


Niolosi (2002) found that video games are part of the daily routine for 65% of American girls and 85% of American boys. 1).Īddiction takes away from life and reduces motivation to do anything beyond the focus of the addiction (IGDA panel). It becomes abuse when it interferes with 'one's work or school, or disrupts personal or family relationships, and becomes increasingly necessary to feel good' (Orzack, 2005a, p. An activity becomes an addiction when it is used to change an individual's mood. By college, the individual progresses from simple to elaborate games and the student is game-hooked. Gamer Addiction is an obsession with video game playing that usually begins in elementary and middle school. What do these two students have in common? Insights garnered from answers to your questions lead you to believe that the source of both problems is overuse of the internet and the playing of computer or video games: Gamer Addiction. Assignments are turned in on time but only after pulling several 'all nighters.' Although her GPA and ACT are high, she admits to exhaustion because she sleeps two or three hours each night and lives on chocolate and caffeine. Procrastination is a pattern with this student. During the interview, you learn the student has few friends, procrastinates, isolates himself in his room, has carpel tunnel syndrome, eats irregularly, sleeps two hours each night, has migraines and backaches.Ī 40 year old senior female wants help studying for the GRE exam she is taking - tomorrow.

The academic report on your desk shows that he is frequently absent, falls asleep in class, and his assignments are late or nonexistent. The student avoids eye contact, seems uncomfortable, angry, and anxious to leave your office. Related topics: At-risk students and Counseling resources Gamer Addiction: A Threat To Student Success! What Advisors Need To KnowĪ 19 year old freshman male walks into your office looking disheveled, lacking personal hygiene, with red eyes, and has lost weight.
