Source: addictionrecoveryebulletin.org

 

Video gaming addiction is a mental health disorder that impacts millions of individuals across the globe. Even though millions are interested in playing video games, most people are not addicted to gaming—the WHO reported that 3% to 4% of the population has an existing gaming addiction. The distinction between gaming addiction and a positive and enjoyable gaming hobby is the adverse effect of the activity on your life.

Generally, a video game addict has an intensity that causes a substantial deficiency in family, occupational, educational, and social aspects of functioning. The trend of gaming behavior is usually apparent over a timeframe of at least a year so that a diagnosis can be established. However, the necessary length of time might be reduced if the diagnostic requirements are met, and indications become severe.

Causes Of Gaming Addiction

Video games are created to be addictive, utilizing modern behavioral psychology that pushes you to become dependent. Games are enticing habits and experiences that offer you loads of dopamine and an overdose of stimulation resulting in structural modifications to an individual’s brain. You start to live in a place where you anticipate immediate satisfaction. Games are so captivating that it is convenient and possible to play for long hours without even realizing that you’ve been stuck in one place for quite some time. They permit you to get away and see quantifiable progress. Games are a social activity that creates a space where you feel secure and control yourself and what you’re doing.

Game makers also install scheming game plan features like micro-transactions, in-app acquisitions, and giveaways that some governments have considered prohibited, as they are gambling classification. Gaming addiction endures because gaming companies are multibillion industries, and the more individuals they have stuck on these games, the more money they get.

Impact Of Video Game Addiction

Gaming addiction is an obsessive mental health illness that causes severe destruction to a person’s life. It is typical for a gaming addict to play for more than 10 hours daily, usually up to the wee hours of the night, and many others are sleep-deprived. Absorbed in their encounter, most gamers have unhealthy diets that consist primarily of energy drinks loaded with sugar and caffeine. A lot of them also suffer from malnutrition and dehydration.

Source: wccftech.com

In more major situations, video game addicts have agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder where people are scared of getting out of the house. In contrast, others classify as hikikomori, a term famous in Japan to describe antisocial adults and young adolescents who do not have a social life.

Game addicts are inclined to be depressed, temperamental, physically aggressive, and do not want to go to school or work because of gaming. When addicted to video games, he experiences functional impairments in several areas of his life, and the permanent impact can be damaging. Gaming addicts drop out of college. They become unemployed. And they get divorced.

Is It Addiction?

In the argument regarding video gaming addiction, you frequently hear the complaint that gaming can be more understood as a coping strategy for primary mental health illnesses like depression, ADHD, or anxiety, and not an illness in itself. Is this a fact?

No. In addiction, it is broadly recognized that comorbidity, or the concurrent existence of two chronic illnesses in an individual, is typical and that gaming disorder is not exempted. For others, extreme gaming can become a coping mechanism to cover up for another illness. It might develop into a gaming addiction associated with the behavior of people with substance-related conditions. Still, for some, gaming excessively becomes a function of impairment.

Whether or not problematic gaming emerged initially or is caused by an underlying mental health disorder, therapeutic objectives must include therapy for the gaming addict because this condition could be the primary element of functional impairment. Its management might be a requirement for the successful treatment of comorbid illnesses.

Source: medium.com

Managing Video Game Addiction

The crucial thing to remember is that regardless of how hard it is for you to deal with it, you are not dealing with it alone. Now that this condition has been classified as an official disorder, more and more individuals will be able to find the necessary help to manage and overcome it.

Another great news is that most areas in various states now offer help for people struggling with video game addiction. Game Quitters is a popular online support group that offers a community forum, various free online games, and a cost-effective program for parents and gamers alike. If you think you need professional guidance and support, search online for video game addiction therapists. You can also read video game addiction stories that can be helpful and inspiring for you.

You may not want to quit gaming, but you would be surprised at how much your life could be altered just by spending quality time with family or making a healthy habit instead of playing video games. Commit to taking action and doing something about the addiction.

 

 

Source: news.psu.edu

 

It’s good and fun to do things you love doing. However, could you possibly go overboard with a simple hobby? When does a hobby progress to become an addiction? That is the big question scientists are attempting to answer regarding video game playing.

Even though video gaming has existed for nearly five decades, research about its adverse effects remains in the initial phases. Various groups have ended to various conclusions regarding whether or not playing problems must be known as addictions.

The World Health Organization included ‘gaming disorders’ in the 2018 edition of its medical reference book. However, the American Psychiatry Association manual, which is the DSM-5, did not. Until today, gambling is the single activity included in the list of possible addictions. The statistical manual of mental health conditions criteria regarding video game addiction is quite the same as the criteria used for substance abuse disorder. In both circumstances, the individual needs more basis as time continues and becomes sad and annoying when unable to avail it. Individuals addicted to video game playing can even go through withdrawal symptoms.

