Video game addiction in China

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Possible addictive elements in video games[edit][edit]

Video games often feature open-ended gameplay without a predefined endgame, with developers continually expanding content through downloadable content (DLC). This encourages ongoing player engagement and social interaction. Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) exemplify this trend by facilitating connections between players globally.

Games employ addictive level reward systems, where players progress through increasingly challenging levels. Multiplayer games promote collaboration and competition, fostering social connections. In-game digital currencies incentivize prolonged play, allowing players to acquire virtual wealth to enhance their gaming experience.[1][2]

Some games feature real-life rewards for top players, such as cash prizes in tournaments. Time investment is crucial for mastering games, potentially creating disparities between casual and dedicated players. Emotionally engaging gameplay can lead to increased playtime, especially in addictive games.

Modern games emphasize vast content and immersive experiences, often through open-world environments or compelling gameplay loops. The virtual world may evolve even when players are offline, incentivizing continued engagement.

Apart from the common factors contributing to video game addiction, certain specific phenomena prevalent in China exacerbate this issue. The nation's high-pressure educational environment significantly correlates with addiction, particularly among individuals aged 12 to 18. Research by Rui Zhou (2023)[3] revealed that the prevalence of Video Game Addiction (VGA) was 40.9%, with a comparable rate of 41.8% for Social Media Addiction (SMA). Notably, both VGA and SMA exhibited a co-occurrence rate of 23.6% (see Figure 2). The mean age of those affected was 14.9 years (SD = 1.8 years; range 12–18 years), with an average of 9.0 years of education (SD = 1.7 years; range 5–13 years).Furthermore, there exists a negative correlation between academic performance and video game addiction, indicating that academic pressure significantly contributes to teenagers' susceptibility to addiction. Consequently, students are actively seeking safe spaces for mental health interventions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation appeared to worsen due to China's strict lockdown policies. As a result, internet-based entertainment saw significant development, emerging as the most convenient means for people to relax. This shift has led to a notable increase in addiction among the population. According to Yang-Yang Li (2021),[4] during the pandemic, the overall prevalence of Internet addiction among the general population was recorded at 36.7%, with severe Internet addiction affecting 2.8% of individuals, as indicated by scores on the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Recreational Internet usage notably increased during this period, with nearly half of the participants reporting heightened severity of Internet addiction.Negative emotions play a significant role in exacerbating the issue as well. People are eager to find activities that can help soothe their minds amid challenging circumstances.

Treatment[edit][edit]

Treatments may include in-patient intervention programs with a team of mental health professionals who are specialized in combating computer game addiction. Wilderness therapy, which is similar to in-patient treatment, provides treatment in an outdoor setting devoid of any technology or electronic devices. One-on-one counselling with a psychologist or mental health professional, experienced in working with computer game addictions, may be useful.  Family therapy entails a therapist looking at the family system and how it interacts with family activities. Computer game addiction books are available that allow an individual to self-treat their issues.

The Chinese government operates several clinics to treat those who overuse online games, chatting and web surfing. Treatment for the patients, most of whom have been forced to attend by parents or government officials, includes various forms of pain including shock therapy. In August 2009, Deng Sanshan was reportedly beaten to death in a correctional facility for video game and Web addiction. Most of the addiction "boot camps" in China are actually extralegal militaristically managed centers, but have remained popular despite growing controversy over their practices.

The absence of standardized methods for treating video game addiction is a significant challenge, compounded by profit-driven organizations exploiting parental anxieties. Globally, video game addiction lacks standardized diagnosis and treatment, leading to wide variations in prevalence estimates, particularly in regions like the United States and East Asia (Greenfield, David N., 2022).[5] The lack of agreed-upon diagnostic criteria hampers precise assessment and treatment matching, exacerbating the issue. Achieving lasting sobriety is particularly challenging due to the ubiquitous use of screen-based technologies in daily life.

