This literature review explores the argument that video game addiction is actually caused by its players using video games as a way of emotional displacement. Which thus causes addictive aggressive behavior. From a case study on a boy called Lorenzo who is addicted to video games, his mother states that ‘Lorenzo gets so involved in these games it is impossible to get him to stop’ and that he once got so angry and aggressive after being told by his father to stop playing one of his video games, that ‘he broke all the furniture in the house’. (Rosenfield, DR. 2001)
After several meetings with Lorenzo, his therapist found that ‘He projects the hate he feels for his father on to the characters onto the screen’, (Rosenfield, DR. 2001)and that he is experiencing a ‘separation of emotion’, and that this is causing his aggressive behavior… His addiction to video games due to an emotional displacement. (Dr. Sanity.2004)
There is also research to suggest that this isn’t the cause for video gaming addiction, and that ‘according to some studies it would appear that the excitement of video games causes the brain to release a chemical that is, in essence, addictive.’ (The Parent Report. Unknown date) And that also a lack of social skills are greatly to blame for video game addiction, as According to Dr. Orzack, the Director of Computer Addiction Services at McLean Hospital, ‘social pressure or lack of social skills can also lead to video game addiction’ (Orzack. 2008)
References
Unknown Author. Unknown date. “Video Game Addiction, “Preteen 9 to 12 years” [Internet]
http://www.theparentreport.com/resources/ages/preteen/kids_culture/130.html
[Accessed on 08/11/09]
Dr. Sanity.2004.”Psychiatry 101-defence Mechanisms, Dr.Sanity.” [Internet] http://drsanity.blogspot.com/2004/08/psychiatry-101-defense-mechanisms.html
[Accessed on 09/11/09]
Dr. Rosenfield. 2001. “A Language for psychosis, Psychotic addiction to video games.” England. Whurr Publishers Ltd. [Accessed on 06/11/09]
