BAD EFFECTS OF ONLINE GAMES AMONG TEENAGERS

A Paper Submitted to Sanzel O. Ampo In Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirements In English IV

By: ANGEL A. ATENTA LEANNE JOY V. CABUSAO DESIREE JANNIN S. DE GRACIA LADY ANN T. GA-AS COLEEN SHEEN A. YANGSON

February 2013

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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The researchers would like to extend their unfeigned gratitude to the following who have been instrumental to the success of this research. To their God Almighty, who gave wisdom and knowledge in doing this research. To their teacher who taught the researchers on how to congregate this research To their parents who gave their full financial support. To their classmates and friends who shared their thoughts and ideas to gather the data that may add up more to the information needed. This wouldnt be made possible without their great help and support

A.A.A L.J.V.C D.J.S.DG L.A.T.G C.S.A.Y

DEDICATION

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This paper is dedicated to our fellow students and teenagers who are currently exposed with online gaming that may affect their mental,physical,emotional well-being that may result to the destruction of their educational and social status. To the children that are still in the process of growing up,that they may avoidthese online game addiction while they are still learning. To the parents that are unaware for these kind of addiction,that they may be able to discipline their children towards online game addiction for it is their responsibility to know how online gaming affect their childrens future.

ANGEL LEANNE JOY DESIREE JANNIN LADY ANN COLEEN SHEEN

Table of Contents PRELIMINARIES

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Acknowledgement.ii Dedication ...iii Table of contents ...iv

CHAPTER I.THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING Introduction...1 Statement of the problem2 Importance of the study...3 Definition of terms used..4 II-REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE5-6 III-PRESENTATION OF DATA 7-9 IV-SUMMARY,CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION10-13 BIBLIOGRAPHY Curriculum Vitae

CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING Introduction Online Games Addiction is now common among teenagers worldwide. There are 114 million people around the world who play online games and most of them come from Philippines, more and more teenagers most of them are students in high school and college and even elementary pupils are hooked on online games as internet cafs, which are readily accessible day and night, are proliferating not only in the cities but in far flung areas as well. When are becomes addicted, his or her physical and psychological health would be in jeopardy. This study indicates the bad effects of online games among teenagers and on how to recover from the addiction. Online Games addiction as well as the signs and symptoms nowadays can be avoided or prevent through early intervention.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to help the teenagers to comprehend what are the impacts of online gaming on their lives. Furthermore, this study aims to answer the following question. 1.What do online games have that teenagers are being addicted to it?

2.What may happen to the teenagers if they continuously play online games?

3.What are the signs and symptoms that a teenagers may feel?

4.In what way can teenagers avoid the bad effects of online games?

5.What to do to recover from video game addiction?

Importance of the Study

The importance of this study is to preclude online game addiction among teenagers. This aims to invoke prolific individual for the upward mobility of our realm. This analysis indicates the bad effects of online gaming and on how to recover from this addiction. According to Dr. Patrick Gerard Moral , head of the sleep and snore diagnostic and treatment unit of Santo Tomas says that playing online games can engage the teenagers beyond their bedtimes. Teenagers are the legatee of this study.

Definition of Terms Used

o Addiction- A state of physiological or psychological dependence on a potentially harmful drug.

o Avoid- To keep away from somebody or something

o Online Games- Competition or tournament games that are played by teenagers or adults online.

o Recover- To get back something previously lost or its equivalent, to return to a previous state of health, to return a suitable or correct or position.

o Signs and Symptoms- The signs are the emble, mark, insignia, logo and the symptoms are the warning signs and the indicator.

o Teenagers- Young person, youth, young adult, juvenile, teen, minor.

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE The researchers reviewed the related literature below. The Harris Interactive Online Poll (2007), a United States of America based research organization asked teenagers age 8 to 18 about their opinion on online games. Survey shows about 81 percent play video games atleast once per month. The average playtime varies by age and sex : 8 hours per week for teengirls and fourteen hours per week for teen boys. Tweens those from 8 to 12 years old fall in the middle, with boys averaging 13 hours per week and girls averaging ten hours. There are 114 million around the world who play online games and most of them come from Asia, according to research firm DFC intelligence. In the Philippines, more and more teenagers are hooked on online games. Like cigarette, coffee, and illicit drugs, online games can be addictive. Online game addiction is a particularly severe problem in Asia countries, says Michael Cai, director of broadband and gaming for Park Associates (a media/technology research and analysis company). In South Korea , for instance, results of a survey conducted in 2006 showed that 2.4 percent of those aged nine to 39 suffer from game addiction, with another 10.2 percent at risk of addiction. Theorists focus on the built-in reward systems of the games to explain their addictive nature. This is how the best games are programmed: to keep the player

6 interested by promising predictable outcomes, but to hook them by randomly allowing them to earn ne positions or powers in the game.

