Internet, Gaming, and Gambling Addiction

Video games, online gambling, online shopping and pornography all have the potential to become problematic Social media also has an addictive quality that can cause withdrawal and exacerbate mood disorders and/or addictions What Makes a Video Game Addictive High Score Beating the Game No Ending to the Game – i.e. Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) Role Playing Novelty/Discovery A good portion of World of Warcraft is spent exploring imaginary worlds, and Minecraft is spent designing new worlds Relationships Acceptance A place to anonymously try out different personas Like other addictions, internet addiction can have physical, social, financial and emotional consequences In our digital age, it is highly unlikely that people can completely unplug. Similar to other behavioral addictions like eating and sex, it is necessary to identify the motivations behind the internet use Additionally, by its very rewarding nature, internet addiction will cause neurochemical imbalances which can lead to depression and apathy.