WOW Addiction – Real Disorder, or Imaginary Problem?

Video games are becoming an increasingly larger player in the mainstream media that we consume on a daily basis, and in turn, are causing plenty of discussion about the effects – both positive and negative – that they can create in those who enjoy them. As exciting as it may be to reach the next level or set a new high score in a favorite game, many children are becoming hooked on these games, perhaps even developing a video game addiction. One game in particular, World of Warcraft, or WOW, has generated plenty of debate about whether WOW addiction, Internet addiction, and other such issues are real disorders.

But are they? WOW addiction is believed to be a behavioral disorder, much like people can become addicted to work, gambling, or eating. In fact, the AMA has devoted research to this topic, and found that there are " concerns about untoward side effects (from video gaming), ranging from physical symptoms such as seizures and tendonitis, to socially maladaptive behaviors such as increased short-term aggressiveness and overuse syndromes." Regardless of the classification of WOW addiction as a true disorder or not, many parents are dealing with the very real effects. Children who are hooked on WOW can very quickly experience deterioration in nearly every aspect of their lives – mental and physical health, relationships, performance in school, behavior, and more. Worst of all, it can be extremely difficult to halt a WOW addiction once it has formed, as many parents have found punishments, deprivation, rewards, and other methods to be ineffective.

Clearly, talking with a physician to diagnose a potential WOW addiction is the first course of action, but there are a number of signs that might lead you to believe your child is too dependent on this game:

• Is playing WOW dominating your child's life?

• Does playing WOW give your child a "high," or some sense of pleasure?

• Does playing WOW result in your child showing a decreased interest in other activities?

• Is your child's WOW playing causing tension, arguments, or other conflict in the household?

There are many other signs that your child might have a WOW addiction, and you should speak to your doctor if you feel there might be a problem. While Mikko's goal is to give parents the tools to help their children learn responsible media management and time management skills, professional medical care can help if there are signs of a WOW addiction. In tandem with the care of a physician, the Mikko Que can potentially be an effective way to teach children how to manage their screen time in healthy ways.

For more information about how the Mikko Que can help parents monitor and control their children's excessive screen time, contact us today.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.