Gaming 'addiction' term misleading

A new study has explored the importance of social interaction in gaming, where the attraction to gaming might not be any perceived dependence to playing video games but more likely a love of the social aspects of the games themselves.

A study in Kent State University examined what makes a gamer keep on playing. It was also done to finally decide if the term “addiction” can be fairly applied in relation to playing computer games, or if that term was misleading.

“Rather than craving the game itself, they crave the interaction they get in the game so rather than going out and having a real life social interaction, they’re having social interactions with other people on a game.", the report says.

Game addiction is defined by the American Medical Association as a person who “has more control and success over his or her social relationship in the virtual world than reality” which would seem to fit in with the study is claiming.

Obviously being an article about social gaming World of Warcraft featured prominently in it. However, it was the social aspects of the game that were being reported as being of a huge benefit to people rather than any mention of being addicted to playing it. The feeling of accomplishing something can also be a strong lure to continue playing a game, through the acquisition of points and achieving trophies.