Middle Age: How to Avoid Gaming Addiction

A Hong Kong media outlet recently reported on a man addicted to Honor of Kings, refusing to leave his car until a match ended. Once a role model and the most famous alumnus of our obscure agricultural university, he inspired generations with his rigorous studies and meticulous research. His story of painstaking effort and academic excellence drove countless students to pursue their dreams at prestigious universities like Tsinghua, Peking, and Zhejiang. Yet, his achievements were seemingly undermined by a single game. Gaming addiction may have been just one of his issues, but it highlights a question worth asking: as adults, how can we avoid falling into gaming addiction?

As children, many of us were scolded, punished, or persuaded by parents to stop playing games. Now, as adults, we find ourselves struggling with the same addiction we were warned about. What makes games so irresistibly attractive?

Why Are Games So Addictive?

When we talk about gaming addiction today, we’re mostly referring to video games. Unlike physically taxing activities like soccer or basketball, video games require little effort—just a few taps or clicks to start a match. Unlike mahjong, there’s no need to gather a group of people; connecting to a game server is enough to engage with players worldwide.

Humans are inherently competitive and destructive, especially men. Deep within, we all carry a primal instinct for aggression. Games that revolve around “killing” naturally have a broad appeal. From Warcraft III and Counter-Strike in earlier days to today’s Honor of Kings and PUBG, many popular games reward players for eliminating opponents. Headshots, in particular, are thrilling. Players often aren’t just chasing victory; they’re indulging in the satisfaction of “killing” in a virtual world.

Modern games are designed to fit into short bursts of time, often with rounds lasting 30 minutes or less, marketed as a way to relax during commutes. The reality? All-night gaming marathons, weekends spent glued to screens, and entire days indoors. Gaming consumes time meant for socializing, reading, and even sleeping.

The Psychology Behind Gaming Addiction

Games are crafted to exploit human psychology, constantly offering positive reinforcement. They shower players with rewards, upgrades, and accolades. For instance, Honor of Kings floods users with login bonuses, holiday rewards, and more. Players may not even understand the specifics of these rewards but enjoy the act of claiming them. Achievements like leveling up, being named MVP, or earning in-game recognition feed psychological satisfaction that’s much harder to achieve in real life.

This ease of gratification is the key draw of video games. The sense of accomplishment that takes substantial effort and time in reality is delivered instantly in games.

The Cost of Gaming Addiction

The greatest harm of gaming addiction is the wastage of time. Time is life, and life is finite. Like the pendulum of a clock, life seems to swing slowly, but when the spring winds down, it halts altogether. Every game comes with a warning that “gaming addiction is harmful to health,” but none offer guidance on how to stop. Of course, game developers have no incentive to teach you that.

How to Avoid Gaming Addiction

Gaming is tempting for everyone. One friend shared that his 70-year-old mother has been playing Link Link for five years. During Lunar New Year family reunions, she still spends hours glued to her computer. The best way to avoid addiction is simple: don’t start playing, especially highly addictive games. Once hooked, stopping becomes an uphill battle.

To prevent gaming addiction, lead a disciplined and structured life. Having regular routines and productive habits naturally reduces the allure of gaming.

If you’re already addicted, breaking free is straightforward. Make a public commitment. Send a message like “I promise I will never play games again” to the person you love most—your child, parent, spouse, or even a close friend. Public declarations are highly effective in fostering accountability. To avoid disappointing your loved ones, you’ll be far less likely to fall back into gaming addiction.

Be disciplined. Be present. Life is far more rewarding than any game.