Inside A Gaming Addiction Rehab | AJ+

Gaming and screen addiction are destroying lives in the same way as the most potent drugs. Many of the apps and programs we use every day are designed with the psychology of gaming and gambling in mind, designed to form habits and addict people to more screen time. We go to an internet addiction rehab and talk with some of the technologists pushing back on this kind of thinking, to understand how they see technology getting out of control.
In an AJ+ documentary series, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin investigates facial recognition at the border, meets men struggling with addiction at a gaming rehab, looks into the harassment women face online, interviews current and former Facebook employees and travels to a Macedonian Fake News farms. When big tech breaks things and asks questions later, it affects everyone. AJ+ looked into what’s broken and how to fix it.
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[@apple3033]

People who keep buying loot boxes are not addicted to gaming. That is a gambling addiction. Also GTAV online is not free to play.

[@Lucaslondono]

now it is lmao

[@KSBN-CCB]

@@Lucaslondono xbox game pass

[@Lucaslondono]

angry rylen on pc it’s free lmao

[@MrUtuber29]

I'm addicted to KZbin.

[@TheCrimson147]

MrUtuber29 I'm addicted to reddit

[@clysen8234]

I'm addicted to 9gag and youtube

[@drksimi3]

Same here

[@ares7532]

@@clysen8234 9gag..... alright bud

[@noanotherperson4348]

Same

[@tatianatub]

GTA online is not free to play

[@amb9570]

Yeah the wording was all wrong. They don't charge you anything for simply playing it but there's the obvious paywall to access it which is to buy GTA5. So not free-to-play.

[@maximusflame884]

But the dlc is free to download and u can advance faster with micro transactions

[@thatonepriest69]

Maximus Flame you don’t need to pay there’s a ton of heists you can do to earn quick money

[@brandonmireles3249]

If they're going to make a video of this then why don't they know anything about games in the first place

[@funkyjed]

@@maximusflame884 It's not even a dlc, it's literally the online portion of gta v

[@LinkWave290]

Why do people always talk about 'gaming addiction' but not smartphone addiction? :/

[@MJLEGACY14]

ANYTHING can become an addiction...

[@radiomandelbrot5868]

Nope. Anything can become a coping mechanism. Addiction is when there are physiological components involved. Which hasn't been proved for games as far as I know.

[@Alex-ue4mu]

Including playing outside lol

[@wkeil1981]

Right it hasn’t been proven. Wonder what the Chinese people that die sitting at computers for 24 hrs straight would say

[@Jacobson47]

even masturbation

[@anon8206]

I agree. I'm addicted to games and can't stop playing them. I get withdrawal issues when I stop, and my social life and education has been ruined because of video games. You can be addicted to anything that gives you dopamine. However, some people are just in denial and my experiences mean nothing to them.

[@gabrielarenas2067]

I learned alot of stuff through gaming, words, history, music, etc. It really helped my life

[@fluffball131]

True

[@patriongoode3499]

True

[@itsmahdaisy9063]

Maybe

[@Epicpigboiminecrafter]

I'm addicted to breathing

[@Mikewee777]

Epicpigboiminecrafter69385 , join the military : they can cure you.

[@vault2405]

I have the same problem

[@tyleronearth]

No objective judgement on video games. I think many are beautiful pieces of art. And I have no problem with people playing them. But I know since I stopped playing it was the right decision for me. And going back to play isn’t nearly as fun as it used to be.

[@ryanh.739]

Tyincentennial As a videogame player your comment was very insightful. If I may ask, what made you stop playing video games and give them up for good?

[@radiomandelbrot5868]

There are also many of them who require conscious effort and which you can't really play for extended periods at a time because you get mentally spent from the effort. That kind of stuff is valuable leisure because it challenges you. Of course there are people who can become "addicted" to challenging stuff, like runners, but there's still a limit to what they can do in a day in the vast majority of cases.

[@radiomandelbrot5868]

Compulsion-driven games and games with gambling involved are the real issue. Also games which are basically social media in game form, with all the potential "prestige" to be gained from rankings and such. You can't get any real leisure from that kind of shit.

