The Covid-19 pandemic caused devastating social and economic disruption worldwide. The lockdowns, in particular, had far-reaching effects on many crucial aspects of daily life, including people's behaviour.
Schools and workplaces closed, remote working and learning became the norm, and social distancing measures prevented families from meeting people from other households. The resulting isolation, change in everyday routines, and the sharp reduction in physical activity all contributed to elevated levels of loneliness and anxiety.
Digital gaming (games played on a computer, game console, or mobile device ) quickly emerged as one of the most popular activities, especially for young people, during this time, providing entertainment and social connection. Research indicates that user engagement and spending surged, especially in the early months of the pandemic. This trend continued and led to increased demand for new games, platforms, and technologies, fuelling the industry's growth.
"The international gaming industry was worth $184 billion last year," says Hamza Mahoney, an addiction counsellor with Helplink Mental Health, which is running a free gaming and gambling addiction pilot programme, in association with the HSE, for over 16s and adults in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. "These figures are vast and indicate a market which will expand further, driven by disposable income, ease of access, and leisure time, which could lead to higher numbers of gaming addictions," he says.
The online gaming industry is also booming in Ireland and is set to become more popular, he believes. A study conducted by the global market research company, Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, revealed that Ireland's online gaming spend reached €536m in 2022.
The survey indicated that 77 per cent of people engage in some form of online gaming with puzzle games such as Wordle being the most popular. A quarter of respondents said they play action games while 20 per cent play sports games. Less popular are shooter and battle royale games such as Fortnite. Participants in the survey said they spend about 70 minutes playing online games daily. Males typically spend 35 minutes more gaming than females each day while players under the age of 23 play for an average of one hour and 40 minutes daily.
Irish men spend €278 per year on online gaming, compared with just €84 for women, according to a report on the survey in the Irish Independent. Interestingly, the average annual spend among gamers over 55 years was just €12, while three quarters of that older group did not spend any money on gaming at all.
Negatively impact
Most people who play games do so safely to relax, have fun, and connect with others. However, a minority will develop problems with gaming and, for them, it will become all-consuming and negatively impact their daily functioning.
Mr Mahoney says gaming disorder or addiction is characterised by reduced control over gaming behaviour, with people prioritising gaming over other interests and activities.
"The threshold for [diagnosing] gaming addiction is not universally defined; however, spending more than 20 hours per week gaming is often considered excessive and a potential indicator of addiction. In contrast, safe gaming typically involves less than 20 hours per week and a balance between other life responsibilities and activities."
He says the main difference between a gaming disorder and gaming safely is the impact gaming has on the gamer's overall wellbeing and daily functioning.
People are attracted to gaming for several reasons. "These include achievement, challenge, competition, entertainment, escapism, identity exploration, and social interaction. The immersive nature of games, as well as the fulfilment of psychological needs like autonomy and competence, can deepen engagement and potential addiction."
Certain groups are more vulnerable to gaming addiction, according to the addiction counsellor. "Young people and adults are at risk due to peer influence, developmental stages, and increased access to technology. Studies also show that males are more prone to gaming addiction than females, possibly due to preferences for certain types of games and social norms."
A gaming disorder can detrimentally affect people's physical and mental health, says Mr Mahoney. "It can promote a deskbound lifestyle, poor posture, and can result in sleep disturbances. Mentally, it can increase stress, anxiety, and depression. Socially, it can lead to isolation and strained relationships. For instance, individuals with gaming addictions may neglect their family and friends, leading to a breakdown in relationships. They are often more likely to have other addictive tendencies, too."
Gaming addiction is not a new phenomenon, he says. "'Internet Gaming Disorder' or 'Gaming Disorder'" was first included in diagnostic manuals in 2013 and in 2019. This classification helps professionals outline the criteria to diagnose and support individuals with this condition."
Diagnosing gaming disorder involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual's gaming habits and their impact on various aspects of life. "It involves identifying patterns of reduced gaming control, prioritising gaming over other activities, and continuing gaming despite negative consequences."
Coping strategies
The main treatment for gaming addiction is talk therapy. Working with a professional can provide support, education, and guidance for both the person with the disorder and their family.
"Counselling can help individuals identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviours related to gaming, develop coping strategies, and address underlying issues contributing to gaming addiction. However, acceptance from an individual that there is an imbalance due to gaming is vital, and limited progress in supporting the individual can be made without it. Family support involving family members is a key component of gaming addiction treatment. This approach can help improve communication, address family dynamics, and support the individual's recovery.
"It also provides an opportunity for family members to understand the nature of gaming addiction and learn how to support their loved one's journey to recovery. Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to treat co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or impulse control disorders that may be causing gaming disorders. Several behavioural interventions can assist in reducing gaming addictions. Setting limits and establishing boundaries around gaming time is crucial to promoting balance and healthy habits. This can help individuals and parents regain control over their gaming habits and ensure that gaming does not interfere with other essential aspects of life."
Being involved in alternative activities, such as hobbies and social interactions will help people reduce their reliance on gaming as their primary source of gratification.
Joining support groups, is beneficial, too. "Participation in support groups, online forums, or peer support networks can give individuals a sense of community, understanding, and encouragement during recovery. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques, supports overall wellbeing and reduces the urge to engage in excessive gaming."
Mr Mahoney says a multi-pronged approach can be very beneficial. "Ongoing monitoring, individualised treatment plans, and support is essential to tracking progress, addressing challenges, and preventing relapses. Helplink has developed individualised treatment plans based on the specific needs and circumstances of each person with a gaming disorder. As the video game market in Ireland is increasing, parents, teachers, and society play crucial roles in supporting individuals with gaming disorders. Strategies include fostering open communication, setting limits, monitoring gaming activities, and encouraging alternative interests."
Education and awareness programmes and collaboration between parents and teachers can all help to combat gaming addiction, according to the addiction counsellor. "Advocating for regulations and increasing access to mental health services are essential to promote responsible gaming habits and, overall wellbeing. By collaborating and creating a supportive environment that addresses gaming addiction and fosters healthy gaming habits, we can ensure the wellbeing of individuals across all age groups."
• The HSE and Helplink Mental Health is running a free gaming and gambling addiction pilot programme for over-16s and adults. It is designed by addiction counsellors and offers support and treatment to people with gaming or gambling addictions.
The programme consists of 12 weekly one-to-one, face-to-face, or online sessions with experienced addiction counsellors and 12 weeks of weekly aftercare support. There is also a weekly online family support group for people with loved ones on the programme. Intake to the programme is ongoing but people are advised to secure their places as soon as possible. Telephone Helplink at 0818 99 88 80 or email [email protected]
• Helplink also operates a free national gambling addiction counselling service seven days a week. For details of services available for children, adolescents, and adults, visit helplink.ie
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