The World Health Organization (WHO), for the first time, has recognized video gaming as an addiction.
In a report by the Agence France-Presse, video gaming is listed with addiction to gambling and drugs such as cocaine.
WHO has recently released its 11th update of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which has included other conditions such as classification of compulsive sexual behavior as a mental disorder and burn out as a medical condition.
Gaming disorder is defined by the organization as “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
In reaction posted on the Android Authority website, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) called on the WHO to reverse its decision.
“The WHO is an esteemed organization and its guidance needs to be based on regular, inclusive, and transparent reviews backed by independent experts,” the ESA said.
“‘Gaming disorder’ is not based on sufficiently robust evidence to justify its inclusion in one of the WHO’s most important norm-setting tools.”
Photo credit: www.video-game-addiction.org