[@stevenlaurencegho194]

I too once a gamer. I play moba mostly and it is pretty addictive. Fortunately, it is free to play and I did not spend much. I have quit the game and coming back is not as fun as it used to. Part of it is due to the engagement. I just realize that the game has become so complicated that in order to be the best I need to be 100% into the game. Thinking strategically, choosing skillsets and etc hook me up pretty bad. It keeps me engaged and when I win, the sense of accomplishment is great. You feel that you are smarter which is scarcity is today world where recognition is a slow process to gain( instant gratification is one of the biggest millennial issue). To quit the game is simple, find something that provides the same benefit. Challenge yourself to do it for example if you never cook before, try Cooking. Once you are hooked up to cooking,you quit games.

[@Noah-357]

I just stopped my second bad addiction that have been destroying my life since I was 12. After I manged to quit smoking cigarettes after 12 years, I decided to stop this bad habit too which is playing video games. Now, its been about 4 months since the last time I played video games. I started watching shows, reading, communicating like normal person, my memory got improved, I started going to gym, and the most important thing is my academic path. After all these years of gaming, I haven't learned single one thing just driving a car or shooting on someone in the game. It's literally pointless. So, what I found out even of you watch something you think its stupid, its better than wasting your time and your money on virtual reality. So, if you still think it's not an addiction, and you keep playing games for many hours, you are in terrible situation.

[@Smoothgrooves]

Speak for yourself .its a terrible addiction for you but for many others like myself its a fun past time.

[@monkmichael-munkmiikael-hy7842]

We got a 15-year old boy out of videogames, after spending 3 harsh months in our monastery with no electricity and freezing cold in wild nature.

[@johnnguyen6159]

Why is there such a huge negative connotation on video games, but not for movies and TV shows?

[@IslamClipsCentral]

its such a double standard

[@WajeehLion]

love the different perspectives

[@psteeg3551]

2:35 sad to see that even a dog can become a gaming addict

[@olly_evans]

From what ive learned being a game addict myself, League of Legends and WoW are the games most addicts have a primary problem with. All games can be addictive but some moreso than others. Ive found these two to be the Crystal Meth of video games.

[@ToskaGD]

There’s no “free version of gta” don’t put lies out here to trick people. Even a 10 year old kid off the internet would know that. Not these “experts”

[@sethkilberg9318]

All the people that have like 35 hours and over a week of gaming are just absolute units

[@noahthenerdiest3406]

I used to play video games for 300 hours a month when I was younger

[@wildlifeforagers6515]

i was addicted in school years due to i could forget about my difficulties and stress of my disability and what impact that arose in the real world , im 27 now and tbh i find video games now boring as i have more ambitious hobbies of gardening, foraging and cooking and love of food ( i am a lucky one im no longer intrested in them - it upsets me to see so many people who are my age or older and more capable then what i am mentally to be still in the void of gaming addiction both on and off screen ( im not saying role playing is bad -i am saying it is a out of virtual world enabler to help meet like minded souls ) , Video games are incredibly expensive with the latest consoles now going towards thousands of pounds if your seriously invested in the highest options there is , i feel for this world as this is now the most conformed onscreen entertainment you can get . if any parents read this and thinking about getting there children a console and some games PLEASE LOOK AT ANOTHER HOBBY OR INTEREST OF YOUR CHILD , THEY WILL BE MUCH BETTER OFF TRUST ME ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE DISABILITIES Video game addiction takes lives away and you will lose your son/daughter/unknown .

[@giovannajohnny]

i play game since i was 10 and i am 23 now every game feels so boring now.

[@netabolt6546]

well, he's right, its because of depression that people like us, me and others play games. i never have been clinical depressede but i just dont enjoy life as much anymore and one way to deal with the pain is either write my own books, read a book or (you guessed it) gaming. i play allot of different games so i dont get bored too often. i would play like three or four days the same game and then another week i play another kind of game. right now its darks souls 3 again. but like i said, with my inner depression (its very midl in my case because i still can do things) that i dont feel good i rather turn to games than walk my thoughts out or doing stuff that is needed to do. depression makes allot of peopel like me gamers. gaming is a way to immerse yourself.

