rewarding nature of video games can lead to addiction, where the game world takes precedence over real-life responsibilities and relationships. This dichotomy positions video games as a digital drug—a source of both therapeutic relief and potential dependency. It's crucial for players to find a healthy balance to harness the benefits of gaming while avoiding its pitfalls.
The flip side of this digital coin reveals a more concerning picture. Excessive gaming can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and autistic symptoms known as “virtual autism”. It can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to significant sleep deprivation and violent tendencies. Perhaps most notably, the immersive and often rewarding nature of video games can lead to addiction, where the game world takes precedence over real-life responsibilities and relationships. This dichotomy positions video games as a digital drug—a source of both therapeutic relief and potential dependency. It's crucial for players to find a healthy balance to harness the benefits of gaming while avoiding its pitfalls.
The World Health Organization
Defines Gaming Disorder
“Gaming disorder is defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a pattern of gaming behavior (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) 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. For gaming disorder to be diagnosed, the behavior pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months.” - The World Health Organization
How Big is The Problem?
Researchers estimate that between 1.7% to 10% of gamers in the U.S. could be considered addicted to video gaming. Given that there are approximately 227 million gamers in the U.S. in 2023, this would mean that potentially between 3.86 million (1.7% of 227 million) and 22.7 million (10% of 227 million) individuals might be grappling with gaming addiction. There are about 3.09 billion gamers in the world. Applying these percentages to the global context would yield an estimate of addicted gamers ranging from about 52.53 million (1.7% of 3.09 billion) to a staggering 309 million (10% of 3.09 billion) globally. These numbers highlight the need for awareness and resources to address potential gaming-related issues.
Consider a digital detox as discussed in my video.
Book Reviews
Regardless of whether or not you are a gaming addict or even know one, I would recommend this book. It is a quick read but contains several extra doses of wisdom that is applicable across multiple areas of modern life. It is definitely a God thing I happened to stumble across this book, and I am incredibly glad I did. - T. Boughton
I am a 21 year old University student. I myself discovered that video games took over my life, consumed me, and wouldn't let me go. I had goals and aspirations that I wanted to achieve; however video game achievements were my priority. My grades were slipping and my relationships with friends began to sever. Video game addiction is a new phenomenon which most adults don't understand because video games simply didn't have the power and control of today during their childhood. And while most adults can't sympathize, most kids don't think they have a problem. How can they be expected to when it's all they know, and it's all their friends know? Addiction is mostly associated with drugs, alcohol, and gambling...but video games will soon join the heavyweights. Addiction is not a term to be tossed around lightly and rightfully so. Addiction is larger than we as human beings and that's an important step to realize on the road to recovery. This book isn't the answer or the vaccine to cure the disease. However it is the syringe necessary to inject the vaccine. - Tyler B.
Nick Doan - Dr. Doan’s Son
Nick Doan's journey from gaming addiction to becoming a top runner illustrates the transformative power of unplugging from digital distractions and pursuing real-life goals. In his early years, Nick struggled with a gaming addiction, mirroring his father's similar issues, which contributed to the near-dissolution of his parents' marriage. As a coping mechanism, Nick delved deeper into gaming. His family reunited and collectively decided to change their path.
This decision led Nick to discover his talent in running. Initially, he faced challenges like adjusting to racing with oversized shoes, but his perseverance paid off, and he quickly rose to become one of the top runners in the country. His achievements in running, including leading his high school team to a state championship and earning a scholarship at Liberty University, are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Nick's transformation was spurred by a significant reduction in his gaming time, enforced by his parents, which initially caused anxiety but eventually led to renewed interest in school and extracurricular activities. This shift not only improved his academic performance but also unveiled his exceptional athletic abilities. Nick's story concludes with him training to be a plumber in Lynchburg, VA (https://www.drainboysllc.com), showing a well-rounded development from a gaming-obsessed teenager to a successful athlete and a focused professional.
The conclusion from Nick's story is clear: Unplugging from excessive gaming and media can open new doors to personal growth, academic success, and the discovery of hidden talents. Nick's journey demonstrates how stepping away from digital distractions allows individuals to explore their potential, achieve excellence in their interests, and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Nick’s testimony on YouTube.
Books & Videos by Doctor Doan
The views expressed on this website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. Any mention of products/services does NOT imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.
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