Warning Signs

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5 does have a segment that aids doctors and other individuals in increasing awareness about video game warning signs. These issues can occur whether you play video games offline or online.

Here are some symptoms to watch out for in you or someone you know – your child, spouse, or significant other. You must present with five or more of these indications within a year to be considered officially having the problem, as stated by the criteria suggested in the DSM-5.

• Feeling moody and unpleasant when you are not able to play
• Always thinking about playing video games almost, if not all, of the time
• Having issues at home, at work, or in school due to persistent video game playing
• Pushing yourself to play amidst many issues and problems
• Having to spend a lot of time playing to feel good
• Can’t control gaming impulses
• Not remembering to do other activities that you previously loved doing
• Using video games to alleviate unpleasant feelings and bad moods.

Source: sciencenewsforstudents.org

Certainly, not everyone who plays video games often has an issue with gaming. Several experts agree that it is damaging to label individuals who could be just very eager to learn more about gaming. They all concur that the number of players meeting the recommended video game addiction standards is quite small. It is projected to be around 1% to 9% of all video gamers, children and adults alike. It is also documented that gaming is more prevalent in males than females.

It could be of more help to begin by asking yourself questions: Does your hobby interfere with other pertinent things in your life, like your profession, education, or relationships? Could you be using video games as an excuse to escape a more serious problem, such as depression? Do you think you have crossed the line between the need to play and the love of playing?

It can be difficult to perceive a problem in yourself. The number of times you spend playing video games might seem okay to you, but if others close to you have observed that it’s way too much, now may be the time to cut back or quit.

If you are a mom or dad worried about the time your child spends playing video games, look at how efficiently they are doing at home, school, or with peers. Getting high grades and great relationships with parents indicate that a child’s video gaming hobby is unlikely to become an issue.

Seeking Help

Ask help from your therapist or primary mental health provider – or your family pediatrician if the individual of concern is your daughter or son – the very moment that you think your child’s gaming is getting messy or has gone too far.

Studies about managing video game addiction are also in their initial phases. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT is a particular therapy regimen that can assist with gaming management. This mental health therapy educates people on substituting thought patterns regarding video game addiction to help alter behavior.

If your child is a persistent gamer, a therapist could show you how to restrict your child’s playing period if you have trouble refusing. One study revealed that making you a part of your child’s therapy would increase its effectiveness.

Source: thewestsidestory.net

Counteracting A Gaming Problem

To be able to manage your child’s time spent playing games, try these strategies for kids and adults alike:

• Set rules on keeping your child’s phones, tablets, and other gadgets outside the room so he will not be tempted to play throughout the night.
• Set a daily time limit for playing and let him practice sticking with these limits.
• Do other hobbies or routines daily, including sports and exercise. This decreases the health hazards of playing too hard and sitting for long periods.

Conclusion

Nobody knows whether or not particular forms of gaming have a higher likelihood of leading to gaming addiction. In the meantime, be certain that your child is playing age-appropriate games.

 

 

Gaming addiction is one of the most controversial addictions that ever existed. That is due to researches and studies that show that there are still quite a few benefits from indulging in it. However, in most experts’ opinions, like anything else, too much time playing video games can be dangerous to your physical, emotional, and mental health. Therefore, it would be nice to consider changing some of your video gaming lifestyles and incorporating discipline into your actions.

Most of the time, you know that you have a lot of responsibilities on your table. But since you find video games so entertaining, you keep on playing. That is, although you know you shouldn’t. Sadly, you can’t help it because you become addicted. Fortunately, you can do a few positive things to combat that unnecessary desire of hardcore playing of video games.

Source: pixabay.com

Record The Time You Spend On Your Hardcore Video Gaming

If you are too caught up with the habit of playing video games, it would be necessary to start recording how much time you usually spend in front of the computer or on your mobile phones in a day. You better have an idea of what is happening in your life when you miss out on all the fun outside, when you take for granted the people around you, and when you do not care about yourself. You must realize the impact of wasting time and damaging some significant aspects of your life, such as personal development, social relationships, and community involvement.

Truthfully, playing video games is not bad. The main purpose of it is to entertain and keep you busy when you feel anxious and preoccupied with stress. However, it becomes harmful to your overall well-being when you spend an unhealthy amount of time only paying attention to gaming. Thus, it would be best to assert some time and track how many hours you are playing and how often the habit makes you feel mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.

Source: pixabay.com

Replace Video Games With Some Other Productive Task

Before you can genuinely make changes to your hardcore video gaming, you need to understand first your reasons why you keep on playing. Maybe you like to play because you want to get rid of boredom. It could be because you are so hooked on the fund and excitement that video games are giving you. Perhaps you just wanted to escape reality and live your life to the fullest. Whatever reasons you may have, those are valid. But, unfortunately, no one can tell you what is right or wrong because, understandably, you live with the moment.