CHAPTER III PRESENTATION DATA The Bad Effects of Online Games Among Teenagers Online Games have that teenagers are being addicted to it. In our generation today, online game is the best entertainment among teenagers. Playing such kind of games are beneficial, theres a lot things to learn. It may help in teenagers learning and develop. It expands teenagers ability on spat ial subjects. Yet, there are always drawback . Playing online games leads to addiction. Online game addiction is one of the common problem among teenagers. Teenagers see the virtual world as a platform to form and fill the void in different aspects such as achievement and power in their lives. The power is exhilarating and provides mental challenge their brain seeks. Teenagers can escape the reality of life , they can be the few reasons why teenagers are hooked up to online games. Effects that may happen to the teenagers if they continuously play online Games Many teenagers, today play online games continuously which can lead to addiction. It is their way to escape problems and to socialize that sometimes have negative effects. Teenagers that are more often play online games may experience a lot of effects, these includes: Physical effects, Psychological effects and Social effects.

8 Teenagers may experience self deprivation that can cause them to be always sleepy and exhausted especially when they are attending class. Playing online games may affect the six main areas, The Psychological and Emotional, health, family, financial, academic, and Social. They are more prone into violent outburst, physical fights and verbal arguments with family and teenagers. The signs and symptoms of online game addicted teenager Teenagers, especially in our generation are becoming more focused or addicted to online gaming to the point of where obsession is nothing new, but online game addiction seams to be dilemma here in our society: to be able to identify whether a teenager is suffering from addiction, one must know the signs and symptoms that a teenager may feel and these include: Psychological symptoms, Physical symptoms, Behavioural symptoms and Relational symptoms. Avoiding the bad effects of online games Online game addiction have been so controversial among people. Many teenagers have been suffering for many effects, to avoid this effects are some ways. One way ofavoiding the drawbacks of teenagers is to enhance their skills and talents with organizations that the major purpose is to help some addicted teenagers to forget those games. One must also focus on doing some sports and other fruitful/meaningful activities. A teenagers must control his/herself from playing those addicted games.

Teenagers can avoid playing by simple things from controlling oneself and from forgetting this things. Action to recover from online game addiction Many teenagers have addicted to online games that can ruin their life. Furthermore, there are treatments that can help the teenagers from being addicted. The treatment for video/online game addiction is similar to the treatments used for other types of addiction. The one who can help the teenagers from being addicted is their own self. Especially their parents has a big part to help their children from being addicted in online games, support them from whatever they want to do which is right and especially to counselling them of what is right to do. Therapy is very helpful to the teenager to be more active and to feel a life in the fullest.

CHAPTER IV SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION Summary In our generation today, online games are the best entertainment among teenagers. Those are the gateways for the teenagers to escape from their pressured lives. Therefore, the games serve as a platform to fill the void in different aspects such as achievement and power in their lives. The power is exhilarating and provides mental challenge their brain seeks. Continuously playing online games have always drawbacks. These may affect the six main areas, the psychological, and emotional, health, family, financial, academic and social. Teenagers are more prone into violent outburst, physical fights and verbal arguments with family and teachers. Teenagers may experience cyber bullying, sleep deprivation and sexual predators that can ruin their life. To be able to identify whether a teenager suffering from the said addiction, one must know the signs and symptoms which refer to the condition of the mind and emotional reaction, physical symptoms which consists of sleeping difficulties, dry or red eyes, and other visible changes that occur physically. The behavioural symptoms involves the changes in behaviour online game addicted teenagers to their family and to other people. Theres a lot of bad effects occurring to those teenagers who have been addicted to online games. One way to avoid online games addiction is to enhance

11 teenagers skills and talents with some organizations that the major purpose is to help the teenagers not to play online games. Teenagers can avoid playing by doing simple things, controlling oneself and by keeping yourself busy about any matters. Furthermore, there are treatments that could help teenagers from being addicted. Actions that are essential is by doing some exercise that can manage their body and mind to be physically active, meditate that can help the teenagers to control and think what is wrong and right, then lastly is awareness.

Conclusion

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The causes of teenagers online game addiction are their psychological needs. These include entertainment and leisure, vivid graphics, along with the exciting gaming experiences are the gateways to the teenagers to escape from their pressured lives. In order to survive in the entertainment age, we should remember that the virtual world we often refer to is an activity in our lives. On the other hand, everyone can be a real hero if he chooses to think of solutions to future world crisis. As a consequence, it will affect their psychological, emotional, health and family, financial, academic and social. Online game addicted teenager undergoes certain signs and symptoms which can affect the condition of their mind or emotional reaction, physical aspects, behaviour and relationships towards their family, friend and to other people. To control this problem, teenagers must enhance their talents and skills with organization, selfdiscipline, joining other activities and sports. The government should implement some methods or suggestions on how to control this problem. Doing some exercise with the mind and the body, meditate and awareness are the treatments that help teenagers to recover from being addicted.

Recommendations

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1.Government should implement organizations and programs that could help teenagers from recovering online games addiction.

