About overwatch

Overwatch is an online multiplayer team-based first-person shooter game. Players join teams of six and compete against one another across various maps and game modes.

Addiction to overwatch, 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 overwatch addiction?

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

So what means “overwatch addiction”?

Overwatch addiction is an excessive preoccupation with the video game Overwatch that can interfere with an individual’s daily life and relationships. Symptoms of Overwatch addiction can include spending an excessive amount of time playing the game, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawing from social activities.

What is considered overwatch addiction?

• 1. Spending excessive amounts of time playing the game.
• 2. Becoming irritable when away from the game or when unable to play.
• 3. Neglecting social activities, relationships, work, and/or school as a result of playing.
• 4. Feeling compelled to play even when it’s inconvenient or inappropriate.
• 5. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anger, depression, or restlessness when unable to play.
• 6. Using the game to escape or avoid real-life problems.
• 7. Lying about the amount of time spent playing the game.
• 8. Becoming defensive or argumentative when confronted about their gaming habits.
• 9. Continuously needing to increase the amount of time spent playing to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
• 10. Neglecting personal hygiene and/or nutrition due to gaming.

How much overwatch is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual. However, it is generally recommended to limit gameplay to a few hours a day to ensure that other activities, such as spending time with family, studying, and exercising, are given equal attention.

Additionally, it is important to take regular breaks and to pay attention to how the game is affecting your mood and overall well-being.

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 overwatch addiction widespread?

Overwatch is a popular online multiplayer game, and like many other online multiplayer games, there are likely some individuals who may become addicted to playing it. Addiction to video games can have negative impacts on one’s physical health, mental health, and social life. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life.

Why is overwatch so addictive?

Overwatch is an incredibly addicting game because it offers a vibrant and competitive environment for gamers to enjoy. It has an incredibly balanced and well-designed game system, which adds a great deal of depth and complexity to the game. The art style and characters are extremely well-designed, which adds to the game’s overall charm.

Additionally, the game is constantly updated and improved, which keeps players coming back for more. Finally, the game is incredibly social and allows players to connect with their friends in new and exciting ways.

Possible causes of overwatch dependency

• 1. Engaging game mechanics: Overwatch is designed to be highly engaging, with its fast-paced, colorful graphics, and intense team battles. This can make it very enticing to players and can lead to an addiction.
• 2. Social aspect: The game’s built-in team-based structure fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging. This social aspect can be very appealing to some players, and can make it hard to stop playing the game.
• 3. Competitive nature: The game is designed to be highly competitive. Players are constantly striving to get better and to reach higher levels. This can lead to a strong desire to keep playing in order to improve.
• 4. Rewards: The game rewards players with in-game items and currency, which can be very enticing. The prospect of earning rewards can be a powerful motivator to keep playing.
• 5. Escapism: For some people, playing a game can be a way to escape from the stresses of everyday life. This can lead to an addiction, as playing the game can become a way to cope with life’s difficulties.

Signs & Symptoms of overwatch addiction

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

• 1. You can’t go a day without playing a game or two.
• 2. You have all the DLC characters unlocked and mastered.
• 3. You are always trying to find ways to improve your play style.
• 4. You talk about Overwatch characters as if they were real people.
• 5. You can’t help but stay glued to the screen when watching competitive matches.
• 6. You have memorized all the maps and the best spots to hide or attack.
• 7. You are always the first one to know the latest news and updates about the game.

What are some benefits of overwatch

Pros of Overwatch:

• 1. Varied Characters: Overwatch’s roster of heroes offers a wide array of characters with different abilities, playstyles, and strategies. Each hero is unique and offers something different to the team composition.
• 2. Team-Based Gameplay: Overwatch is a team-based game, meaning that each individual plays an important role in the team’s success. Working together with teammates is essential in order to be successful in the game.
• 3. Strategic Depth: Overwatch is a very strategic game that requires players to think carefully about their movements, positioning, and strategies. It also requires players to be aware of the enemy team’s movements and strategies.
• 4. Competitive Play: Overwatch has a thriving competitive scene with tournaments, leagues, and ladders. Players have the opportunity to compete and prove themselves against the best players in the world.
• 5. Fun and Exciting: Overwatch is a very fun and exciting game to play. The fast-paced action and vibrant art style make it a blast to play, and it is a great way to pass the time or just have some fun.

