Why are video games addictive?
What is it about massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) in particular that seems to increase the odds of developing unhealthy habits? 1. “Leveling” A player starting a new MMO or MMORPG will notice that his or her character has very limited abilities, powers, and strengths. However, within a few minutes of play he or she typically is able to “level up” and the character becomes stronger. This reward for minimal effort is very reinforcing and encourages continued play. However, from this point onward each level may take just a bit more time and effort than the previous did to level up. Over time the player is gradually trained to accept the fact that each level will take longer to reach – with later levels taking weeks or months of play to reach. 2. Gathering and Hoarding Instincts MMOs are designed to appeal to natural human instincts of gathering and hoarding. There are countless stories of harmless hobbies and collections that have turned into obsessions (for exampl