However, if those factors are temporary, why not change them to something productive? So instead of clinging to video games, try to consider replacing the habit with some productive activities. These can include learning new skills, enrolling in a free course, working out, reading books, writing a journal, practicing meditation, etc. Replacing your hardcore video gaming with a productive activity is beneficial as it helps you focus on more important things.

Realize The Importance Of Change In Behavior

Video gaming is not a bad thing, and you need to realize that you do not have to cut it off from your life entirely. But you need to buckle up a little bit and look at the bigger picture. If your hardcore gaming is stressing you out, and if you entirely lose control over it, then figure a process to make it stop. Think about what’s more important at the moment and begin to work on those particular things you want to improve. Give your best and try as much as possible to build a better routine that your overall well-being can benefit from.

But before that, you need to assess your video game addiction for yourself. Ask yourself why you should or shouldn’t stop the habit. Be honest about it. Come up with a better resolution by enumerating the pros and cons of hardcore playing. From there, realize the importance of changing your behavior for the sake of saving your overall health.

Source: pixabay.com

Final Thoughts

Changing or removing your hardcore video gaming habit can be tough, especially when it seems already too late. But don’t stop trying. Instead, condition yourself to do better things because you know what way forward best suits you in a healthy and well-balanced life. You have the power to change your lifestyle once you genuinely try and focus. Yes, you may stumble and fall along the way, but you shouldn’t quit trying. Acknowledge that you can be addicted to anything, and hardcore video gaming is just one of those things that can ruin your concentration. Therefore, work your way to a better future. Remember, it is not about what you know because it is always the changes you do that matter.

 

What are the benefits of video games?

Source: pixabay.com

Along with the emergence of technology, the love of video games has emerged. The benefits of video games have become associated with innovation. Some are obvious in Fortnite, Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto, Overwatch, Red Dead Redemption, and many more. Now, almost everyone embraces the benefits of video gaming and considers themselves gamers.

Video Games’ Benefits

But in the past, many virtual games have been looked down on by many for causing emotional and mental disturbance. Some experts even agree that virtual or video games are the root cause of violent, abusive, and addictive behaviors and definitely have no benefits. But despite all the gaming information out there, some individuals still believe that playing video games has its psychological benefits.

How It Works

Social Skills and Advantages That You Will Earn

One of the most sought-after benefits of video games is improved social skills. That is because most of the best games are the ones that people play online with friends and colleagues. Virtual games help them develop pro-social skills as these inventions involve understanding social relations where players have to figure out who among the players to trust. Playing them also benefits and promotes leadership as they can teach individuals to respect members participating at the moment. The social skill development garnered from playing video games can be transferred in the real world, which becomes a benefit to building a reliable social group.

Rid Yourself With Boredom And Isolation

Many individuals play video games because it is beneficial, which is precisely why they engage with them. But aside from the fun and excitement that video gamers benefit out of, video games help fight boredom and isolation. When individuals struggle with pent-up emotions, video game battles can help blow off some emotional stress. With that, people can lock in their aggression on the web instead of setting it out in the real world. In addition, on some occasions where individuals have hectic schedules, video games can ease the pressure. It represents a necessary break from daily life stressors that ward off anxiety and depression.

Linked To Emotional Stability

Despite some studies that prove video gaming activities cause certain physical and mental disruptions in most individuals, some research shows video games’ beneficial link to emotional stability. In particular, immersive games have the edge because they allow players to try out and engage with the different versions of themselves. In line with that is the ability to explore their qualities where players can understand themselves and see which character fits their ideal personalities. The particular process of self-identification through the help of video games helps a lot in processing emotional stability.

Source: pixabay.com

 Perks Of Playing Virtual Games

Helps Improve Visual-Motor Coordination

Some studies indicate that virtual activities improve hand-eye coordination. It proves to claim a factual report of vision and physical movement development to create a better function. Usually, the applicable virtual games included in this visual-motor coordination are first-person shooters where players aim accurately and quickly to hit a target. In some other games like driving, visual-motor coordination is advantageous as it requires steering adjustments at high speed. The overall benefits of the improved visual-motor coordination also help with different types of physical activities such as sports, driving, walking, and even some basic task.

Potentially Improves Memory

Playing digital stuff, especially those that are immersive, can potentially help with memory boost. That is due to the concentration of structural change of the brain that resizes its regions responsible for attention or visual-spatial skills, fine motor skills, and memory formation. Thus, it supports planning, attention, and multitasking. In addition, playing competitive virtual games is the optimal and fastest way to feed and build the brain’s muscle memory. But it is significant to note that memory development depends on the kind of stuff people play. Thus, those games that are extremely violent may not help in the process of overall mental improvement.

