About mmorpg

MMORPG stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. It is an online game where thousands of players can interact and play together in a persistent virtual world.

Addiction to mmorpg, 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 mmorpg addiction?

No, MMORPG addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “mmorpg addiction”?

MMORPG addiction is an excessive or compulsive use of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). People who are addicted to MMORPGs are often so engrossed in the game that they neglect their personal relationships and responsibilities, and may even become isolated from the real world. People who suffer from MMORPG addiction may experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, or an inability to concentrate.

What is considered mmorpg addiction?

• 1. Spending more time playing MMORPGs than engaging in other activities, such as work, socializing, or sleeping.
• 2. Feeling a strong desire to play MMORPGs, even when it has a negative impact on one’s life.
• 3. Engaging in “binge” play, playing for extended periods of time without breaks.
• 4. Lying to friends and family about the amount of time spent playing MMORPGs.
• 5. Feeling irritable or anxious when not playing MMORPGs.
• 6. Neglecting work or school responsibilities in favor of playing MMORPGs.
• 7. Feeling a sense of relief or pleasure when logging on to play MMORPGs.
• 8. Becoming preoccupied with MMORPGs, thinking about them constantly or trying to plan when the next session can be played.
• 9. Becoming socially isolated, spending more time playing MMORPGs than interacting with others in person.
• 10. Becoming financially strained due to excessive spending on MMORPGs, such as buying in-game items or subscriptions.

How much mmorpg is too much?

The amount of time spent on MMORPGs is up to the individual. It is important to remember that these games should not be viewed as an escape from reality and should not interfere with other important activities such as work, school, or family life. If playing MMORPGs is causing distress or interfering with other aspects of life, then it may be time to take a break or seek professional help.

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.

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Is the mmorpg addiction widespread?

Yes, there are many people who are addicted to MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games). MMORPGs are designed to be highly immersive and engaging, and many players find themselves spending hours upon hours playing these games. While not everyone who plays MMORPGs becomes addicted, it is a common problem among gamers, and can have negative impacts on their mental and physical health, relationships, and daily life. It is important for players to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of their life.

Why is mmorpg so addictive?

MMOs give players the opportunity to experience a sense of belonging and camaraderie, as well as the chance to take on challenging tasks and become powerful and respected in the game world. MMOs are also highly customizable, allowing players to create their own unique characters, explore expansive virtual worlds, and work together with other players to complete group objectives. This sense of control and accomplishment, combined with the social aspect of the game, is what makes MMOs so addictive.

Possible causes of mmorpg dependency

• 1. Escaping Reality: Many MMORPG players become addicted to the fantasy world, where they can forget about their day-to-day worries and just enjoy the game.
• 2. Social Interaction: MMORPGs offer players the chance to connect with others, making it a great way to make friends and connect with people from all over the world.
• 3. Achievement and Competition: MMORPGs are designed to offer players the chance to experience various challenges and have the satisfaction of overcoming them.
• 4. Fear of Missing Out: Many players don’t want to miss out on the latest content or miss out on the opportunity to level up their characters, so they keep playing to stay on top of things.
• 5. Lack of Sleep: The “just one more game” mentality can quickly lead to a lack of sleep, resulting in fatigue and an inability to focus on other tasks.
• 6. Poor Time Management: Players may find that they’re spending more time playing MMORPGs than they intended, leading to an overall decrease in productivity.

Signs & Symptoms of mmorpg addiction

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

• 1. You can’t seem to stay away from your computer for more than a few hours at a time.
• 2. You have a hard time focusing on other tasks because you’re always thinking about what you need to do in the game.
• 3. You find yourself making excuses to play more and more often.
• 4. You’re spending money on in-game items and microtransactions.
• 5. You look forward to playing the game more than anything else.
• 6. You find yourself talking about the game more than anything else.
• 7. You find yourself trying to make new friends in the game.

