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This article was published in the Forum, The Straits Times, p.H12, on July 29, 2005.

More should be done to help young computer-game addicts (”Four in 10 gamers at risk of addiction”; ST, July 26 and “Game addict’s dirty tale”; ST, July 27).

As a board-certified educational therapist and professional counselor at the Centre for Exceptional Children, I have seen an increase in the number of teenage clients (some as young as 11 years old) with what has been termed “computer-addiction syndrome” (also known by other terms like Internet, virtual or cyber game addiction).

The findings of the Parents’ Advisory Group for the Internet (Pagi) survey, based on a survey of about 1000 gamers who visited the Planet Games exhibition held at the Singapore Science Centre last year (i.e., 2004), are quite alarming when it reported that 37% of our one million gamers are at risk of becoming computer-addicted.

Parents and teachers or the public in general need to be educated on the effects of computer addiction and what can be done to help those who are already addicted.

I agree with National Institute of Education social psychologist Angeline Khoo, who said that “… game addiction is such a new field, there aren’t widely accepted clinical criteria …”.

While waiting for the relevant authorities to come up with an official clinical term, definition and criteria to describe, in the meantime, consider the following psychological symptoms observed:

• Strong urge to over-spend time and/or money on computer activities in order to experience pleasure, gratification or relief, resulting in a loss of control in limiting one’s spending or time at the computer.
• Strong sense of importance attached to the computer rather than the feelings of other people in one’s life.
• Pre-occupation with the computer and its activities - thinking about the experience, planning to return to it, or purchasing latest hardware and/or software even when not using the computer.
• Dsiplay of high-risk behaviors when on the computer, compromising one’s morals and values arising from the opportunity to remain anonymous and protected on the computer.
• Neglect of social and/or familial interaction as well as educational and/or work obligations, resulting in the risk of losing personal relationships, career access and advancement opportunities, financial stability and/or educational accomplishment.
• Dishonesty with family members, friends, colleagues and others about the time spent or activities participated in when on the computer.
• Manifestation of dysphoric symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance, increased anxiety, depression and aggressiveness when disengaged from computer activities.
• Confused feeling of euphoria and guilt or acting out abnormal behaviors while on the computer.

In addition, game addiction is also a physiological problem, developing symptoms like carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, migraine, backaches and sleep disturbances.

The list of symtpoms is not meant for self-diagnosis but serve as a guideline so that professional help can be sought earlier.

Copyright © 2007 Dr Noel K.H. Chia. All rights reserved. see Disclaimer