Welcome to our digital detoxing series! A series on how to stop addictions to Fortnite,Facebook,Instagram,porn,Netflix, Youtube,Tinder… Find all the posts about digital addiction. Today, let’s talk about how to quit the factorio addiction.
- What’s the factorio addiction?
- Addiction to factorio, a “real” addiction?
- What’s considered factorio addiction
- How much factorio is too much?
- Some video games addiction facts & statistics
- Symptoms & Causes of the factorio addiction
- Why is factorio so addictive?
- Possible causes of factorio dependency
- Symptoms, Causes and Signs of factorio addiction
- Problems, impacts & bad effects of factorio
- Some benefits of factorio
- health problems
- impact on brain & mental health
- impact on relationships
- How to stop & quit your factorio addiction
- Main steps and solutions to break the factorio addiction
- Best factorio blocker apps & functionalities
- where to seek extra help?
- Conclusion
- To Go Further
- How to help someone with factorio addiction
- Best books about video games addiction
- Research about video games addiction
What is the factorio addiction?
About factorio
A game in which you build and maintain factories. You will be mining resources, researching technologies, building infrastructure, automating production and fighting enemies. In the end, you hope to escape to space.
Addiction to factorio, 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 factorio addiction?
No, factorio addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.
So what means “factorio addiction”?
There is no agreed upon definition of factorio addiction, but it is generally used to describe a situation where someone is excessively obsessed with the game Factorio.
What is considered factorio addiction?
- 1. You spend more time thinking about factorio than you do anything else.
- 2. You spend more time playing factorio than you do anything else.
- 3. You spend more time talking about factorio than you do anything else.
- 4. You spend more time planning your factorio game than you do anything else.
- 5. You have more factorio saved games than you do anything else.
- 6. You have more factorio mods than you do anything else.
- 7. You have more factorio screenshots than you do anything else.
- 8. You have more factorio blueprints than you do anything else.
- 9. You have more factorio servers than you do anything else.
- 10. You have more factorio friends than you do anything else.
How much factorio is too much?
There is no such thing as too much time spent on Factorio!
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.
Is the factorio addiction widespread?
There are certainly many people who enjoy playing the game and may become engrossed in it for extended periods of time. It is important for individuals to monitor their gaming habits and ensure they are not negatively impacting their mental or physical health or interfering with other important aspects of their lives.
Symptoms, Causes and Signs of factorio addiction
Why is factorio so addictive?
There are many reasons why Factorio is so addictive. One reason is that it is a very challenging game that requires a lot of strategic thinking. Another reason is that it is very satisfying to see your factories and machines working together to produce products.
Possible causes of factorio dependency
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone experiences addiction differently. However, some possible causes of factorio addiction could include a need for escapism, a desire for power or control, or simply a love for the game itself. No matter the cause, addiction is a serious issue that should be addressed with professional help.
Signs & Symptoms of factorio addiction
Now let’s see if you have the factorio addiction problem.
- 1. You can’t get enough of the game and find yourself playing it for hours on end.
- 2. You always need to be planning and optimizing your base,even when you’re not playing the game.
- 3. You get really excited when you find a new mod or discover a new way to build your base.
- 4. You can’t help but tinker with your base even when there’s nothing else to do in the game.
- 5. You love to talk about Factorio with other people who are also addicted to the game.
- 6. You find yourself spending more time thinking about Factorio than anything else.
- 7. You can’t imagine your life without Factorio in it.
Problems, impacts & bad effects of factorio: should you quit?
What are some benefits of factorio
There are many reasons why Factorio is such a great game. One of the main reasons is that it is very moddable. This means that there is a huge community of modders who have created a vast array of modifications (mods) for the game that can change the game in a variety of ways, from adding new items and buildings to changing the game mechanics. This means that there is a huge amount of replayability and you can tailor the game to your own playstyle.
Another reason Factorio is so great is because of the level of detail and complexity that the game can achieve. The game simulates a lot of real-world processes and systems, such as electricity, logistics, and manufacturing. This means that there is a lot to learn and discover, and you can really get a feel for how everything works. This also makes the game very challenging, as you need to carefully manage all of these systems in order to be successful.
Overall, Factorio is an excellent game that offers a huge amount of content, challenge, and replayability. It is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of simulation games.But at the opposite, what can be some factorio addiction problems addicts suffer from?
general health problems
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s health will be affected differently by playing Factorio. However, some possible health effects that could be associated with playing Factorio include:
-Eye strain from staring at the screen for long periods of time
-Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions of the hands and wrists
-Back pain from sitting in the same position for extended periods of time
-Weight gain from a sedentary lifestyle
-Anxiety and stress from the fast-paced and competitive nature of the game
factorio and sleep disorder
There is no evidence to suggest that playing Factorio can directly cause sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, like with any video game or screen-based activity, playing Factorio for an extended period of time before bed can potentially disrupt sleep patterns and lead to difficulty falling asleep or poor quality of sleep. It is recommended to limit screen time before bed and to establish a healthy sleep routine to promote restful sleep.
factorio affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?
Some effects of factorio on your brain
There is not much research on the effects of factorio on the brain, but it is possible that this game can have a negative impact on some players. Some people may become so obsessed with the game that they neglect their real life responsibilities, which can lead to problems at work or school.
Additionally, some players may become so engrossed in the game that they begin to experience anxiety or depression.
