🎮

HSCD333- Activity #5- LOST BOYS Gaming Documentary

Apr 3, 2025

Lecture on Gaming Addiction

Introduction

  • Concerns over children's screen time.
  • Gaming as a pastime vs. addiction.
  • Extreme consequences of gaming addiction.

Case Study: Jake Uskoski

  • Background:

    • Began playing video games early, influenced by older sibling.
    • Demonstrated excellent hand-eye coordination.
  • Middle School:

    • Bullied at school, turned to online gaming.
    • Gaming replaced traditional social interactions.
    • Spent extensive hours gaming, affected sleep and other activities.
  • University Challenges:

    • Unable to balance gaming and academics.
    • Lied to parents about academic performance.
    • Reached a crisis point with thoughts of suicide.

Statistics and Studies

  • Center for Addiction and Mental Health: 13% of Ontario teens have gaming problems.
  • Worldwide addiction estimates: 1-9%.
  • Asian response: curfew and rehab centers in China and South Korea.

Gaming and Dopamine

  • Games produce dopamine similar to substance abuse.
  • Gaming addiction categorized as a disease by WHO.

Personal Stories

  • Sean's Story:
    • Rapid decline into addiction and eventual suicide.
    • Game was designed to be addictive, according to mother.

Industry Challenges

  • Gaming companies create addictive games for profit.
  • Industry resists classification as a disease due to stigma.

Pandemic Impact

  • Increase in gaming during the pandemic.
  • Significant rise in digital game sales.
  • Global increase in players.

Recovery and Support

  • Cam Adair:

    • Former addict, founded Game Quitters.
    • Platform supports global users seeking help.
    • Emphasizes difference between hobby and addiction.
  • Canada vs. U.S.:

    • Lack of specialized treatment centers in Canada.
    • U.S. has facilities like Restart in Washington.

Treatment Approaches

  • Restart Program:
    • Intensive 3-month cold turkey model.
    • Focus on reintegration and life skills.

Personal Recovery Stories

  • Jake's Recovery:

    • Mother’s support crucial in recovery.
    • Structured check-ins and accountability.
    • Living in recovery as a software engineer.
  • Support During Pandemic:

    • Jake returns home to stay with mom.
    • Maintains strict routine for recovery.

Conclusion

  • Gaming addiction is a significant mental health issue.
  • Need for awareness, treatment, and support systems.
  • Availability of resources like online quizzes to assess addiction risk.

Resources

  • A six-question quiz available on W5's website to assess gaming addiction risk.