By. Brady Rodziczak

What negative effects can video game addictions cause? Many negative effects can stem from video game addictions. Some of these effects are: A decrease in academic performance Lowered GPA A decrease in social behavior Seclusion, lack of communication, etc. Problems with physical and mental health Increased irritability, obesity, increased exhaustion, etc. These effects are very common among college students.

The Effects of Video Game Addictions on Academic Success Research shows that increased or addictive use of video games can have negative effects on the academic success of students, especially those in college. One study done on 319 college students showed a correlation between lower GPA’s and increased usage of video games (Ventura, Shute, & Kim, 2012, pp. 1262- 1263). When video game usage increased from 0 to 7 hours a week, the average GPA of the participants decreased from 3.18 to 3.00 (Ventura, Shute, & Kim, 2012, pp. 1262- 1263).

Primary Research My own personal research on the subject showed the same results. During the research period of my study, I found that 50% of my participants that classified themselves as gamers had a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0, and the other half had a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0. When asked how many hours a week they played, the students with the lower GPA’s answered with larger amounts of time. Some answered 8 hours or more. This is much more negative than the results of non – gamers, where 94% of students responded with a GPA of 3.0 or above. 89% also reported between 0 and 2 hours of gameplay each week.

Effects on Social Behavior Gaming addictions can also have an effect on the social behavior of people affected by them. Some major effects of this are becoming secluded from the outside world and losing contact with people. In an online article written by Jonathan Craton, who holds an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development from Taylor University, he states that obsessions can form in students and cause them to loose touch with the outside world when the over use of games is allowed (Craton, 2011).

Primary Research There were correlations in my study that matched with these statements as well. 28% of the participants of my study agreed that video games have caused them to be less social. From personal experience, I have also noticed increased antisocial behavior due to video games in my own life. When I was younger, I played video games much more than I do now, to the point I hardly talked to people or left my bedroom. Ever since I cut down on game time, I go outside and hang out with friends more often.

Effects on Physical and Mental Health Lastly, video games can have large effects on the mental and physical health of people. They can cause physical problems such as an increase in weight or a decrease in physical activity. They can also cause mental problems such as increased irritability. In an online article, it is said that short – term aggression is linked to the use of violent video games, showing increased irritability (Craton, 2011, April 6).

Primary Research In my study, I included an optional question to gauge what effects were caused by gaming most often. Out of the people that answered the question, 73% responded that video games caused them to experience a decrease in physical activity. 36% also reported an increase in weight. Lastly, 27% reported increased exhaustion.

How do I prevent the negative effects of gaming? There are many ways in which someone can prevent, or even stop, a video game addiction. Such ways include: Limiting yourself to a certain amount of usage per week This helps to reduce addictive behavior due to over usage Going to hang out with friends Helps repair contact with the people around you Going outside to take a walk Helps to reduce reclusive behavior and readjust to the public Working out Helps to improve physical fitness, release stress, and clear the mind Many more!

Overview Addictions to video games can have major effects on a person’s academic success, social behavior, and physical and mental health. College students are especially susceptible to these effects. Even if addictions develop though, there are many ways to stop them. This can be done through simple actions such as hanging out with friends or working out.

References Craton, J. (2011, April 6). The effect of videogames on student achievement. Retrieved from http://www.acsd.org Ventura, M., Shute, V., & Kim, Y. J. (2012, May). Video gameplay, personality and academic performance. Computers & Education, 58, 1260–1266. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.11.022