People spend a lot of time using phones and computers. Much of that time is devoted to text messages and social media. But many people choose to spend their time playing computer games.
For years, parents and teachers have worried that these games might be addictive. And now, the World Health Organization has recognized addiction to computer games as a disease. The organization explains that this decision reflects general agreement among experts around the world that some people have a problem with these games. They show a pattern of behavior characterized by a lack of control. Such people make computer games a priority over their responsibilities. They may play games instead of attending school, or work, or socializing.
According to the World Health Organization experts, people's use of computer games is different from their use of the Internet, social media and online shopping. These experts claim there is not sufficient data to indicate that people's reliance on those other activities is an addiction. But they argue that playing computer games to access is different. This behavior can become a disorder. To meet the new definition for addiction, the behavior must damage a person's relationships or performance at school or work, and this must last for at least a year. Still not all behavior experts agree. Some argue that there's not enough research on the subject. Thus, they claim it is too early to call computer game addiction a disorder.