In China, outdated perceptions and legal ambiguities contribute to chaos in the treatment landscape for video game addiction, with private institutions often operating in a legal gray area, disregarding adolescents' personal rights and freedoms. However, there's a positive shift as the Chinese government actively works on enacting laws to regulate these processes, aiming to bring clarity and standardization to addiction treatment. By expanding regulatory frameworks, the government seeks to address challenges within the treatment landscape and provide better support for those affected by video game addiction, underscoring a commitment to improving mental health services and safeguarding vulnerable populations. This development reflects a growing recognition of video game addiction as a public health issue and signifies a shift towards a more proactive approach in tackling emerging societal challenges associated with technological advancements. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare professionals, and relevant stakeholders will be crucial in effectively implementing and enforcing these regulations, alongside public awareness campaigns promoting healthier digital habits among adolescents. Prioritizing citizens' well-being, China can pave the way for more effective and compassionate responses to video game addiction.

Video game addiction is considered an impulse control disorder,[6] analogous to pathological gambling that does not include using intoxicating drugs. In China, as well as other parts of the world, the disorder is considered a problem. In June 2018, the World Health Organization listed "gaming disorder" in the 11th Revision of its International Classification of Diseases.[7] According to its definition, it is characterized by impaired control, prioritizing gaming by giving excessive time to games rather than other activities, lack of other interests in daily activities, and the continuation of gaming despite the negative consequences.[8] China has in place multiple laws attempting to combat video game addiction in minors.[9]

Possible addictive elements in video games[edit]

Many video games have no pre-defined endgame. The inclusion of downloadable content (DLC) means the game continues to expand over time.[10][11] DLC enables developers to expand their games and attract others for a player to play against. There is always another game.

Video games satisfy the need of social connections and activities.[10] Today's games encourage players to interact with each other, supporting the societal demand for interpersonal connections. Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are an example of this.

Level reward systems are addictive, and provide incentives to the player to level up.[10] In the introductory period of a game, players begin with basic characteristics with regards to attributes and skills. At low levels, it takes little effort to level up and progress. Each new level requires progressively more work to reach.

Multiplayer games do not end; this kind of game often encourages players to connect and collaborate with gamers around the world.[10][11] Massively multiplayer online role-playing games let players connect with each other. Examples include League of Legends and PUBG.

Video games often have digital currencies.[10] The more time players spend in a game, the more "wealth" they acquire. Players use this virtual wealth to "purchase" new aspects of the game. Rewards are set on different time schedules in video games.[10][11] Players may be rewarded for finishing tasks within a certain time frame, or might be given bonuses for playing during a pre-determined period.

The virtual gaming world continues to evolve, even when players are not online.[10] Even when players are not playing, the game's world may continue to develop. This creates an incentive to keep playing the game due to the fear of falling behind.

Top players or teams can receive rewards in real life,[10] as some tournaments offer cash prizes. Video games do not reward short and unscheduled periods of player time.[10] Achieving competency in games requires a large time investment. Casual players will often be unable to catch up to more dedicated players due to their lack of skills or in-game items.

Video games can generate strong emotions in players.[10][11] Addictive games offer unique methods to create emotional connections with players. It is an unconscious decision for people addicted to computer games to spend more time playing when they are emotionally invested in a game.

Modern video games are enormous and dense.[11] Many modern games focus on delivering large amounts of content through open-world levels or compulsion loops, allowing the player to delve deeply into a world for long periods of time.

Treatment[edit]

Treatments may include in-patient intervention programs with a team of mental health professionals who are specialized in combating computer game addiction.[12] Wilderness therapy, which is similar to in-patient treatment, provides treatment in an outdoor setting devoid of any technology or electronic devices.[12] One-on-one counselling with a psychologist or mental health professional, experienced in working with computer game addictions, may be useful. [12] Family therapy entails a therapist looking at the family system and how it interacts with family activities.[12] Computer game addiction books are available that allow an individual to self-treat their issues.[12]

The Chinese government operates several clinics to treat those who overuse online games, chatting and web surfing. Treatment for the patients, most of whom have been forced to attend by parents or government officials, includes various forms of pain including shock therapy.[13][14] In August 2009, Deng Sanshan was reportedly beaten to death in a correctional facility for video game and Web addiction.[15] Most of the addiction "boot camps" in China are actually extralegal militaristically managed centers, but have remained popular despite growing controversy over their practices.[16][17][18]

