The Hero’s Journey: Video Game Addiction and Confidence
Video games have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, offering us a captivating and enjoyable way to spend free-time. From young kids to mature adults, everyone seems to be drawn to these virtual adventures. When used in balance, video games can bring us immense joy and relaxation. At the same time, they can also lead to addiction that can really start to impact someone’s life, as well as they way they view themselves. In this article, we’re going to delve deeper into the world of video game addiction and its effects on confidence.
The Connection Between Video Game Addiction and Confidence
One of the reasons many people enjoy games is the sense of accomplishment, achievement, and growth that comes from playing games. Video games are designed to be highly engaging and rewarding, providing players with a rush of achievement. Believe it or not, the brain does not differentiate this sense of achievement from real life achievement. Studies have shown that video game addiction can have a profound impact on an individual's confidence levels. The more time spent playing video games, the more players feel a sense of achievement. Unfortunately, this can lead to a vicious cycle that results in decreased confidence in the real world. A study by Kuss and Griffiths (2012) found that excessive gaming was associated with lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of anxiety and depression. The cycle works like this; As the person feels more competent in the game world, they spend more time playing and less time in the real world. As that happens, their real life abilities and achievements start to slip which leads to more feelings of incompetence. By returning to the game world, there is a sense of feeling accomplished again that reinforces spending more time in the game world, and makes it feel even worse to be present in the real world.
Further Impacts of Video Game Addiction on Mental Health
Video game addiction can also have a detrimental impact on mental health, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A study by Wei, Lo, Chen, and Chen (2010) found that excessive gaming was associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adults. These symptoms can further compound the negative effects on confidence, as individuals who are struggling with their mental health may find it difficult to cope with the demands of daily life.
Moreover, video game addiction can cause sleep deprivation, as individuals may spend hours playing and neglect their sleep. Lack of sleep can take a heavy toll on mental health, leading to decreased energy levels, mood swings, and decreased cognitive function. This can make it difficult for individuals to perform at their best, both in their personal and professional lives, further affecting their confidence.
Improving Confidence IRL (In Real Life)
The solution to the above challenges is not to simply stop playing or remove video games. Video games are not the problem; they’ve become a solution to meet a need. The key is to address the underlying need; finding a sense of confidence and competence in real life. If you believe you have a problem with video game use, I highly recommend seeking a therapist such as myself for additional support. Along with that, here are some steps you can take:
Consider what feels fulfilling and enjoyable to you: Identify at least one step you can take on a daily basis towards just one of those things, and make sure to do this before you play video games.
Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and emotional health by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Practice gratitude and appreciation: Express gratitude for the steps that you take towards finding balance, no matter how small they may be. If you did one thing that you didn’t do the day before that moves your life in the direction that you want, you’re making progress. The next day, if you repeat that, you make more progress. This will help you stay positive and focused on what you have instead of beating yourself up for not being where you want to be.
Learn from your failures: Failure is an opportunity to learn what NOT to do. Just like when you’re playing a game, if you make a mistake, the way to get better is to understand the reasons you made the mistake. Don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go as planned. Instead, reflect on what you learned and how you can make changes to be more in line with the life that you want.
Connect with people: Building meaningful relationships with others can provide a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Join clubs or groups with similar interests that meet regularly. Heck, you can even join a gaming group! If you want to spend less time gaming, seek out friends and mentors who support and encourage you, and who are living the way you would like to be living.
Practice mindfulness: Take time to slow down and be present in each moment, even while gaming. This can help you connect with your inner self, clarify your thoughts and feelings, and gain a better understanding of what you’re wanting in life.
In Closing
To sum up, video game addiction can have a profound impact on both confidence and mental health. When used in balance, however, they can be a great tool and can actually BUILD confidence! It is crucial to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help if necessary. By maintaining balance and taking steps to improve your mental health, you can enhance your confidence and lead a fulfilling life while still enjoying video games.
Are you a parent? Check out the FREE resources below!
FREE 5-Step Guide to start Breaking the Cycle of Argument and Game Addiction:
FREE Parent Support Group. Receive support from myself and other parents who are working on managing the challenge of parenting in the digital age.
References:
Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2012). Internet gaming addiction: A systematic review of empirical research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 10(2), 278-296.
Wei, R., Lo, V., Chen, W., & Chen, S. (2010). The relationship between online game addiction and self-esteem, anxiety, and depression: A longitudinal study. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 13(6), 671-675.
