For many years, video games have been seen by parents and the older generation as detrimental to children and young people alike.
Some cite how video games can make kids more violent, some feel like they distract them from studying, and some others say they replace what could be good outside physical activity for kids.
While many of these claims are questionable, there’s one thing that even gamers can’t deny: and that’s how addicting video games can be!
Before we delve into the phenomenon that is video game addiction, we highly suggest you check out joystickgames.com. They offer the best and latest articles on all things gaming, be it new video games, game guides or tips, or interesting topics such as this!
Now, back to video game addiction.
To be clear, we would like to emphasize that there is a difference between being really hooked or “addicted” to video games and having a real addiction. For people who feel like they fall under the latter, we highly encourage you to consult a physician near you.
In this article, we’d like to explore what exactly makes video games so addictive, especially to teenagers and the younger generation. We have a few thoughts that we think fit the bill! Let’s see if you agree with them or not!
1. Video games are just downright fun and entertaining
This first reason should not at all be minimized. Video games can be addictive because they are in fact a whole lot of fun to play! I mean, who doesn’t like immersing themselves in a world where they can be a formula 1 race car driver, where they’re a military hero in a sci-fi adventure or a professional Pokemon trainer?
The reason why gamers come back for more is that games are generally very entertaining pieces of content that can provide good memories and fun experiences for both gamers and non-gamers alike!
2. Games help kids relax and destress
Being a kid and a teenager is hard. We’ve all been there, learning new things about not only the world but ourselves. There is so much stress and worry that fills a teenager’s mind that one can’t help but find a good way to relieve themselves and decompress.
This is where video games come in. Video games can be a great way to just vibe out and relax. Because they are relatively harm-free and cheap, they’re a great option for kids who just want to escape the hardships of being a teenager and just give themselves a good ol’ gaming break!
3. Games can be played anywhere these days!
Another reason why games are so addicting is that video games can be played almost anywhere! Gone are the days when you used to need a whole entertainment system, a TV, some speakers, and a console to play your favorite games.
Nowadays, all you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, and you’re good to go! Gaming handhelds have also seen a massive resurgence with systems such as the Nintendo Switch, making games playable anywhere you are or anywhere you need to be.
4. There’s a game for literally anyone out there
Being a teenager or a younger kid, you start to figure out what you like and dislike, what your tastes are, and bit by bit, who you are as a person. That means that your tastes will likely be unique to you and to your own individual personality.
With video games, there are genres literally for anyone and any preference out there. Do you like horror? There are games for that. Do you like sports? There are games for that! Do you like science fiction? There are games for that too. Do you like trading cards? Man, there are games for those as well!
There is a game for everyone and anyone and that just makes gaming such a cool and obvious choice for many people who are growing up and want to feel like they belong in a particular community of people (or gamers!).
5. They’re a great way of connecting with friends and classmates
This one’s a super underrated reason why video games are so addictive, especially to teenagers. With the dawn of the internet, online games and multiplayer games that support or heavily integrate chatting and talking with your friends in-game have been all the rage!
I mean, what better way is there to play a game than to play it with your best buds and have a good time! Games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, FIFA, and NBA 2K, are all games that take advantage of online multiplayer and enhance their gameplay by allowing friends to team up with each other or go head-to-head to have some good old friendly competition!
It’s also a great way to meet new people when you’re young, giving young kids a chance to help grow their friend group as they play games with their friend’s friends, who may now become their friends too!
And there we have, a few reasons why video games are so addictive, especially to teenagers and younger kids. Safe to say, video games should be a great part of one’s childhood and should not be dismissed outright by those who criticize them.
Video games are fun, and they’re meant to be fun, which is why teenagers shouldn’t be banned from playing them just because they’re can be a bit addictive! That’s the whole point!
