A terrifying model has been created to illustrate what avid gamers could look like in 20 years.
Created by OnlineCasino.ca, the model reveals the physical damage that too much gaming can do to a person. The model has been dubbed Michael, and as the picture below demonstrates, he's in a terrible state all around.
From his hunched back to the dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, he's a stark reminder that screentime should be limited, no matter how engrossing a game is.
Michael was created with information obtained from physical reports of the physical impacts of gaming addiction.
As well as the effects limited above, he has pale skin from D and B12 deficiencies, he is overweight from a lack of exercise and repetitive strain on his thumbs has led to the formation of ulcers.
The dent in his head has been created from years of 'consistent, light pressure' from wearing a headset. His eczema is caused by stress and he has a repetitive strain injury in his "trigger finger".
This is how we can help gaming addicts:The World Health Organization says that a person with gaming disorder will have "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".
Clinical psychologist Rebecca Lockwood from the National Centre for Gaming Disorders said that there is a psychological reason why gaming is so alluring, saying "I think there's a lot of social anxiety in young people who are gaming. Gaming is a safe space; you can create a new identity for yourself."
Michael is a particularly striking image right now as increasing numbers of people take to gaming as a pass time during the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, the researchers OnlineCasino.ca also provided tips on how to stay healthy while gaming.
The full report on the long term effects of excessive gaming can be found here.