About words with friends

Words With Friends is a mobile app-based word game that allows players to compete against each other online. Players take turns forming words on a board using letter tiles, with the goal of earning points by forming high-scoring words.

Addiction to words with friends, 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 words with friends addiction?

No, Words with Friends addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “words with friends addiction”?

Words with Friends addiction is a term used to describe an obsessive preoccupation with the popular online word game, Words with Friends. People with this addiction may find themselves compulsively playing the game on their phones or tablets, often to the detriment of their other activities and responsibilities. Symptoms of Words with Friends addiction can include neglecting work or family obligations, staying up late to play, lying about game participation, feeling guilty but unable to stop playing, and spending too much money on in-game purchases.

What is considered words with friends addiction?

• 1. Spending an excessive amount of time playing Words with Friends.
• 2. Becoming irritable or agitated when unable to play.
• 3. Neglecting other activities, such as work, school, or socializing, in order to play.
• 4. Spending money on in-game purchases.
• 5. Feeling a strong compulsion to play the game.
• 6. Making excuses to play Words with Friends instead of engaging in other activities.
• 7. Feeling a sense of guilt or shame about the amount of time spent playing the game.
• 8. Becoming defensive when friends or family question the amount of time spent playing the game.

How much words with friends is too much?

This is a subjective question, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how much time is too much when it comes to playing Words with Friends. If playing the game is negatively impacting your daily life or activities, it may be a sign that you are playing too much.

Some social media addiction facts & statistics

According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, around 72% of American adults use social media. However, the statistics on social media addiction vary depending on the source and the definition of addiction. Here are a few statistics:

– A 2018 study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram was the most harmful social media platform for mental health, with young people experiencing anxiety, depression, and poor body image due to the platform.
– A 2019 survey by the Center for Humane Technology found that 60% of Americans consider themselves addicted to their mobile devices, with social media being a significant contributor to this addiction.
– A 2019 survey by Common Sense Media found that 59% of U.S. teens felt that social media made them feel more anxious or depressed, and 43% felt pressure to only post content that makes them look good.
– A 2018 study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day resulted in significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms in young adults.

While these statistics suggest that social media addiction is a real concern, it’s important to note that not everyone who uses social media experiences addiction or negative effects on their mental health.

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Is the words with friends addiction widespread?

Words with Friends is a popular mobile game, and it is possible that some individuals may become addicted to playing it. Like any other game or activity, excessive use or dependency can have negative consequences on a person’s daily life and relationships. It is important to maintain a healthy balance and prioritize responsibilities and self-care.

Why is words with friends so addictive?

Words With Friends is so addictive because it provides players with a fun and engaging way to interact with their friends. The game has an easy-to-learn structure and a variety of strategies for players to explore, making it easy for players to become immersed in the game.

Additionally, the game has a social aspect that allows players to stay connected with their friends and family. Finally, Words With Friends has been around for a long time and is constantly being updated to keep the game fresh and engaging.

Possible causes of words with friends dependency

• 1. Social Connection: Words with Friends allows players to connect with friends, family, and even strangers around the world. This creates a sense of community for players and increased social interaction which can be very addictive.
• 2. Competition: Words with Friends is a competitive game that encourages players to use their word-building skills to outsmart their opponents. This can be very appealing to players and can lead to an addiction to the game.
• 3. Escapism: Words with Friends can provide an escape from day-to-day life. Players can immerse themselves in the game and become engrossed in the puzzles and strategies. This can be a way to relax and unwind, but can also become an addiction.
• 4. Reward System: Words with Friends rewards players with points and other rewards for completing certain tasks or achieving higher levels. This reward system encourages players to keep playing and can lead to an addiction to the game.

Signs & Symptoms of words with friends addiction

Now let’s see if you have the words with friends addiction problem.

• 1. You have a permanent game running with multiple players.
• 2. You think in words while talking.
• 3. You check your phone first thing in the morning for any moves made by your opponents.
• 4. You find yourself staring at the game board for hours trying to come up with the perfect move.
• 5. You know the dictionary better than you know your own friends.
• 6. You take breaks from work to make a move.
• 7. You’ve Googled words you don’t know just to win a game.

