There is a quiet moment many parents, students, and even professionals recognize—but rarely talk about.
It’s past midnight. The room is dark. The glow of a screen still lives on a young face. One more game, they say. Just five more minutes.
But five minutes quietly become hours.
Excess, in any form, never arrives loudly. It slips in gently, wearing comfort. Gaming, when balanced, can be joyful, creative, even social. Yet when time loses its boundaries, the body begins to speak—softly at first, then painfully loud.
A recent study by Curtin University, Australia, reminds us of this truth. Surveying 317 university students across five campuses, with an average age of 20, researchers divided participants into three groups:
-
Low gamers: 0–5 hours per week
-
Medium gamers: 5–10 hours per week
-
High gamers: more than 10 hours per week
The conclusion was clear: students who played more than 10 hours per week showed significantly poorer physical and mental health.
This finding echoes the warning of Heru Subekti, a mental health expert and lecturer at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). According to him, gaming beyond healthy limits quietly reshapes the body, the mind, and eventually, a person’s entire life.
And the question is no longer “Is gaming bad?”
The real question is: How much is too much—and what should we do next?
However, When the Body Starts to Pay the Price
The body is honest. It never lies. It records every hour we sit still, every night we sacrifice sleep, every posture we ignore.
Heru Subekti explains that excessive gaming—especially more than 10 hours a week—creates a sedentary lifestyle. The result? A slow but steady rise in health problems, particularly among children and young adults.
One of the most visible consequences is obesity. When movement is replaced by screens, calories stay. Muscles weaken. Energy fades.
Then come the silent injuries.
Long hours gripping a mouse or controller can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)—a painful condition caused by compressed nerves in the wrist. What begins as tingling can turn into chronic pain that interferes with daily activities and work.
The neck suffers too.
Doctors now recognize Text Neck Syndrome, a condition caused by constantly bending the head forward to stare at screens. When the head tilts, its effective weight increases dramatically, placing extreme pressure on the neck and spine.
Over time, this can lead to:
-
Chronic neck pain
-
Headaches
-
Reduced mobility
-
Long-term spinal issues
At this stage, self-discipline alone is often not enough.
This is where professional physical therapy, ergonomic assessments, and digital health programs become essential—not as a luxury, but as prevention. Many modern health services now specialize in screen-related posture correction and lifestyle recovery, helping gamers reclaim their bodies without abandoning their passion.
Because the goal is not to quit gaming—but to survive it healthily.
Moreover, When the Mind Becomes Trapped in Pleasure
Addiction does not begin with weakness. It begins with chemistry.
Heru explains that gaming addiction is driven by dopamine, the hormone responsible for pleasure and reward. Each win, each level-up, each achievement releases a small rush of happiness.
At first, one hour is enough.
Then the brain asks for more.
This is how internet gaming disorder, officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), takes root. What once felt like entertainment slowly turns into emotional dependence.
The warning signs are subtle:
-
Irritability when not playing
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Anxiety without screen stimulation
-
Loss of interest in real-world activities
For students, this often translates into declining academic performance. For adults, it means reduced productivity and emotional burnout.
This is where mental health counseling and digital addiction therapy matter deeply. Modern counseling services no longer shame gamers—they guide them. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), habit restructuring, and emotional regulation training, individuals learn how to enjoy games without losing control.
If you or someone you love feels trapped in endless scrolling or gaming loops, professional help is not a sign of failure—it is an act of self-respect.
Furthermore, When Social Connections Begin to Fade
Humans are social beings. We grow through connection, eye contact, shared laughter, and uncomfortable conversations.
Gaming addiction slowly steals these moments.
Heru notes that children and adolescents who spend excessive time gaming often experience:
-
Reduced social confidence
-
Poor emotional responses
-
Difficulty communicating with family
-
Withdrawal from friendships
Over time, relationships weaken. Family conversations shorten. Academic motivation declines. Even spirituality—the sense of meaning and purpose—can quietly disappear.
This is why recovery must go beyond restriction.
Experts emphasize redirection, not punishment. Encouraging alternative activities such as:
-
Sports
-
Creative hobbies
-
Group learning
-
Community engagement
Many families now turn to behavioral coaching services, youth development programs, and family counseling to rebuild communication and trust.
These services focus on active living, emotional intelligence, and social skill development, helping children reconnect with the world beyond screens.
Because healing does not happen in isolation—it happens together.
Finally, The Ideal Time to Play Games—And a Better Way Forward
Contrary to popular belief, experts do not demand total abstinence.
Heru Subekti emphasizes that gaming is not inherently harmful. When limited and intentional, it can:
-
Improve creativity
-
Strengthen problem-solving skills
-
Build teamwork and cohesion
The key lies in time boundaries.
While gaming for more than 10 hours a week increases health risks, moderate and scheduled play allows children and adolescents to maintain quality sleep, physical activity, and emotional balance.
To overcome gaming addiction, Heru highlights two essential steps:
-
Education – understanding the real effects of prolonged gaming
-
Diversion – replacing passive habits with active, meaningful experiences
Today, many families and individuals choose digital wellness programs, parental guidance platforms, and lifestyle coaching services to support this transition. These services combine education, habit tracking, and personalized routines—making change realistic, not overwhelming.
Because balance is not about taking joy away.
It is about protecting the body, calming the mind, and restoring life’s rhythm.
And sometimes, the bravest move is not pressing “play”—
but choosing to pause, breathe, and begin again.