In the digital age, video games have become a ubiquitous form of entertainment for people of all ages, with students being one of the most active user groups. While gaming can be a fun and engaging pastime, it also has the potential to become addictive, leading to detrimental effects on various aspects of life, including academic performance.
A common term for video game addiction is “gaming disorder,” which is defined as the compulsive and excessive use of video games that has a detrimental impact on one’s life. Since it might make it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies and perform well in school, this addiction can be especially problematic for students.
The misuse of time is one of the most obvious ways that video game addiction has an impact on academic performance. Students with gaming addictions frequently find themselves playing video games for long periods of time while disregarding their homework, assignments, and study time. Poor time management and less opportunity for meaningful academic activity follow from this.
Additionally, playing video games can interfere with students sleep cycles. Late-night gaming can result in sleep deprivation, which can be harmful to learning because it causes weariness, difficulties focusing, and diminished cognitive capacities. A major side effect of video game addiction is insufficient sleep, which can significantly harm a student’s academic performance.
A second consequence of video game addiction is social isolation. Students who play video games for long stretches of time may stop interacting with friends and family. A student’s emotional wellbeing and motivation for their studies are strongly influenced by their social connections. Academic performance may deteriorate when these relationships degrade as a result of gaming addiction.
The games’ actual substance should also be taken into account. Some video games are made to be extremely immersive and addicting, making it difficult for pupils to put the device down. These video games frequently have complex plots and rewarding mechanics that provide players a continuous sensation of achievement, fostering compulsive behaviour. The academic development of students can be particularly harmed by such games.
Video game addiction can result in a loss in cognitive abilities in addition to time management issues and social isolation. While excessive gaming might result in a neglect of other crucial cognitive talents like critical thinking, problem-solving, and information retention, it can also increase other cognitive processes like reaction time and spatial awareness. These abilities are crucial for academic achievement, and losing them might make a kid do poorly in the classroom.
Students who are addicted to video games need to be treated in multiple ways. In order to inform children about the potential negative effects of excessive gaming and to encourage safe gaming behaviours, schools and parents can play a critical role. Additionally, establishing firm limits on screen time and offering substitutes for recreational pursuits might assist students in finding a balance between their academic obligations and gaming.
Addiction to video games can have a negative impact on pupils’ academic achievement. It can result in poor time management, altered sleep patterns, social isolation, and cognitive impairment. Recognising the indicators of video game addiction and taking early efforts to manage it are critical for students to attain their full academic potential while still enjoying the pleasures of gaming in moderation.
Sources
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9569312?gbraid=0AAAAAo8bcjYkVwZDOU8P87xhh8gItXHQs&gclid=CjwKCAjwpJWoBhA8EiwAHZFzfmM8ZqR-azByTNbbklTcUPX2cXLTkfiztZJ8jRmpYSga2apEBDOKCRoC7ksQAvD_BwE
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185353#:~:text=Online%20game%20addiction%20is%20often,et%20al.%2C%202023).
- https://gamequitters.com/how-gaming-affects-learning-in-college/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359041812_Effect_of_Video_Game_on_School_Achievement_in_School_Age_Children_in_ErbilCity