What are some benefits of mmorpg

• 1. Social environment: MMORPGs create an incredibly social environment, allowing players to meet new people, form friendships and play alongside others from all around the world.
• 2. Immersion: MMORPGs are incredibly immersive experiences, offering players a chance to truly become a part of the game world. Players can customize their character, explore the game world, and interact with others in a way that they never could in single-player games.
• 3. Variety: MMORPGs offer a huge variety of content, ranging from PvP battles to PvE raids and dungeons. This variety keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting, as players can jump between activities and experiences as they please.
• 4. Progression: One of the main draws of MMORPGs is the sense of progression. Players can level up their character, gain new abilities and gear, and progress through the game’s content. This progression encourages players to keep coming back, as they strive to become more powerful.
• 5. Community: MMORPGs have incredibly vibrant communities, allowing players to come together and discuss the game, share tips and strategies, and create lasting friendships. This community helps to keep players motivated and engaged, creating a strong sense of attachment to the game.

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

general health problems

• 1. Increased Risk of Addiction: Prolonged exposure to MMORPGs can lead to addiction, which can cause significant physical, mental, and social health problems.
• 2. Reduced Social Interaction: Spending excessive amounts of time in MMORPGs can lead to a decrease in real-world social interaction and communication, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
• 3. Poor Sleep Habits: Excessive gaming can lead to poor sleeping habits and an increased risk of insomnia.
• 4. Physical Health Problems: Prolonged gaming can lead to physical health problems such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain.
• 5. Poor Diet: Spending excessive amounts of time gaming can lead to poor dietary habits, including not eating enough or eating unhealthy foods.

mmorpg and sleep disorder

Yes, playing MMORPGs can potentially create sleep disorders or problems. The blue light emitted by computer screens can disrupt the body’s natural production of melatonin, which can make it harder to fall asleep.

Additionally, the excitement and stimulation of playing MMORPGs can keep players mentally alert and make it difficult for them to wind down and relax before bed. Playing MMORPGs for extended periods of time can also lead to irregular sleep patterns and a lack of sleep, which can cause fatigue and other health problems over time.

mmorpg affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of mmorpg on your brain

• 1. Increased Risk of Addiction: MMORPGs can be highly addictive, as players are constantly striving for success and rewards. This can lead to a strong compulsion to log in and play, even at the expense of other activities.
• 2. Disregard for Real Life: Players can become so engrossed in the game that they forget about their real life responsibilities. This can lead to a lack of motivation and difficulty in managing time effectively.
• 3. Poor Social Skills: Players may become so isolated that they forget how to interact with people in the real world. They may also become socially awkward or develop an unwillingness to socialize.
• 4. Sleep Deprivation: MMORPGs can take up a lot of time, leading to a lack of sleep. This can cause players to become irritable and can cause long-term health problems.
• 5. Negative Effects on Mental Health: MMORPGs can cause players to become depressed or anxious, or can exacerbate existing mental health issues. They can also lead to feelings of guilt or shame when players feel they are not meeting their goals.

Some effects of mmorpg on your mental health

• 1. Addiction: MMORPGs can, in some cases, become very addicting due to the sheer amount of content they provide. Prolonged play can lead to social isolation, depression, and even anxiety.
• 2. Time Commitment: Spending too much time playing MMORPGs can lead to neglect of your social life and real-world relationships, and cause you to miss out on other activities and hobbies.
• 3. Poor Self-Image: Players may develop a poor self-image due to the unrealistic representations of body image, gender, race and class in MMORPGs. This can lead to a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem.
• 4. Stress: Playing MMORPGs can be highly competitive and stressful, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety. This can be exacerbated by the presence of aggressive players, who may harass and bully others.
• 5. Online Harassment: Players may be subjected to online harassment, which can have psychological consequences such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
• 6. Financial Pressure: Spending money on MMORPGs, such as purchasing in-game items or paying subscription fees, can lead to a financial burden. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Does mmorpg cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, playing MMORPGs can cause stress and anxiety for some individuals. This can happen for several reasons:

• 1. Time commitment: MMORPGs can require a significant amount of time commitment to progress in the game, which can lead to stress and anxiety about not having enough time to complete tasks or keep up with other players.
• 2. Competitive nature: MMORPGs are often highly competitive, and players may feel pressure to perform well and compete with others. This can lead to stress and anxiety about not being good enough or not being able to keep up with other players.
• 3. Social pressure: MMORPGs are social games, and players may feel pressure to fit in with their guildmates or other players. This can lead to stress and anxiety about social interactions and fitting in with others.
• 4. In-game challenges: MMORPGs often have challenging quests and boss battles that can be difficult to complete. This can lead to stress and anxiety about not being able to complete these challenges.

Overall, while MMORPGs can be a fun and engaging way to pass the time, it is important to be aware of the potential for stress and anxiety and take steps to manage these feelings if they arise.

Can mmorpg addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, MMORPG addiction can potentially lead to sadness and depression. People who become addicted to MMORPGs may prioritize virtual relationships and achievements over real-life responsibilities and relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Additionally, the constant pressure to “keep up” with other players and maintain a high level of performance can lead to anxiety and stress. When the addiction becomes severe, the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms when not playing the game, which can exacerbate feelings of sadness and depression. It’s important for individuals who suspect they may be addicted to seek professional help to address their addiction and any resulting mental health issues.

Dopamine and mmorpg

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system. It is released when we experience something pleasurable, and it reinforces our behavior by making us want to repeat the experience.

MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) are known to trigger dopamine release in the brain. This is because these games are designed to provide a sense of achievement and progress, with rewards such as experience points, levels, and loot. Players are motivated to keep playing to reach the next level or acquire better gear, which triggers the release of dopamine.

The social aspect of MMORPGs can also contribute to dopamine release, as players form bonds and build relationships with others in the game. This sense of connection and belonging can be rewarding and lead to further engagement with the game.

However, excessive playing of MMORPGs can lead to addiction, as the brain becomes reliant on the dopamine release from the game. This can have negative effects on mental health and can interfere with daily life. It is important to approach gaming in moderation and seek help if addiction is a concern.

mmorpg effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Yes, MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) can have an impact on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance. Here are some ways:

• 1. Distraction: MMORPGs can be highly engaging and immersive, which can lead to distraction from other tasks or responsibilities. Players may struggle to focus on important tasks or lose track of time while playing.
• 2. Addiction: MMORPGs can be highly addictive, and players may struggle to control their gaming habits. This can lead to a decline in productivity and academic performance as players spend more time gaming and less time on other activities.
• 3. Sleep deprivation: MMORPGs often require players to spend long hours playing or to stay up late to participate in raids or events. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can negatively impact focus, productivity, and academic performance.
• 4. Social isolation: MMORPGs can be played online with other players from around the world, but this can also lead to social isolation as players spend more time interacting with virtual characters than with real people.
• 5. Poor academic performance: If players spend too much time playing MMORPGs, they may neglect their studies and perform poorly academically.

However, it’s important to note that not all players will experience these negative impacts, and some may even find that MMORPGs help them develop skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. It ultimately depends on the individual and their gaming habits.

A word about ADHD and mmorpg

People with ADHD may interact differently with MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) due to their unique cognitive and behavioral characteristics. Some possible ways in which ADHD may affect their interactions with MMORPGs are:

• 1. Hyperfocus: People with ADHD may exhibit intense focus and concentration on activities that they find engaging or stimulating. MMORPGs can provide a highly immersive and rewarding experience that can capture and sustain their attention for extended periods, often at the expense of other tasks or responsibilities.
• 2. Impulsivity: People with ADHD may struggle with impulse control and decision-making, leading them to make impulsive and risky choices in the game. This can manifest as impulsive purchases, reckless actions in combat, or engaging in activities that are not aligned with their goals or interests.
• 3. Difficulty with social cues: People with ADHD may have difficulty interpreting and responding to social cues, which can affect their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with other players in the game. They may also struggle with maintaining social relationships in the game, leading to feelings of isolation or rejection.
• 4. Creative problem-solving: People with ADHD may exhibit high levels of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, which can be an asset in MMORPGs that require strategic planning and problem-solving. They may come up with innovative solutions to challenges that other players may not consider.