[@kymmzej9173]

Thirty hours a week? He plays games almost as long as I work per week.

[@cheeseboicometh3987]

I play around 80 hours a day

[@benpretorius2926]

@Skywalker r/woosh

[@darealkenshi]

30 hours a week isn't long at all

[@Mell0wY3ll0w]

These guys seem crazier without games , especially that woman. It's about managing your time / money. Theres likely a underlying issue with these people causing them to stay in the games.

[@allbirdsareedible]

She was loud because she was at a convention, which is loud.

[@luigipirate8116]

I think phone games are more addicted

[@MYInteriorArchitect]

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الثَّبَاتَ فِي الأَمْرِ، وَالْعَزِيمَةَ عَلَى الرُّشْدِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مُوجِبَاتِ رَحْمَتكَِ، وَعَزَائمَِ مَغْفِرَتكَِ، وَأسَْألَكَُ شُكْرَ نعِْمَتكَِ، وَحُسْنَ عِباَدَتكَِ، وَأسَْألَكَُ قَلْبًا سَلِيمًا، وَلِسَانًا صَادِقًا، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِ مَا تَعْلَمُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا تَعْلَمُ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا تَعْلَمُ، إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ

[@SA-yt3kq]

These guys weren’t addicted to video games, they were using them as a coping mechanism for their other issues

[@anon8206]

Isn't that how many addiction start? People can use meth to cope with life. Your logic doesn't make any sense.

[@SA-yt3kq]

Anon E Moose An addiction is when your body has physical symptom from not using them, due to the chemical imbalance it causes in your brain. And before you say that you do have physical withdrawal as I saw you reply to someone else, those symptoms can also be caused by other mental illnesses.

[@anon8206]

@@SA-yt3kq Went to psychologist, don't have any mental illness. Anything that gives you dopamine causes addiction. Video games gives people dopamine, and therefore, can be addictive. Food is also addictive, sex, etc. Why are videogames an exception to you?

[@anon8206]

Might want to give this article a read to better understand addiction: www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.htm/ :)

[@SA-yt3kq]

Anon E Moose Thank you for the article, it did clarify some things for me. I just think that addiction is not always the person who made the things fault and irresponsible use of anything can lead to addiction

[@theb1524]

wow these gamers are rich

[@myles3057]

Video games are helping people get out stress, and taking that away will take a toll on peoples sanity, rehabs are just a money grab

[@cczincmate_3151]

no this guy was playing 16 hours a day and could not stop he absolutely NEEDED rehab

[@uzidog]

Pay 30k to clean a house. Lmao tell me what video game rehab is

[@4T3hM4kr0n]

gambling, loot boxes, etc. These MMO games that promote that stuff are the main culprit behind most of these problems due to the sheer addictivness.

[@francismausley7239]

Balance is a key aim... "...some games are innocent, and if pursued for pastime there is no harm. But there is danger that pastime may degenerate into waste of time. Waste of time is not acceptable..." ~ Abdul-Baha, Baha'i Faith

[@Justin_Time_TOIT]

Free GTA? Where do I get that? Pirate Bay?

[@IslamClipsCentral]

no no. the pirate ship.

[@solidcoal8131]

dad: um son where did my 30,000 dollars went to billy: a gaming addiction rehab dad: billy you know those arent real billy: yeah but i made me stop playing video games dad: no it didnt your still playing video games billy: SHI- dad: BILLY!!

[@danishofficial9529]

Great presentation.....

[@cyberfunk6739]

I play video games about 2 or 3 hours a week and where are the actual experts?

[@missfeliss3628]

sorry but she has a monopoly on this addiction...its way too expensive ..theres no reason she needs to charge that much

[@ashtonwolf3514]

In my Office days I played Videogames From Morning to Dusk I'm Addicted Help!!!!!!!

[@markm.9188]

Why does the media blame video games for crime.

[@carlosvalle2387]

Games were not designed to cause addiction. You can be addicted to anything. Gaming has positive benefits too. You should have exposed the benefits as well.