Anti-addiction measures[edit]

See also: Video games in China § Anti-addiction measures

In August 2021, China’s strict limits on how long minors can play online video games got stricter. Chinese children and teenagers are barred from online gaming on school days, and limited to one hour a day on weekend and holiday evenings. [19]

A new law passed in November 2019 limits children under 18 to less than 90 minutes of playing video games on weekdays and three hours on weekends, with no video game playing allowed between 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. These are set by requiring game publishers to enforce these limits based on user logins.[20] In September 2020, the government implemented its own name-based authentication system to be made available to all companies to uphold these laws.[21]

In 2017 Tencent Games restricted young players to one or two hours of playing online games due to concerns about children's development. The new gaming restriction policy set up by Tencent was first applied to the mobile phone online game Strike of Kings. Children who are under 12 years old are restricted to playing the game one hour per day, with no online access after 9:00 pm. Anyone who is between 12 and 18 years old are restricted to two hours playing a day.[22]


References[edit]

  1. ^ "15 Reasons & Theories on Why Video Games Are Addictive - TechAddiction". www.techaddiction.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  2. ^ Stegner, Ben (2018-07-04). "6 Psychological Reasons Why Video Games Are Addicting". MUO. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  3. ^ Zhou, Rui, et al. “Video Game Addiction in Psychiatric Adolescent Population: A Hospital-Based Study on the Role of Individualism from South China.” Brain and Behavior, vol. 13, no. 9, 2023, pp. e3119–e3119, https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.3119.
  4. ^ Li, Yang‐Yang, et al. “Internet Addiction Increases in the General Population During COVID‐19: Evidence From China.” The American Journal on Addictions, vol. 30, no. 4, 2021, pp. 389–97, https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.13156.
  5. ^ Greenfield, David N. (2022-01-01). "Clinical Considerations in Internet and Video Game Addiction Treatment". Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. Hot Topics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 31 (1): 99–119. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2021.09.003. ISSN 1056-4993.
  6. ^ "What is Video-game addiction?". addictionrecov.org. Archived from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  7. ^ "WHO includes gaming disorder as a new mental health condition". webmd.cn. Archived from the original on March 24, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  8. ^ "Gaming disorder". who.int. Archived from the original on February 6, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  9. ^ Borak, Masha (August 3, 2020). "China's real name verification system for games to launch nationwide by September". South China Morning Post. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Why are Video Games Addictive?". techaddiction.ca. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c d e "6 Psychological Reasons Why Video Games Are Addicting". makeuseof.com. July 4, 2018. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d e "Five Types of Treatment for Computer Game Addiction". techaddiction.ca. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  13. ^ Cheung, Humphrey (23 February 2007). "China electrocutes the WoW out of Internet addicts". TGDaily. Archived from the original on 24 January 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2007.
  14. ^ Sebag-Montefiore P (20 November 2005). "China's young escape into the web". Observer Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2007.
  15. ^ Stewart CS (13 January 2010). "Obsessed with the Internet: A Tale from China". Wired. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  16. ^ Kramer K (27 October 2018). "Chinese Psychiatrist Yang Yongxin accused of using shock treatment on "patients" with "internet addiction"". Archived from the original on 6 June 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  17. ^ "WHO includes gaming disorder as a new mental health condition". WebMD China. 19 June 2018. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  18. ^ "Screams heard at hospital notorious for electroshocking teen net 'addicts'". South China Morning Post. 25 October 2018. Archived from the original on 6 June 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  19. ^ Buckley, Chris (2021-08-30). "China Tightens Limits for Young Online Gamers and Bans School Night Play". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  20. ^ Hernández, Javier C.; Zhang, Albee (November 6, 2019). "90 Minutes a Day, Until 10 p.m.: China Sets Rules for Young Gamers". The New York Times. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  21. ^ Borak, Masha (August 3, 2020). "China's real name verification system for games to launch nationwide by September". South China Morning Post. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  22. ^ "Chinese internet giant limits online game play for children over health concerns". theguardian.com. July 4, 2017. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
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