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

general health problems

• 1. Improved Focus: Overwatch can improve your focus and concentration by providing an engaging, stimulating environment that requires quick thinking and reflexes.
• 2. Improved Hand-Eye Coordination: Overwatch requires players to have a good sense of spatial awareness, as well as quick reflexes. This can help to improve your hand-eye coordination.
• 3. Improved Social Interaction: Overwatch is a team-based game, so it can help to improve your social skills by providing an opportunity to interact with other people in a positive environment.
• 4. Increased Physical Activity: Overwatch requires you to use your mouse, keyboard, and controller. This can help to increase your physical activity by engaging your muscles and burning more calories.
• 5. Improved Mental Health: Overwatch can help to improve your mental health by providing an engaging and stimulating environment that can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

overwatch and sleep disorder

Playing Overwatch itself is not likely to cause sleep disorders or problems. However, playing video games late at night or for extended periods can disrupt your sleep schedule and make it harder to fall asleep.

Additionally, the excitement and stimulation of playing Overwatch can make it difficult to wind down and relax before bed. It is important to maintain a healthy balance and limit screen time before bedtime to ensure a good night’s sleep.

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

Some effects of overwatch on your brain

• 1. Increased Stress: Overwatch is a fast-paced, competitive game, which can result in increased levels of stress if you become too invested in the game.
• 2. Increased Anxiety: If you’re not used to the intense competition and pressure of the game, this can lead to increased anxiety and nervousness.
• 3. Reduced Concentration: If you spend too much time playing Overwatch, it can reduce your concentration in other areas of life.
• 4. Sleep Deprivation: Spending too much time playing Overwatch can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue.
• 5. Negative Social Effects: If you spend too much time playing Overwatch, it can lead to social isolation, as well as a lack of motivation to engage in real-world activities.

Some effects of overwatch on your mental health

• 1. Increased Stress Levels: Overwatch is a highly competitive game that requires players to strategically outplay their opponents. As a result, players can experience high levels of stress and anxiety while playing, which can lead to negative mental health effects.
• 2. Reduced Sleep Quality: Overwatch can lead to long gaming sessions, which can interfere with a person’s sleep cycle and reduce the quality of their sleep. Poor sleep can cause an array of physical and mental health issues.
• 3. Social Isolation: Spending too much time playing Overwatch can lead to social isolation and disconnection from the real world. It can be difficult to maintain relationships with friends and family when you are spending all your time in the game.
• 4. Negative Body Image: Overwatch players may become overly conscious of their body image as they try to compare themselves to the game’s characters. This can lead to body image issues and can even lead to eating disorders.

Does overwatch cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, playing Overwatch can potentially cause stress or anxiety for some individuals. The fast-paced gameplay, high-stakes competition, and pressure to perform well can be overwhelming for some players.

Additionally, the game’s intense visuals and sound effects may also contribute to feelings of stress or anxiety. However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience these effects and that individual experiences may vary. It is recommended to take breaks, practice self-care, and seek professional help if needed.

Can overwatch addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, it is possible for an addiction to Overwatch or any video game to lead to sadness and depression. When someone becomes addicted to a video game, they may start to neglect other important aspects of their life such as work, relationships, and self-care. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

Additionally, spending excessive amounts of time playing video games can disrupt sleep patterns and cause physical health problems, which can further contribute to feelings of sadness and depression. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with video game addiction and its negative effects on mental and physical health.

Dopamine and overwatch

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the brain’s reward system. When we experience something pleasurable or rewarding, such as playing a video game like Overwatch, dopamine is released in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

In the context of Overwatch, dopamine release can occur when a player achieves a goal, such as winning a match, getting a high score, or unlocking a new character. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue playing, as the brain associates the game with positive feelings.

However, excessive dopamine release can also lead to addiction and compulsive behavior, as the brain becomes dependent on the rewarding experience of playing the game. This can lead to negative consequences such as neglecting other responsibilities, social isolation, and decreased mental health.

Overall, while dopamine plays a role in the enjoyment of playing Overwatch, it is important to maintain a healthy balance and avoid excessive gaming that can lead to addiction and negative consequences.

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

Playing Overwatch can potentially affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance, depending on the amount of time spent playing and the individual’s ability to balance gaming with other responsibilities.

Excessive gaming can lead to a decrease in productivity and attention span, as players may become distracted or lose interest in other tasks.