[@cczincmate_3151]

gaming has barely any benefits unless it's stress reliever, gtfo with better reaction times or hand to eye coordination, im not able to box if i play games

[@funkyjed]

@Mo'mina Makin There are bads and goods to everything. You only pay attention to the bad, but one simple Google search and you'll see many articles explaining the health benefits of gaming,

[@funkyjed]

@Mo'mina Makin Fair, gaming isnt for everyone but for people to just blindly say it doesnt do anything for you is just false. That's all

[@funkyjed]

@Mo'mina Makin There is a percentage who are like that yes, but you can't deny that gaming is beneficial to ones health. If that wasn't the case then Esports wouldnt be as big as they are

[@funkyjed]

@Mo'mina Makin I never said they did, everything has their own benefits.

[@jacobmetzler1385]

Gaming isn't an addiction. These people have underline mental conditions that force them to go back to the one thing in there life that gives them an outlet to escape from the problems of life. They shouldn't be treated for addiction they should be seeking mental health help.

[@captainsugoi7273]

There are always going to low percentage of people that get addicted to an "activity" whatever it might be.

[@thegamershadowz-marcus8915]

This is just a cash-grabbing program take a two-week backpacking trip it's much cheaper than this!

[@stray8468]

5:48, GTA was never free, ask anyone who has ever played a video game and they'd tell you GTA was never free.

[@IslamClipsCentral]

;)

[@applejoao4]

Epic games from 2020 disagree

[@Redasurc]

my mom said im forgetfull due to video games so when i see her forget something i always said "its those damn videogames" cut that shit out quick

[@uhohhotdog]

Literally anything can be addicting if you enjoy it.

[@jacobc590]

Addictive*

[@uhohhotdog]

jacob christensen IM MAKING IT A WORD OKAY?

[@nntflow7058]

No Shit! We have rehab for alcoholic or drug abuser. Why can't we have one for gaming or gambling?

[@Boofus90]

NNT Flow No one claimed there isn’t such things as gaming “addiction”. The fact is the media throws the word “addiction” so much to the point it’s lost it’s meaning. Most of these individuals were also doing other things while they were “addicted” such as watching pornography, or gambling, which shows it isn’t solely gaming affecting them.

[@Mikewee777]

VIDEO GAMES ARE NOT A DISEASE.

[@brittanykragness4204]

Is there some way to find the sources behind the stats?

[@nilamelody]

Over the internet. But this video shows many misinformation in general

[@mohdasad4595]

I lost my right eye cause of this addiction

[@ADot-sc8zd]

MOHD ASAD What do you mean lost your right eye?

[@mohdasad4595]

A. Dot I used to be so addicted screen i.e. that i lost my vision in right eye

[@commiedoggo2439]

Blame it on yourself

[@handsomechocolatebar276]

thats your fault

[@danielgallagher3608]

What is considered addicted? Because teens have a lot more free time and if the time spent to be considered addicted is of an adult time where they have responsibility than that's stupid.

[@warpedmind6363]

I’m listening to this whilst playing battlefield 1

[@Arcaryon]

Honestly I know I play too much (like 3 hours) - BUT I also know that gaming is not the issue.

[@Capybarrrraaaa]

Can we just talk about the fact that nobody there had a 'gaming' addiction, rather than just other mental issues. Sticking gaming there is completely irrrelevent. I'm happy that it's helping people cope with their issues, but it feels like they're tacking gaming on for the sake of it. Also that "non addicting games are bad" guy needs to shut up, and stop talking out of his arse. GTAO isn't Free-2-play, that just a lie.

[@cky_-bv3fc]

Even if you haven’t watched Steven’s film Ready Player One, you would definitely assume that addiction on gaming is going to be an inevitable treading.

[@manannaik1341]

How?

[@handsomechocolatebar276]

uuuh... no

[@JjJjkemp]

I feel like gambling addiction in video games is something different. That is just a gambling addiction, just video games have the option and make it more convenient. If you lived in a casino and was addicted to gambling, you would use the slot machines or whatever is in a casino because it is continent.

