Richard Wood is one such skeptic, claiming that excessively playing videogames ought not to be compared to gambling since they are not enough alike (“Concept of Videogame ‘Addiction’” 170). His evidence for this is case studies in which he portrays familial strain and stress put on the gamer. This, he believes, leads many gamers to diagnose themselves as addicted when they may not be (176). Wood claims that clinicians and researchers should be cautious when claiming anyone is addicted because it may lead to misunderstandings and an undue amount of concern on the part of the family (176). Wood also believes those who are classified as “addicted” may be playing games excessively because they have underlying problems or poor time management skills (177). Wood does concede that some people play video games excessively is not in dispute, but defining the point at which the behaviour becomes problematic is far from clear. There is little doubt that some people play games too frequently and for longer periods than is good for them physically, socially, and/or psychologically” (172).
Mark Griffiths refutes Wood’s position, stating that those who have underlying problems but are addicted to a substance have no less of an addiction because …show more content…
However, there are many studies and experts that have refuted the foundational claims against its existence. The belief that excessive videogame playing and gambling are not so alike as to be comparable is refuted by the fact that videogames and gambling, especially slot machines, are more similar than different (“Videogame Addiction: Further Thoughts” 183). Moreover, the physical consequences of excessively playing videogames, such as wrist pain, neck pain, and obesity, should be so easily dismissed (183). Additionally, the line between excessively playing videogames and a genuine addiction to them should be established and