Some effects of factorio on your mental health
There is not much evidence to suggest that Factorio has any negative impact on mental health. In fact, some research suggests that the game may actually have some positive benefits. One study found that Factorio players had higher levels of spatial awareness and problem-solving skills than non-players.
Additionally, the game has been found to improve mood and reduce stress.
Does factorio cause stress and anxiety?
While everyone’s experience may vary, it is possible that playing Factorio for extended periods of time or attempting to optimize complex systems in the game could cause stress or anxiety for some individuals. However, it is important to note that video games are not inherently bad for mental health and can actually provide a sense of relaxation and enjoyment for many people. As with any activity, it is important to monitor your own feelings and take breaks as needed to prevent burnout or negative effects on mental health.
Can factorio addiction lead to sadness and depression?
It is possible for any addiction, including a factorio addiction, to lead to feelings of sadness and depression. This is because addiction can disrupt normal brain chemistry and cause changes in mood, behavior, and overall mental health.
Additionally, spending excessive amounts of time playing video games can lead to social isolation and a lack of engagement in other activities, which can also contribute to feelings of sadness and depression. It is important to seek help and support if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues related to video game use.
Dopamine and factorio
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system. It is associated with feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement of behavior. Factorio is a video game that is known for its addictive gameplay, as players are constantly rewarded with progress and achievements as they build and manage their own factory. The game’s mechanics, such as resource management and optimization, can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of satisfaction and pleasure. This can contribute to the game’s addictive nature and keep players engaged for extended periods of time.
factorio effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…
Factorio is a highly engaging and immersive game that can be addictive for some individuals. It can potentially affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance if played for extended periods or too frequently.
Spending too much time playing Factorio can lead to a decrease in productivity and attention span, as the brain is constantly stimulated by the game’s mechanics and challenges. This can result in difficulty focusing on other tasks or responsibilities, including academic work.
However, playing Factorio in moderation can also have positive effects on focus and problem-solving skills. The game requires strategic planning, critical thinking, and decision-making, which can translate to improved cognitive abilities and academic performance.
Overall, it is important to balance leisure activities like gaming with other responsibilities and activities to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle.
A word about ADHD and factorio
Yes, people with ADHD may interact with Factorio differently than those without ADHD. ADHD is a neurological condition that affects attention, focus, and impulse control, among other things. This can impact how a person approaches and engages with video games like Factorio.
Some people with ADHD may find Factorio particularly engaging due to its complex, problem-solving gameplay and the ability to hyperfocus on the game for extended periods of time. However, others may struggle with the game’s high level of detail and need for organization, which can be overwhelming or frustrating for those with ADHD.
Additionally, people with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity, which can lead to impulsive decision-making in the game. This could lead to mistakes, such as wasting resources or neglecting important tasks.
Overall, the impact of ADHD on a person’s experience playing Factorio will vary depending on the individual and their specific symptoms.
affecting your relationships
factorio and self-esteem
It is possible that playing Factorio could affect someone’s self-esteem positively or negatively depending on their perception of their own success in the game.
On one hand, successfully building and managing a complex factory in Factorio could lead to feelings of accomplishment and pride, which could boost self-esteem. The game rewards players for efficient and effective gameplay, so achieving goals and milestones could provide a sense of achievement.
On the other hand, struggling to progress or failing to meet goals in the game could lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment, which could negatively impact self-esteem.
Additionally, comparing oneself to others who may have more successful or efficient factories could also lead to negative self-perception.
Overall, the impact of Factorio on self-esteem would depend on individual experiences and perceptions of success in the game.
factorio addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?
Yes, it is possible for Factorio addiction to lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to playing Factorio, they may spend a lot of time playing the game and neglecting other aspects of their life such as work, socializing, and maintaining relationships. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness as they may withdraw from social activities and relationships.
Additionally, the intense focus on the game can lead to a lack of interest in other activities and hobbies, which can further contribute to feelings of isolation. It is important for individuals who are struggling with Factorio addiction to seek help and support to avoid these negative consequences.
Effects of factorio on your relationship
Positive Effects:
- 1. Shared interest:Factorio can be a great way to bond with a partner who enjoys strategy games and problem-solving.
- 2. Cooperative play:The game requires teamwork and communication, which can strengthen communication skills and build trust between partners.
- 3. Increased time spent together:Playing games together can provide a fun way to spend quality time together, which can strengthen the bond between partners.
- 4. Learning new skills:Factorio can help partners learn new skills and challenge each other, which can be rewarding and stimulating for the relationship.
Negative Effects:
- 1. Time-consuming: The game can be very addictive and time-consuming, which can lead to neglecting other responsibilities and less time spent with one’s partner.
- 2. Frustration and conflict:The game can be challenging, and disagreements over strategy and decision-making can lead to tension and conflict between partners.
- 3. Different skill levels:If one partner is more experienced or skilled in the game, it can create an imbalance in the relationship and cause frustration or resentment.
- 4. Lack of variety:Playing the same game for extended periods can become monotonous and lead to boredom or disinterest in the activity.
How To Stop & quit Your factorio Addiction
Finally you think you are addicted to factorio and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for factorio?
Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your factorio addiction.
Main steps and solutions to break the factorio addiction
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, some suggested steps to get rid of factorio addiction include:
- 1. Acknowledge that you have a problem.
- 2. Set realistic goals for yourself.
- 3. Make a plan to cut back on your factorio use.
- 4. Seek support from family and friends.
- 5. Seek professional help if necessary.
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 factorio:
1. Purge temptations: Get rid of factorio
First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your factorio 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: