Hello students, I'm Super Gamer, and I'm here to talk to you about Gaming Addiction. Yes, that's right. If you don't game responsibly you can become addicted.

What is addiction?  Any time a person requires more of the source as time goes on and becomes irritable and depressed when they  cant access it, they are addicted.

Have you ever been hooked on playing a video game and got into the flow  and lost all track of time?  If you're not careful, this can lead to becoming a pathological gamer  and forming a bad habit.  You might even start to crave  the action, lights, sounds, and adventure of the game.  

What causes addiction?  Some experts say increased levels of dopamine add to the problem.  Neurotransmitter dopamine works in the brain's reward center and is released during in activities people find pleasure.

Who becomes addicted?   Gamers who play Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) such as FortNite  are more likely to become addicted because they offer the satisfaction of achievement and a false idea of close friendships, which gamers believe they are missing in real life.  

How does addiction start?  Overuse can often begin as a result of real-life factors like stress, low self-esteem, and multiple life problems (parents divorcing, illness in the family, loss of a family member, family member substance addictions, abuse, etc.) and becomes a way of escaping reality or coping with life.  

What are some of the warning signs of gaming addiction?

1)  You find yourself escaping the difficulties of life.

2)  You are playing longer periods as time goes on and not participating in usual activities such as family time, spending time with actual friends, hobbies, sports, and outside activities.

3)  You're skipping showers and meals to play.

4)  You're school work is suffering.

5)  You are lying to others to hide gaming time.

6)  You are irritable and moody when forced to stop gaming.

7)  You are losing sleep or can't sleep.