About candy crush

Candy Crush is a popular mobile puzzle game that involves matching three or more candies of the same color in a row to score points and progress through levels.

Addiction to candy crush, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes candy crush addiction?

No, candy crush addiction is not listed as a separate disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). However, it may fall under the umbrella of “Internet Gaming Disorder” or “Non-Substance-Related Addictive Disorders” as a behavioral addiction. It is important to note that not everyone who plays Candy Crush or other mobile games is addicted, but excessive and compulsive use may indicate a problem.

So what means “candy crush addiction”?

Candy Crush addiction refers to a compulsive and excessive use of the mobile game Candy Crush Saga. It is characterized by an individual’s inability to control their urge to play the game, resulting in spending an excessive amount of time and money on it. Candy Crush addiction can lead to negative consequences such as neglecting responsibilities, social isolation, and financial problems. It is also considered a form of behavioral addiction, similar to other types of gaming addiction.

What is considered candy crush addiction?

• 1. Preoccupation with Candy Crush: An addicted person might have constant thoughts about playing Candy Crush or completing the next level.
• 2. Loss of Control: The inability to control the amount of time spent on the game is a key sign of addiction. An addicted person might continue playing the game for hours, even if they have other important things to do.
• 3. Withdrawal Symptoms: If a person experiences anxiety, irritability, or restlessness when they are unable to play Candy Crush, it could be a sign of addiction.
• 4. Neglecting Responsibilities: An addicted person might neglect their responsibilities, such as work or school, in order to play Candy Crush.
• 5. Financial Problems: Spending money on in-game purchases or on Candy Crush-related merchandise can be a sign of addiction.
• 6. Social Isolation: An addicted person might isolate themselves from family and friends in order to play Candy Crush.
• 7. Loss of Interest in Other Activities: An addicted person might lose interest in other hobbies and activities they once enjoyed in favor of playing Candy Crush.
• 8. Tolerance: An addicted person might need to play Candy Crush for longer periods of time or at higher levels in order to experience the same level of enjoyment as before.

How much candy crush is too much?

If playing Candy Crush begins to interfere with one’s daily responsibilities or relationships, it may be a sign that too much time is being spent on the game. It is important to maintain a healthy balance and prioritize important tasks and relationships over gaming.

Some video games addiction facts & statistics

Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, is a relatively new phenomenon and the statistics vary depending on the source and definition of addiction. Here are some statistics related to video game addiction:

1. According to a survey conducted by the Entertainment Software Association, 65% of American adults play video games, and the average age of a video gamer is 35 years old.

2. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, approximately 8.5% of adolescents in the United States meet the criteria for video game addiction.

3. The World Health Organization (WHO) included gaming disorder as a diagnosable conditionin the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11.. The WHO estimates that gaming disorder affects 3-4% of gamers.

4. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, gamers who play for more than 40 hours per week are more likely to report depression, anxiety, and lower overall life satisfaction.

5. A study conducted by the University of Oxford found that playing video games for less than an hour per day was associated with higher levels of well-being, while those who played for more than three hours per day had lower levels of well-being.

It is important to note that not all video game usage is considered addiction, and many people are able to enjoy video games in a healthy and balanced way.

This Course Breaks Your Digital Habits

START THE COURSE

Is the candy crush addiction widespread?

Yes, there are many people addicted to Candy Crush. The game is extremely popular and has been downloaded more than 2.7 billion times worldwide, making it one of the most played mobile games of all time. Its addictive gameplay and colorful graphics make it appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds. Some people even spend hours playing Candy Crush every day, which can have a negative impact on their productivity, social life, and mental health.

Why is candy crush so addictive?

Candy Crush is designed to be addictive because of several factors:

• 1. Reward System: The game provides instant gratification through its reward system. Each time a player completes a level, they are rewarded with points, stars, and colorful animations.
• 2. Easy to Play, Hard to Master: Candy Crush is easy to learn but difficult to master, which keeps players engaged and motivated.
• 3. Social Connectivity: Players can connect and compete with their friends on social media, which adds a social aspect to the game.
• 4. Visual Appeal: The game is visually appealing with its bright colors and cute characters, which makes it appealing to players of all ages.
• 5. Limited Lives: The game limits the number of lives a player has, which creates a sense of urgency and encourages players to keep playing to avoid running out of lives.