[@jaycool9480]

Man, it's all about time management. Parents dont put their foot down and limit the time. I've been playing since Sega Genesis but I'm not an addict. I talk with my people, hang out & socialize, & I work. Even when I was a kid I wasnt addicted. I'm just a casual player. I play video games but I'm not a gamer which there's a difference.

[@styie-7026]

Guys ‏suicidal and it’s the games fault? Wait so you mean to tell me that’s not called depression?

[@drksimi3]

Most addicting game genres are open world,fps games. Have a lot of side missions and a lot to explore. If you want to quit gaming just go cold turkey and delete all your games that's it.

[@muneeral-shukaili5070]

It all starts with the parents... early age guidance moatly would solve the issue. They have to teach their kids that time is precious and not good to waste it for unreal life that would disappear whenever u close the game. What matter is your real life so you have to play it well.

[@weeknightwarrior]

Thank God for decent developers like Larian Studios and CD Projekt Red. If all gaming was loot boxes and on-disc DLC I'd have quit years ago

[@morebaklavapls3637]

even at this moment esports business is overtaking europena football matches and soon esports revenue will be the highest

[@matteo-ciaramitaro]

Lootboxes aren't gambling. if they are so are trading card packs. you pay money for a mystery object, and you get it. Lootboxes that affect gameplay are trash. if they don't affect gameplay, then those people really are addicted, to want cosmetic items so much.

[@funkyjed]

Definition of gambling 1. play games of chance for money; bet. "she was fond of gambling on cards and horses" synonyms:bet, wager, place a bet, lay a bet, stake money on something, back the horses, try one's luck on the horses; More 2. take risky action in the hope of a desired result. "the British could only gamble that something would turn up" synonyms:take a chance, take a risk, take a leap in the dark, leave things to chance, speculate, venture, buy a pig in a poke You are risking money to get a desired in game item, which in terms would be gambling, yes even trading cards can be gambling but you dont see people buying $10,000+ of trading card packs, lootboxes are a huge problem in video games, the terms of gambling to some are vague but that doesnt mean lootboxes arent gambling

[@drimix2470]

2:35 MINECRAFT XDDD

[@robrobx649]

Do these people think that video games are on-par with drugs or something? People who play games have full control over themselves and when they play games. Whereas drugs ruin lives and people need rehab for that stuff. But video games aren't like drugs, and we do not need rehab for video games.

[@anon8206]

Speak for yourself. Video games has ruined my entire life because of addiction.

[@funkyjed]

You can be addicted to anything

[@radiomandelbrot5868]

They're not "addicted", they use games as a coping mechanism. So why aren't they listing every single symptom of every single illness there is as a disorder in and of themselves? Cuz that would be freaking stupid, wouldn't it? Edit: also, gambling and gaming are two separate things. Gambling has been proven to be a behavioural addiction. Inserting gambling into gaming doesn't make someone a gaming addict, it makes someone a gambling addict. That's why Belgium has it right. Sheesh.

[@xSTTS]

that guy who spent 8 grand a year really should've powdered his nose that face is shinier than my future

[@OnionKnightThe3rd]

Where can I get this free version of gta 5 which doesn’t exist

[@solidcoal8131]

here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqrFiGdup7B1g6c

[@RoAnneHendrich87]

This loot boxes are gachas. Gacha games are exactly like this.

[@thecalmclone2813]

You still get things from loot boxes

[@kingblingbla]

I'm Addicted to oxygen.

[@danielgallagher3608]

4:29 Ok so maybe those kids are already depressed and they play games to feel better, because maybe they have no friends or there only friends are online friends and that's why they play so much, so don't blame video games for people who are already depressed.

[@taurusdaevidriv]

#SaintSaens #DanseMacabre on piano at the end!! 👍👌

[@2Happyor2Sad]

a bad researched video which only aims at portraying games as the symbol of all evil for a better and more objective view the channel "extra credits" is advised

[@jzk2020]

Glad The Rock's son is doing much better. Good luck to them.

