Today’s theme: Game Addiction

The World Health Organization recently announced that the agency is adding “gaming disorder” to its globally recognized compendium of medical conditions and diagnoses. However, there are also objections of the video game industry and researchers who have studied the issue, and believe the scientific evidence for the classification is weak at best. We look into the definition of gaming disorder as well as ways to cope with game addiction with expert guests.

The Conversationalist

with

Dr. Doh Min-jung

- from You & Me Psychological & Consultation Services

- a lecturer at Soongsil University and SookMyung University

- a licensed psychologist in the New York State.

According to a government survey, 15% of Korean elementary and middle schoolers are addicted to either the internet or smartphones. Do you think teenagers are more vulnerable to addictions?

World Health Organization’s 11th International Classification of Diseases will include the condition "gaming disorder" from next year. Do you agree that game addiction should be classified as a mental disorder?

&

Tarik Jašarević

- spokesperson for the World Health Organization

Some researchers say that your organization’s been under enormous pressure from some Asian countries where prevalence of gaming disorder among young people is estimated to be 10-15% and because it takes them away from family and educational duties gaming is pathologized. Would you say this is true?

I understand you’re getting some backlash from the entertainment and gaming industry due to the recent decision. What do you think about their response?

Media Monster

Next week: Bookance (북캉스)