Additionally, playing Overwatch for extended periods of time can lead to eye strain and fatigue, which can further impact focus and productivity.

However, playing Overwatch in moderation and as a form of leisure or stress relief can have positive effects on mental health and well-being, which can in turn improve academic performance. It is important for individuals to find a balance between gaming and other responsibilities, and to prioritize their academic and personal goals.

A word about ADHD and overwatch

It is difficult to make a generalization about how people with ADHD interact with Overwatch or any other video game. However, individuals with ADHD may experience certain challenges that could affect their gameplay, such as difficulty with sustained attention, impulsivity, and distractibility. They may also find it challenging to follow complex instructions, prioritize tasks, and manage their time effectively. Some people with ADHD may hyperfocus on the game and become absorbed in it for hours, while others may struggle to stay engaged or become easily frustrated. It is important to note that everyone with ADHD is unique and may have different experiences with video games.

affecting your relationships

overwatch and self-esteem

Overwatch, like any competitive video game, can have an impact on a player’s self-esteem. Here are a few ways Overwatch can affect self-esteem:

• 1. Winning and losing: Winning matches can boost a player’s self-esteem, while losing can have the opposite effect. If a player is consistently losing, they may start to doubt their skills and feel discouraged.
• 2. Skill level: Overwatch has a ranking system that places players into different skill tiers. Players may feel good about themselves if they are in a higher tier, but they may feel bad if they are in a lower one.

  Additionally, players may feel pressure to improve their skills to climb the ranks.

• 3. Toxicity: Overwatch can be a toxic game, with some players engaging in negative behaviors like trash talking or griefing. This can cause players to feel anxious or frustrated, which can impact their self-esteem.
• 4. Personal performance: Players may feel good about themselves if they perform well in a match, but they may feel bad if they underperform. This can cause players to doubt their abilities and feel less confident.

Overall, Overwatch can have both positive and negative impacts on a player’s self-esteem, depending on their experiences with the game. It’s important for players to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed and to focus on the fun aspects of the game rather than just winning or losing.

overwatch addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, Overwatch addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. People who spend excessive amounts of time playing video games, including Overwatch, may neglect their social relationships, family, and work responsibilities. As a result, they may experience social isolation and loneliness.

Additionally, the online nature of Overwatch can create a false sense of social interaction, leading people to believe they are being social when, in reality, they are not engaging with others in meaningful ways. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between video game playing and other aspects of life to avoid negative consequences like isolation and loneliness.

Effects of overwatch on your relationship

Positive effects of Overwatch on your relationship:

• 1. Shared Interest: If both you and your partner love playing Overwatch, then it can be a great way to share a hobby and bond over it.
• 2. Cooperative Play: Overwatch requires teamwork to win, so playing together can help build better communication and cooperation skills in your relationship.
• 3. Stress Relief: Playing Overwatch can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, and it can help you and your partner unwind and relax together.
• 4. Positive Competition: Healthy competition can be good for relationships, and playing Overwatch can provide a fun and non-threatening way to compete against each other.

Negative effects of Overwatch on your relationship:

• 1. Addiction: If one or both partners become addicted to playing Overwatch, it can lead to neglect of other important aspects of the relationship, such as communication and quality time spent together.
• 2. Time Management: Spending too much time playing Overwatch can lead to neglecting other aspects of life, such as work, school, or family responsibilities.
• 3. Frustration: If one partner is much better at the game than the other, it can lead to frustration and a feeling of inadequacy in the less skilled partner.
• 4. Disagreements: Disagreements over how much time to spend playing Overwatch or who gets to play first can lead to arguments and tension in the relationship.

This Course Breaks Your Digital Habits

START THE COURSE

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

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

Main steps and solutions to break the overwatch addiction

• 1. Recognize the problem: Acknowledge that your Overwatch habit has become a problem and take responsibility for your own behavior.
• 2. Set yourself up for success: Set realistic goals for yourself and create a plan to help you reach them.
• 3. Reach out for help: Talk to family and friends or join a support group to receive help and encouragement.
• 4. Avoid triggers: Make sure to stay away from any situations that may trigger your urge to play Overwatch.
• 5. Find healthier activities: Find healthier activities that you can do instead of playing Overwatch.
• 6. Take care of yourself: Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• 7. Reward yourself: Celebrate small victories and reward yourself for staying away from Overwatch.

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 overwatch:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of overwatch

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