All of these factors contribute to the addictive nature of Candy Crush.

Possible causes of candy crush dependency

• 1. Reward system: Candy Crush uses a reward system that releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction in the brain, when players win a level or achieve a new high score. This can create a sense of accomplishment and motivate players to continue playing.
• 2. Easy access: Candy Crush is easily accessible on mobile devices and social media platforms, making it convenient for players to play anytime and anywhere.
• 3. Social pressure: Candy Crush is a social game that allows players to connect with friends and compete with each other. The social pressure to keep up with friends and maintain a high score can be a motivating factor in addiction.
• 4. Escapism: Addiction to Candy Crush may be a way for some people to escape from stress, boredom, or other problems in their life.
• 5. Psychological factors: Some individuals may be more prone to addiction due to underlying psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or compulsive behavior.

Signs & Symptoms of candy crush addiction

Now let’s see if you have the candy crush addiction problem.

• 1. You play Candy Crush constantly: You can’t go a single day without playing Candy Crush. You play it at home, at work, and even during your commute.
• 2. You spend real money on the game: You’ve spent real money on in-game purchases like extra lives, boosters, or moves.
• 3. You dream about Candy Crush: You’ve dreamt about Candy Crush, and it’s seeped into your subconscious.
• 4. You get frustrated when you can’t play: You get antsy and frustrated when you can’t play the game, whether it’s because your phone battery died or you’ve run out of lives.
• 5. You’ve reached the highest level: You’ve reached the highest level of Candy Crush, but you keep playing the game regardless.
• 6. You talk about Candy Crush to everyone: You talk about Candy Crush to anyone who will listen, even if they don’t play the game.
• 7. You prioritize Candy Crush over other things: You prioritize playing Candy Crush over other important things in your life, like work, school, or spending time with loved ones.

What are some benefits of candy crush

Here are some potential pros and advantages of Candy Crush:

• 1. Addictive gameplay: Candy Crush is known for its addictive gameplay, which keeps players engaged for hours. The game is easy to learn, but difficult to master, making it appealing to both casual and serious gamers.
• 2. Regular updates: Candy Crush is regularly updated with new levels, challenges, and features, which keeps the game fresh and exciting for players.
• 3. Social features: The game has social features that allow players to connect with friends and compete against them. This adds a social element to the game, making it more fun and engaging.
• 4. In-app purchases: While Candy Crush is free to download and play, it offers in-app purchases that allow players to progress faster or buy power-ups. This can be an advantage for players who want to advance quickly or have extra help when they get stuck on a level.
• 5. Availability: Candy Crush is available on multiple platforms, including mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers. This makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

But at the opposite, what can be some candy crush addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

Candy Crush, like any other video game, can have both positive and negative effects on your health. Here are some of the potential effects of playing Candy Crush:

Positive effects:
– Can help reduce stress: Candy Crush can be a good way to unwind and relax after a long day. It can also help take your mind off of stressful situations.
– Can improve cognitive skills: Candy Crush requires problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making. Playing it can help improve these skills.
– Can boost mood: Completing levels and earning rewards can be a source of satisfaction and happiness.

Negative effects:
– Can be addictive: Candy Crush, like any other game, can be addictive. It can lead to spending too much time playing the game and neglecting other important activities in life.
– Can cause eye strain: Staring at a screen for extended periods of time can cause eye strain, headaches, and other vision problems.
– Can lead to sedentary behavior: Playing Candy Crush for hours on end can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain, poor circulation, and other health problems.