Overall, the interaction between ADHD and MMORPGs can be complex and multifaceted, depending on the specific characteristics and preferences of the individual. Some people with ADHD may find MMORPGs to be a highly engaging and rewarding experience, while others may struggle with the demands and social complexities of the game.

affecting your relationships

mmorpg and self-esteem

MMORPGs can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem.

Positive effects:

• 1. Sense of accomplishment: Players can feel a sense of achievement when they complete quests or defeat difficult opponents, which can boost their self-esteem.
• 2. Social interaction: MMORPGs provide opportunities for players to interact with others, form friendships, and feel a sense of belonging, which can improve their self-esteem.
• 3. Skill development: Players can develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving while playing MMORPGs, which can boost their self-esteem.

Negative effects:

• 1. Addiction: Excessive gaming can lead to addiction, which can have negative effects on self-esteem.
• 2. Comparison to others: Players may compare themselves to others who have higher levels or better gear, leading to feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem.
• 3. Criticism and trolling: Players may be subjected to criticism and trolling from other players, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Overall, the impact of MMORPGs on self-esteem varies depending on the individual and their gaming habits. It is important to balance gaming with other activities and maintain a healthy perspective on virtual achievements.

mmorpg addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, MMORPG addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to an MMORPG, they may spend hours or even days playing the game, which can cause them to neglect their real-life relationships and responsibilities. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as they may not have anyone to turn to outside of the game.

Additionally, the virtual world of the MMORPG can become a substitute for real-life interactions, causing the individual to withdraw from social situations and become more isolated. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of addiction and loneliness that is difficult to break.

Effects of mmorpg on your relationship

Positive effects:

• 1. Shared interests: MMORPGs can create a shared interest between partners, which can lead to increased bonding and communication between them.
• 2. Teamwork: MMORPGs often require players to work together as a team, which can improve communication and cooperation skills between partners.
• 3. Quality time: Playing MMORPGs together can be a fun way to spend quality time with each other, especially if both partners enjoy the game.
• 4. Stress relief: MMORPGs can be a good way to unwind and relieve stress after a long day, which can lead to a better mood and more positive interactions between partners.

Negative effects:

• 1. Time consumption: MMORPGs can be very time-consuming, which can lead to neglect of other important aspects of the relationship, such as quality time spent together.
• 2. Addiction: Some people can become addicted to MMORPGs, leading to neglect of responsibilities and relationships, which can negatively impact the relationship.
• 3. Lack of communication: While MMORPGs can improve communication skills, they can also lead to partners communicating less with each other in real life, leading to a lack of emotional connection.
• 4. Jealousy: MMORPGs can involve interactions with other players, which can lead to jealousy and mistrust in the relationship.

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

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

Main steps and solutions to break the mmorpg addiction

• 1. Set realistic goals: Set realistic goals for yourself to help you stay focused on what you are working towards. This will also help you keep track of your progress and remind you of why you are trying to get rid of your addiction.
• 2. Find a support system: Find friends, family or a support group who can help you stay on track and provide you with the motivation and support that you need to stay on track.
• 3. Make changes to your lifestyle: Make changes to your lifestyle that will help you break the addiction. This could include changing your diet, getting more exercise and getting more sleep.
• 4. Set up a plan: Set up a plan of action to help you stay on track and overcome your addiction. This could include setting specific goals and timelines, as well as taking steps to avoid temptation.
• 5. Seek professional help: If your addiction is severe and you are unable to overcome it on your own, seek professional help. A doctor or therapist can provide you with the tools and support that you need to break your addiction.

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 mmorpg:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of mmorpg

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your mmorpg 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