[@donkeypuncher5968]

People play video games to escape from the real world

[@solidcoal8131]

what how did you know

[@MetroLee]

Spending money on loot boxes? TF? This new generation must never heard of cheat codes b/c that's all I used when I used to play on my Sega Dreamcast. Get it together, guys.

[@uhohhotdog]

Jael those don’t exist anymore grandpa

[@Mell0wY3ll0w]

Hey , the world spends $8 on lotto a week for most of their lives and don't win. But gamers waste their money?

[@Mell0wY3ll0w]

You really haven't played a game since the Dreamcast

[@souderyabbas7445]

past is past grandpa

[@AndrewHodel56]

The Future is now old man

[@handsomechocolatebar276]

most people dont have time to play this long, and wouldnt if they could

[@Crayo]

6:17 hey that's rifty

[@ariananegron4679]

Thank you, AJ Plus, for educating all of us.

[@ezblends516]

Really liked it thank you

[@archknight2380]

gAmInG hAs GoTtEn So BiG tHaT pEoPlE wAtCh OtHeRs PlAy

[@somekindofname7859]

What is this real

[@forestalmo2417]

Chess is one of the best games and its not addictive , sure gaming is addictive . But lifes to short not to have fun , It doesn't even come close to being a crackhead or alcoholic . I have a been an addict for years of many things , best thing to do is to get outside and do some real stuff not being behind a screen . Take up skateboarding or surfing or sports or get to the gym and talk to real woman and people . Life's shorter then you think and you die and thats it , no respawn . As my old man said you're along time dead

[@ns.3604]

Why do male are more addicted then female ? Am wander

[@akivaweil5066]

I wander the same thing

[@cczincmate_3151]

woman pp

[@Luis-jp7ot]

Why do male mor addictud ten femal am wander

[@TrTriTrippin]

loot boxes should be illegal...

[@davidtaylor2098]

Very healthy specimens.

[@joyjoyoo]

I'm addicted to cats I was addicted to maple story

[@Catarun]

Okay, so "Clinical psychological science" is not a source... It may be a type of source, but not a source. Apply yourselves.

[@TheCrimson147]

WHO and American Psychiatry society are the sources for the video

[@69Muki69]

battlefield 5 has llotboxes they just changed the name for it lol

[@limitbreak1717]

Honestly they are just noobs who want to see us fail

[@Regolant1]

Please tell me how and where I can get GTA V for free, legally of course... I'll wait

[@IslamClipsCentral]

did you do it? did you? like 5 weeks ago?

[@Regolant1]

@@IslamClipsCentral Yeah. It only took an entire year but I did it

[@IslamClipsCentral]

@@Regolant1 Wow :) do u wanna play

[@Regolant1]

@@IslamClipsCentral Not really I have other 800 games first in my backlog (If only I had time)

[@IslamClipsCentral]

@@Regolant1 ok

[@realsmithy88]

That guy looks like Vegan Gains with glasses and a wig on....

[@sonnyca]

I play a video game that has recently introduced loot boxes to unlock stuff. This video has opened my eyes and I have started to look at that game differently now. Horrific!

[@IslamClipsCentral]

my main man. loot boxes are a choixe. just ignore them. dont be like these morons.

[@morebaklavapls3637]

LoL ranked gives so much stress tbh....

[@beef8802]

Gta online is not free you still have to buy the game

[@maximusflame884]

I wasted $5,000 on world of tanks blitz

[@TeddyBelcher4kultrawide]

you got problems?

[@chezburgez975]

I thin this channel wrong abouts is in the criteria of addicted or not addicted

[@Voxterx]

lmao at this outro dont forget to sub to the channel LOLOL

[@markgable1280]

**exists**

[@ibrahimelgamal1019]

Can you make it in arabic plz

[@leadgenerationdc]

Great Video

[@kingblingbla]

I'm addicted to stupid shit

[@mheannethony]

I play 8 hours a day

[@mr.cobblestone5429]

Find a doctor

[@IslamClipsCentral]

find a hobby

[@elohimaka]

2:31 Yoo is that rifty??

[@IslamClipsCentral]

no thats gay