How They Hook You; Gaming in Society
Have you ever wondered why video games are so fun to play? Is it the rewards, the accomplishments, the community, the conquest, or just an escape? It’s really all of the above and more. Gaming has made over 165 billion dollars in revenue since 1972 according to Visual Capitalist research. This revenue stream is only growing and being developed into our culture. But let me say video games aren’t inherently good or bad, but some are made to try to be addictive and keep people playing. The games that are best at doing this do so through completion of streaks, rewards that are difficult to achieve, building a fantasy world where you can escape the pains or fears of reality.
One of the main way games (which loosely includes phones, console, pc, and gambling) uses intermittent or variable conditioning, which gives periodic and random rewards. This causes the brain to keep excited and receive dopamine at intervals which keeps it engaged (Sarr, 2022). The more you can create a representation of yourself in an online world, the more a person will connect with the world and want to stay connected. You see this in games like SIMS, Words of Warcraft, and other role-playing games.
Children, teenagers, and adults can use gaming for enjoying a sense of belonging, forming a community of like-minded people, practicing social skills in a safe environment, making connection with less vulnerability, positive reinforcement, and a sense of accomplishment with being a part of something greater than yourself. Understanding the motivations can be very helpful in being able to empathize and communicate with someone who is gaming. If you attempt to just minimize their experience, they will not be likely to hear you out in your concerns. There is also the concept of “The Hero’s Journey” that is too lengthy to get into here, but I recommend anyone interested in knowing how people can feel heroic and why to look into this concept.
There is a difference between playing a game for fun, like in some of the reasons listed above, and between being addicted or “hooked.” The main difference is that the amount of gaming or type has made something unmanageable. You’ve spent too much money, missed out on real life relationships, or your work/school has been negatively impacted. If you’re seeing these types of results, then it’s time to seek help. Find a CMAT (certified multiple addiction therapist) in your local area if you or someone you know needs help assessing or treating internet or gaming behavior.