Overall, playing Candy Crush in moderation is unlikely to have significant negative effects on your health. However, if you find yourself spending too much time playing the game or neglecting other important activities, it may be time to reassess how much time you spend on it.

candy crush and sleep disorder

There is no evidence to suggest that playing Candy Crush specifically can create sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, excessive screen time before bed can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep. This is because the blue light emitted from electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. It is generally recommended to avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime to promote healthy sleep habits.

candy crush affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of candy crush on your brain

• 1. Addiction: Candy Crush is designed to be highly addictive, with its colorful graphics, catchy music, and rewards system. The game can cause players to become hooked, spending hours each day playing and neglecting other areas of their life.
• 2. Decreased productivity: Playing Candy Crush can reduce productivity, as players become distracted and spend time playing the game instead of working or studying.
• 3. Impaired cognitive function: Over time, playing Candy Crush can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, remember information, and make decisions.
• 4. Increased stress and anxiety: The pressure of completing levels and earning rewards can cause players to feel stressed and anxious, which can have negative effects on their mental health.
• 5. Sleep disturbances: Playing Candy Crush can interfere with sleep patterns, as players may stay up late playing the game or wake up early to play.
• 6. Social isolation: Playing Candy Crush can lead to social isolation, as players may spend less time interacting with friends and family and more time playing the game alone.
• 7. Financial burden: Candy Crush is a free-to-play game, but players can spend real money on in-app purchases, which can lead to financial strain or addiction.

Some effects of candy crush on your mental health

There are several potential negative effects of Candy Crush on mental health, including:

• 1. Addiction: Candy Crush can be highly addictive, leading to compulsive behavior and loss of control over how much time and money are spent on the game.
• 2. Increased stress: Spending excessive amounts of time on Candy Crush can lead to increased stress and anxiety, as players may feel pressure to complete levels or achieve high scores.
• 3. Decreased productivity: Playing Candy Crush can be a major distraction, leading to decreased productivity at work, school, or other important tasks.
• 4. Impaired memory: Overuse of Candy Crush can impact short-term memory and attention span, making it difficult to focus on other activities or remember important information.
• 5. Sleep disturbance: Playing Candy Crush late into the night can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia, which in turn can impact overall mental health and wellbeing.

Overall, while Candy Crush can be a fun and entertaining game, it is important to use it in moderation and be aware of its potential negative impacts on mental health.

Does candy crush cause stress and anxiety?

Candy Crush may cause stress or anxiety in some individuals, especially if they become overly invested in the game and feel pressure to continually achieve higher levels or beat their previous scores. For some people, the game may become addictive and lead to feelings of frustration or disappointment when they are unable to progress as quickly as they would like.

Additionally, the constant notifications and reminders to play the game may contribute to feelings of anxiety or distraction from other tasks. However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience negative emotions while playing Candy Crush, and the impact of the game on an individual’s mental health will vary depending on personal factors and circumstances.

Can candy crush addiction lead to sadness and depression?

It is possible for excessive use of Candy Crush, or any other game, to lead to sadness or depression. Addiction to a game can lead to social isolation, neglect of responsibilities, and a decrease in overall life satisfaction, which can contribute to feelings of sadness or depression. However, it is important to note that not everyone who plays Candy Crush or other games will develop an addiction or experience negative effects. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other important aspects of life.

Dopamine and candy crush

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the reward and motivation systems of the brain. It is released in response to pleasurable experiences or stimuli, such as eating delicious food or winning a game. Candy Crush is a popular mobile game that is designed to trigger the release of dopamine in players, keeping them engaged and motivated to continue playing.

The game uses a variety of techniques to stimulate the brain’s reward system and keep players coming back for more. For example, completing a level or achieving a high score triggers a burst of dopamine, which creates a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. The game also uses visual and auditory cues, such as bright colors and cheerful music, to create a positive experience for players.