What are some benefits of words with friends

• 1. Words With Friends is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. It’s a fun, interactive game that can be played anywhere and anytime.
• 2. Words With Friends allows you to learn and improve your vocabulary. The game allows you to challenge yourself while building your word skills.
• 3. Words With Friends is available on both iOS and Android devices. This means you can play against anyone, anytime, no matter the device.
• 4. Words With Friends is a great way to pass the time. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment or sitting on the bus, you can play with friends or strangers.
• 5. Words With Friends has multiple game modes, so you can play with friends or strangers, or even play against the computer.
• 6. Words With Friends has a wide range of difficulty levels, so you can play against opponents of various levels of skill.
• 7. Words With Friends has great visuals and sound effects, so it’s a fun and engaging way to play.
• 8. Words With Friends is a great way to stay sharp and active. It challenges your mind and keeps you engaged.

But at the opposite, what can be some words with friends addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

• 1. Increased Social Interaction: Words with Friends can help foster social interaction and connection by allowing you to play with people from all over the world. This can lead to increased feelings of connectedness and improved mental health.
• 2. Improved Cognitive Function: Playing Words with Friends can help improve cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving skills. This can help keep your brain healthy as you age.
• 3. Reduced Stress Levels: Playing Words with Friends can be a great way to reduce stress levels. The game requires you to think strategically, which can help you to focus on the present moment and forget about the worries of daily life.
• 4. Enhanced Vocabulary: Words with Friends can help you to expand your vocabulary and increase your knowledge. This can help to improve your overall communication skills.

words with friends and sleep disorder

There is no direct evidence to suggest that playing Words with Friends can create sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, any activity that stimulates the brain before bedtime may affect the quality of sleep. Playing an intense game of Words with Friends or engaging in any mentally stimulating activity before bed can make it harder for your brain to wind down and fall asleep.

Additionally, the blue light emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets can disrupt the body’s natural production of sleep hormone melatonin, which can also affect sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid playing games or using electronic devices before bed to promote better sleep.

words with friends affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of words with friends on your brain

• 1. Decreased Attention Span: Playing Words with Friends can cause individuals to become easily distracted and have a reduced attention span. This can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks that require sustained attention and concentration.
• 2. Decreased Memory: Playing Words with Friends has been linked to decreased memory performance due to the high reliance on the game’s memory system. Players may become reliant on the game to remember words and lack the ability to recall words on their own.
• 3. Reduced Creativity: Words with Friends can also reduce creativity, as it is largely a structured game that relies on memorization, rather than creativity and originality. This can lead to players struggling to come up with creative solutions to problems.
• 4. Increased Stress: Finally, playing Words with Friends can increase stress levels due to the competitive nature of the game. Players may become frustrated when they are unable to find the highest scoring words or when their opponents make successful moves that lead to their defeat.

Some effects of words with friends on your mental health

• 1. Increased Anxiety: Words with Friends can be a source of increased anxiety for some players, especially when a game becomes highly competitive. The stress of playing can lead to feelings of anxiety and a fear of failure.
• 2. Lower Self-Esteem: Feeling constantly defeated in Words with Friends can lead to lower self-esteem. When players are constantly losing, they may feel inadequate and may question their own intelligence or skill.
• 3. Isolation: Spending too much time playing Words with Friends can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Players may become so focused on the game that they neglect other aspects of their life, such as relationships or hobbies.
• 4. Stress: The constant pressure to win can be an immense source of stress. Players may become frustrated when they cannot win a game or when they make a mistake. This can lead to feelings of stress and exhaustion.

Does words with friends cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, Words with Friends can cause stress or anxiety for some people. This can happen if a person is very competitive and feels pressure to win every game, or if they are playing with someone they have a difficult relationship with. It can also be stressful if a person feels overwhelmed by the number of games they are playing or if they feel like they are not performing well.

Additionally, if a person is already experiencing stress or anxiety in their daily life, playing a game like Words with Friends can add to their overall stress level. However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience stress or anxiety when playing Words with Friends, and for many people, it can be a fun and enjoyable way to pass the time.

Can words with friends addiction lead to sadness and depression?

It is possible for Words with Friends addiction to lead to sadness and depression. Excessive playing can result in neglecting other important aspects of life such as work, relationships, and self-care. This can lead to feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, and a sense of loss of control.

Additionally, if someone becomes too reliant on the game for social interaction, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation when not playing. It is important to maintain a healthy balance and limit the amount of time spent playing games to avoid these negative effects.

Dopamine and words with friends

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward and pleasure pathways in the brain. When we engage in activities that we enjoy, such as playing Words with Friends, dopamine is released in our brain, and this can contribute to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This is why playing Words with Friends can be an enjoyable and addictive experience for some people.

words with friends effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Playing Words with Friends can affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance if done excessively or during times when those activities should take priority. It is important to set boundaries and limits when playing games to ensure that they do not interfere with important tasks or responsibilities. However, playing Words with Friends in moderation can also have benefits, such as improving vocabulary and cognitive function. Ultimately, how Words with Friends affects an individual’s focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance will depend on their individual habits and usage patterns.

A word about ADHD and words with friends

People with ADHD may interact differently with Words with Friends, a word game app, than those without ADHD. While some people with ADHD may find the game challenging and stimulating, others may struggle with focusing on the game for extended periods. They may also have difficulty with impulse control, leading them to make impulsive moves or play words that are not valid. However, some researchers suggest that playing word games like Words with Friends may help improve attention and cognitive skills in people with ADHD. Ultimately, it depends on the individual and how their ADHD symptoms affect their gameplay.

affecting your relationships

words with friends and self-esteem

Words with Friends can affect self-esteem in different ways.

1. Positive impact: When a player wins a game, it can boost their self-esteem, leading to feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction. This positive feeling can motivate the player to continue playing and improve their skills.

2. Negative impact: On the other hand, losing a game or consistently losing to the same opponent can lead to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even self-doubt. This can negatively impact a player’s self-esteem and cause them to question their abilities.

3. Comparison to others: Words with Friends also allows players to compare their scores and success with others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or envy if someone else is performing better.

Overall, how Words with Friends affects self-esteem can depend on individual experiences and perceptions. It is important to remember that it is just a game and not a reflection of one’s worth as a person.

words with friends addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, Words with Friends addiction can potentially lead to isolation and loneliness if it becomes the primary focus of a person’s social interactions and activities. Spending excessive amounts of time on the game can lead to a decrease in face-to-face social interactions and a lack of engagement in other hobbies and interests. This can result in feelings of loneliness and social isolation. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between technology and real-life interactions.

Effects of words with friends on your relationship

Positive effects:

• 1. Enhances communication skills: Playing Words with Friends requires players to communicate with each other, which can help improve their communication skills.
• 2. Promotes bonding: Playing Words with Friends together can help couples bond and strengthen their relationship.
• 3. Provides a fun activity: Words with Friends is a fun and engaging game that couples can enjoy together.
• 4. Builds teamwork: Couples who play Words with Friends together can develop teamwork skills, which can be beneficial in other areas of their relationship.

Negative effects:

• 1. Can cause arguments: Like any game, Words with Friends can become competitive, which can lead to arguments and tension between partners.
• 2. Takes up too much time: If one partner becomes too invested in the game, it can take away from quality time spent together and lead to feelings of neglect.
• 3. Can be addictive: Words with Friends can become addictive, leading one partner to prioritize the game over their relationship.
• 4. Can lead to cheating: Some players may cheat in the game, which can cause trust issues and damage the relationship.

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

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

Main steps and solutions to break the words with friends addiction

• 1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Addiction: The first step is to recognize that you have a problem and accept that you need help.
• 2. Reach Out for Help: Seek out friends and family members who can provide support and guidance as you work to overcome your addiction.
• 3. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Set limits on how much time you spend playing Words with Friends and establish other activities to keep your mind occupied.
• 4. Identify and Avoid Triggers: Become aware of what triggers your urge to play WWF and develop strategies to cope with them.
• 5. Find Support: Connect with a support group of people who understand the problem and can help you stay on track.
• 6. Rely on Healthy Habits: Incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine and make self-care a priority.
• 7. Seek Professional Help: If necessary, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction treatment.

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 words with friends:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of words with friends

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