2.Teenagers should engage in sports and recreational activities.

3.Teenagers must go on under therapy and counselling.

4.Parents should attend programs in dealing with their children who are addicted with online gaming.

5.Teenagers should be aware in choosing friends and peers in order for them to be apart from online game addiction.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Gonzalez, Edgardo G. Counseling and support January 21,2013 http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/video-game-addiction

Hauge, Marny R. Video Game Addiction Among Adolescent January 2 1,2013 http://www.ehow.com/info_8713643_computer_games_addiction_amongstudents.html#ixzz 21fTHnggo

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Lim, Morato L. Therapy TreatmentJanuary 21, 2013 http://www.informationweek.com/personal_tech/fire-waystoavoid-gamingaddiction/229216994

Olson, Cherry B. How video games affect young brains January 21,2013 http://the brains-4303 conversation.edu.au/pleasure-centre-how-video-games-affect-young-

Patros, NiloM.Therapy and counselling for internet addiction January 21,2013 http://www.counsellor_coach.ou/articles-online-gaming-addiction.html

Ryan, Richard D. Treatment options for video game addicts January 21,2013 http://www.ocf.berkeley-edu.jenchan/online gaming addiction.html

Rymel, Ryan L. Computer Games and addiction among students January 21,2013 http://projectknow.com/research/video-game-addiction

Salsan, Joanna A. Internet Addiction Signs,symptoms,treatment,and self helpJanuary 21,2013 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internetcybersexaddiction.htm

Tacio, Henrylito D. Teenagers Addiction to online game January 21,2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/video-game-addiction

CURRICULUM VITAE Name: Angel A. Atenta Date of Birth: March 17,1997 Complete Address: P-7 Brgy. 21 Silad Mahogany Butuan City Name of Parents: Mr. Eden G. Atenta Mrs. Arlen A. Atenta Guardian: Parents Contact Information: Mobile: 09292350081 Landline: N/A Email Address: angel_atenta@yahoo.com Education: Elementary: Silad Mahogany Elementary School School Address: P-5 Brgy. 21, Silad Mahogany Butuan City Year Graduated: 2009 Secondary: Agusan National High School School Address: A.D Curato Street, Butuan City Year Graduated: Special skills/Abilities: Drawing

CURRICULUM VITAE Name: Leanne Joy V. Cabusao Date of Birth: March 14, 1997 Complete Address: P-8 Sta. Lucia ,Mahogany, Butuan City Name of Parents: Mr. Leslie T. Cabusao Mrs. Annabelle V. Cabusao Guardian: Father Contact Information: Mobile: 09109714947 Landline: N/A Email Address: cleannejoy@yahoo.com

Education: Elementary: Silad Mahogany Elementary School School Address: P-5 Brgy. 21, Silad Mahogany Butuan City Year Graduated: 2009 Secondary: Agusan National High School School Address: A.D Curato Street, Butuan City Year Graduated: Special skills/Abilities: Drawing, Dancing, Acting, and engage in sports

CURRICULUM VITAE Name: Desiree Jannin S. De Gracia Date of Birth: January 5, 1997 Complete Address: P-5 Zacor J.C Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Name of Parents: Mr.Ramil P. De Gracia Mrs. Edna S. De Gracia Guardian: Parents Contact Information: Mobile: 09072876115 Landline: N/A Email Address: des_glam12@yahoo.com Education: Elementary: Butuan Central Elementary School School Address: A.D Curato Street, Butuan City Year Graduated: 2009 Secondary: Agusan National High School School Address: A.D Curato Street, Butuan City Year Graduated: Special skills/Abilities: Singing

CURRICULUM VITAE Name: Lady Ann T. Ga-as Date of Birth: August 30, 1996 Complete Address: P-2 Baan Riverside, Butuan City Name of Parents: Mr.Artoro J. Ga-as Mrs.Marebeth T. Ga-as Guardian: Parents Contact Information: Mobile: 09295278564 Landline: N/A Email Address: ladyann_gaas@yahoo.com Education: Elementary: Riverside Central Elementary School School Address: Baan Riverside, Butuan City Year Graduated: 2009 Secondary: Agusan National High School School Address: A.D Curato Street, Butuan City Year Graduated: Special skills/Abilities: Drawing

CURRICULUM VITAE Name: Coleen Sheen A. Yangson Date of Birth: February 11, 1997 Complete Address: BLK. 44 L.17 Ph.2, EmenvilleButuan City Name of Parents: Mr. Jesus C. Yangson Mrs. Gemma A. Yangson Guardian: Parents Contact Information: Mobile: 09082262050 Landline: N/A Email Address: sheen_yangson@yahoo.com Education: Elementary: Doongan Elementary School School Address: DoonganButuan City Year Graduated: 2009 Secondary: Agusan National High School School Address: A.D Curato Street, Butuan City Year Graduated: Special skills/Abilities: Singing, Designing, Writing and Engage in sports