5 Precautions When Playing Online Games Too Much

Posted by: bankofshadow

Posted on: 24/04/2025

In the digital age where online games are easily accessible and full of fun, many people unknowingly spend several hours a day playing games. While games have benefits in terms of relaxation and building friendships, excessive gaming can unexpectedly affect physical health, mental well-being, and daily life. This article will introduce you to 5 precautions that everyone should pay attention to if you or those around you start spending too much time in the gaming world.

1. Addiction to playing to the point of losing self-control

The main issue for people who enjoy playing multiplayer games (or sometimes even single-player games) is the addiction to gaming to the point where they cannot control themselves. Controlling oneself here means not knowing when to play and when to stop playing, in order to keep their life schedule normal and not neglect their daily responsibilities. In the minds of gamers, there is only playing, playing, and more playing. This kind of addiction can impact daily life and many important tasks that need to be done. Because of this problem, some countries have even had to enact laws to regulate gaming time. However, if we are self-aware, playing for 2-4 hours a day is sufficient, or perhaps more or less, depending on how each person adjusts their life schedule.

2. Mental health issues

Not everyone plays games to relieve stress from daily life.We often see that some gamers become more stressed the more they play, and their mental health issues worsen. This is common with multiplayer games because these types of games involve competition and team play all the time. The mindset of comparison and seriousness in playing can easily wear out both the body and mind. And it surely wouldn't be a good thing.If you do this for 3-4 hours continuously every day, it might accumulate into mental health issues without you realizing it. Therefore, the thing to be cautious about is these problems.Try switching to playing Single Player games instead, or at least, you should spend some time on other activities besides gaming as well.

3. Spending money unnecessarily and beyond one's means

The danger that is no less than mental and physical health is the issue of excessive spending, which can happen very easily with games these days, especially mobile games that often have attractive promotions.They often lure gamers with great promotions, or even PC and console games that are frequently discounted, causing us to spend money to buy and store them without playing. It's true that collecting games can be a source of happiness, but if we think carefully, we will see that the price of games bought but not played could be very useful in other ways. Worse still are the various microtransactions that some people can't resist, adding a little here and there, and in the end, they end up spending a lot without realizing it.We are not saying that spending money or buying games and letting them sit is a bad thing, but what we need to be cautious about is our financial behavior and spending habits.Don't let it be too late, because money matters are significant and we need to manage ourselves well.

4. Cybersecurity threats

It cannot be denied that one of the most dangerous things of this era is the online threats that come from almost every channel.For the scammers, whether it's spam, sending strange links to trick people into clicking and stealing their passwords and usernames, or coming in the form of various advertisements, don't think that the world of video games is free from this. Many people have been tricked into giving away their Steam codes by clicking on strange links multiple times. There have even been incidents where game companies had data breaches, leaking user information.It may be something difficult to control, but at the very least, we should be more aware of the dangers in the online world for our own safety.For those who are already proficient in computers, it might not be a major concern. But for those who are unfamiliar or have never experienced it, it's advisable to study it well so as not to miss anything.

5. Cyberbullying

Since the world entered the online era, this term has been frequently discussed and campaigns to prevent it have been widely promoted.Cyberbullying is one of the main issues across all online media and video games as well. Online games often come with this problem.Whether it's toxic chat, voice chat, or even communities nowadays, they have all become significant sources of cyberbullying. In games, it's even more pronounced.Some games hardly welcome new players at all, and for those whose mental strength is not strong enough, these issues can be dangerous and affect their mental well-being. No matter how much we campaign against it, preventing cyberbullying in games entirely is almost impossible. Therefore, players need to be cautious and protect themselves from these matters, which seems to be the easiest solution.

Advantages and disadvantages of playing games

Nowadays, "games" have become a part of the daily lives of people of all ages, whether children, teenagers, or adults. Playing games is no longer just an activity for fun; it also plays a role in developing various skills and opening up new career opportunities. However, playing games also has both advantages and disadvantages that should be acknowledged.

The benefits of playing games

1.Help develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Strategy or adventure games often require decision-making and strategic planning, keeping the brain constantly exercised.

2.Strengthening relationships and teamwork

Many types of online games require playing with others, which helps players practice communication and teamwork.

3.Helps reduce stress

For some people, playing games is a relaxing activity that helps them forget the stress from studying or working.

4.Enhance technology usage skills

Playing games often involves learning new systems, which helps familiarize oneself with technology and the use of various programs.

5.Opening opportunities to a new career path

Currently, there are many careers related to gaming, such as esports competitions, streamers, esports players, or game developers.

Disadvantages of playing games

1.Risk of addiction

Spending too much time playing games can distract you from important matters in life, such as studying or working.

2.Health issues

Sitting in front of a screen for long periods can affect your eyesight, cause back pain, or impact your muscular system.

3.Lack of real-life interaction

If you play games to the point of neglecting social interactions with those around you, it may lead to social isolation.

4.Aggressive behavior or imitation of violence

Some games with violent content may affect behavior, especially in children and teenagers.

5.Financial impact

Some types of games have a top-up system or in-game purchases, which can lead to overspending without realizing it.

Summary: Precautions when playing online games excessively

Playing online games has many advantages, such as helping to develop analytical thinking skills, fostering teamwork, and serving as a relaxing activity that effectively reduces stress. However, at the same time, we must be aware of the potential downsides that may arise from excessive gaming, such as health issues from prolonged sitting affecting eyesight, the risk of gaming addiction impacting concentration, studies, or work, and the effect on relationships with those around us. Therefore, gaming should be done in moderation, with appropriate time management, to fully benefit from the games without affecting daily life.

Credit - Gamingdose