While playing Candy Crush can be an enjoyable and entertaining experience, it is important to remember that excessive use of the game can lead to addiction and other negative consequences. It is always important to use technology in moderation and to prioritize other activities and responsibilities in your life.

candy crush effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Yes, Candy Crush can affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance, especially if played excessively. Excessive gaming may lead to a lack of focus, distraction, and reduced productivity, as it can be time-consuming and addictive. Playing games like Candy Crush can also affect attention span, as players may become easily distracted and have difficulty concentrating on other tasks. It can also interfere with academic performance if it becomes a distraction from studying or attending classes. However, if played in moderation, Candy Crush or other games can have positive effects on cognitive function and stress reduction.

A word about ADHD and candy crush

It is possible that people with ADHD may interact differently with Candy Crush compared to those without ADHD. ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects attention, focus, and impulse control. Therefore, people with ADHD may have difficulty sustaining focus and attention on tasks that are not stimulating or rewarding. Candy Crush provides immediate rewards in the form of points and visual feedback, which may be more appealing to individuals with ADHD.

Additionally, people with ADHD may be more impulsive and prone to addictive behaviors. Candy Crush is designed to be addictive, with its colorful graphics, repetitive gameplay, and social features. This may make it more appealing and engaging to individuals with ADHD, who may have a higher risk of developing addiction.

However, it is important to note that everyone’s experience with Candy Crush will be different, regardless of whether they have ADHD or not. Some people with ADHD may find the game frustrating or overwhelming, while others may enjoy it as a way to relieve stress and improve focus.

affecting your relationships

candy crush and self-esteem

Candy Crush can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem. On one hand, successfully completing levels and achieving high scores can boost self-esteem and create a sense of accomplishment. This can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with low self-esteem or lack of motivation.

Additionally, the social aspects of the game, such as sharing progress and receiving praise from friends, can also contribute to a sense of validation and connection.

On the other hand, failing to complete levels or achieve high scores can lead to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even shame. This can be particularly harmful for people who are already struggling with low self-esteem or perfectionism.

Additionally, the addictive nature of the game can lead to feelings of guilt or shame for spending too much time playing and neglecting other responsibilities.

Overall, it is important to approach Candy Crush and other games with a balanced perspective and prioritize self-care and responsibility. Moderation and self-awareness are key in preventing negative effects on self-esteem.

candy crush addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, excessive use of Candy Crush or any other video game can lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to a game, they may spend a lot of time playing it, which can lead to neglecting social relationships and responsibilities. They may prefer to spend time alone playing the game rather than with friends and family, which can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Additionally, video game addiction can lead to mood changes, anxiety, and depression, which can further contribute to social withdrawal and isolation.

Effects of candy crush on your relationship

Positive effects:
– Playing Candy Crush together can be a fun and bonding activity that can strengthen your relationship.
– If one partner is stuck on a level, the other partner can offer support and encouragement, which can improve communication and teamwork skills.
– Playing Candy Crush can provide a stress-relieving activity that can help to reduce tension and improve mood.

Negative effects:
– Spending too much time playing Candy Crush can take away from quality time spent with your partner, which can lead to feelings of neglect and disconnection.
– If one partner becomes overly obsessed with the game, it can lead to resentment and conflict in the relationship.
– If one partner spends money on in-game purchases without the other’s knowledge or consent, it can lead to trust issues and financial strain.

This Course Breaks Your Digital Habits

START THE COURSE

Finally you think you are addicted to candy crush and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for candy crush?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your candy crush addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the candy crush addiction

• 1. Acknowledge the addiction: The first step is to admit that there is a problem and that you are addicted to the game.
• 2. Set a goal: Decide what your end goal is and why you want to quit playing the game. This can motivate you to stay on track and avoid relapse.
• 3. Create a plan: Develop a plan on how you will stop playing the game. This may include deleting the game from your phone, setting time limits, or seeking help.
• 4. Seek support: Talk to friends and family about your addiction and seek their support. You can also join support groups or seek professional help.
• 5. Find alternative activities: Replace the time you spent playing the game with other activities such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
• 6. Stay committed: Avoid temptation and stay committed to your goal. Remember the reasons why you wanted to quit in the first place and celebrate your progress along the way.

Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including candy crush:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of candy crush

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your candy crush accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge