MMO addiction is characterized by a preference for gaming over responsibilities and other hobbies, difficulty separating the game from real life, neglect of health and hygiene, and spending money they don’t have. Addicted gamers may also neglect school or work and become destructive when losing in the game.
Massively multiplayer online (MMO) games are often considered addictive to those who play them. This means that some players find it difficult to play in moderation and may find it difficult to simply stop playing when necessary. For this reason, among the most common characteristics of an MMO addiction is a tendency to prefer gaming to both responsibilities and other hobbies. Addicted gamers also often find it difficult to separate their game from the rest of their lives, which means they may let a loss in gambling ruin their day or make them angry enough to break real-world belongings. Those who are addicted to online gaming may also spend large amounts of money they don’t have, just so they can keep playing.
Some gamers who play video games of this type manage to fit it into their week without allowing it to take over, but addicted gamers usually don’t find moderation possible. This means that they may start playing instead of hanging out with friends or participating in other hobbies they used to enjoy. While this is often the first sign of an MMO addiction, the more serious signs usually come when gamers place this activity not only above their other hobbies, but above their responsibilities. They may start missing out on school or work in order to play, which can make it difficult to get good grades or keep a job. Gamers with an MMO addiction may also neglect their health and hygiene, because showering, eating, and even sleeping would reduce their playing time.
Another sign of MMO addiction is the inability to realize that what happens in the game is separate from real life. This is why some players become destructive when they die in the game or lose to another player, meaning they can punch through a wall, throw their computer monitor, or break their desk. They also often threaten other players as well as family and friends who have nothing to do with the game. This is often the point where loved ones realize there is a problem.
Many MMOs require both an upfront cost to play and a monthly fee to play, which isn’t a problem for most gamers. The problem comes when an addicted gambler starts spending money they don’t have, paying for gambling before paying for room and board. Many of the most addicted gamers can’t hold down a job, because they play most of the day. This makes the tendency to spend money that doesn’t have a fairly common sign of MMO addiction. They may use credit cards or family money to finance their addiction, which is a problem that tends not to go away until the problem is recognized and treated.
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