Virtual Playing Advantages

Almost all video games rely on stages of difficulties. With the algorithm of different levels that gamers need to achieve, virtual players help individuals develop their problem-solving skills. The increased pressure allows players to develop an amazing speed and decision-making skills necessary for an immediate accomplishment, particularly in the moment. Aside from that, playing such things also boost healthy brain stimulation. It supports the formulation of solutions, helping online players take appropriate action on every unfortunate situation. Though they can be damaging to some extreme extent, these innovations can still process and sharpen beneficial critical thinking skills.

Source: pixabay.com

Takeaways About Perks From Virtual Games

It is critical to realize that it is not enough reason to have extended exposure to computers despite these psychological benefits of video games. Spending too much on digital world can still pose health damage and can even cause virtual playing addiction. Therefore, players should note the perks of such a virtual experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are 10 benefits of gaming?
2. Do video games have positive effects?
3. What are 5 benefits of gaming?
4. Are video games healthy?
5. What are the pros and cons of video games?
6. Do video games improve brain?
7. Do gamers have higher IQ?
8. Do video games relieve stress?
9. How video games Improve social skills?
10. Why video games are good for mental health?

Some of the people close to me usually ask me why I keep myself isolated. They get confused about why I often spend my time alone with my computer for more than 8 hours a day. Some even question why I don’t go out and socialize with others. Honestly, it is all related to my mental health issue that I don’t want to talk about. I don’t often go out, and I don’t mingle with people because I get socially anxious when surrounded by individuals I do not know.

Some people think I am a loner, and that is okay. As long as I can avoid social interactions, I can spend the rest of my life isolated in my room playing computer games. Some may think it is weird, but I can honestly say I can get used to that setup. Perhaps that is because I am already battling a mental health condition, so I am no longer interested in any acquaintances.

Source: pixabay.com

At what age does social anxiety begin? 

Social anxiety disorder usually begins around 13 years of age. Factors that associate with it include bullying or a history of abuse. It could also come from childhood trauma or can be a result of having overbearing or controlling parents.

As for my situation, I can’t tell. It just happened that I became so scared to be around people. Maybe it has something to do with the things I like, which is not usually what others would feel comfortable dealing with. I like playing video games, and I must admit, I am addicted to them. Since not everyone I know likes to spend all their time in front of the computer, it changes everything.

 Can you self diagnose social anxiety? 

No. You cannot self diagnose any mental health disorders, including social anxiety. There is no medical test to check the exact presence of the rate of the condition. Only a professional expert or a healthcare provider can diagnose social fear by describing your symptoms and examining certain behavioral patterns.

 What triggers social anxiety? 

Social anxiety is triggered by negative social interaction experiences such as rejection, bullying, teasing, ridicule, or humiliation. It gets triggered when there are ongoing stressful life events and trauma from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. It can also come from a family history where you become more likely to develop the condition if your biological parents or siblings are diagnosed with a mental health problem.

Honestly, I think my social anxiety got worse when I developed extreme emotional dilemmas. When depression hits me, I felt so alone that I do not want anyone to be near me. That is because I can only hear judgments and assumptions. Most of the people I know think that I am overreacting and hurt my feelings even more.

 Can you have mild social anxiety? 

There is no mild to moderate anxiety. Mild-to-moderate social anxiety is still a social anxiety disorder. The treatment options and programs are still necessary to control any form or any level of anxiety’s intensity. Mild and moderate social anxiety will still experience feeling nervous, restless, increased heart rate, and feeling weak or tired. You can still have problems concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.

Therefore, whatever I do, as long as I tend to avoid people, it is still considered social anxiety. Regardless of what I do or who I want to spend my time with, I don’t think I will live with it when there are too many people around.

Source: pixabay.com

 What should I do if I think I have social anxiety? 

One thing you have to do is understand the condition. Thus, it would be advisable to have a diagnosis, usually administered by a mental health expert. You need to consult your doctor or a health care provider about the best treatment so you can manage to know how to deal with your social anxiety. Typically, social anxiety disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy or also known as “talk” therapy. However, medication or both can work as well.

Note that not because you are in medication and therapy, that does not mean you will get better in no time. Trust me. The process is long and tiring. The agony of trying to be better is worse than assuming that you are okay. It takes time and effort to be able to be socially active once again finally.

 How can I fix my social anxiety? 

Anxiety can often make you feel uncomfortable. To avoid and fix that, you need to learn how to control your breathing. You can incorporate it when you do your morning or evening meditation, as it works best when you are concentrated and focus. Avoid distractions and use your senses to exercise or progressive muscle relaxation. Focus on yourself and always talk back to negative thoughts.

The process is not going to be easy, and that is a fact. You need to pull yourself and focus on your mental health recovery. Because if you can’t handle the pressure, things will crumble down, and you might get trapped into a social situation that can add more mental health problems in the long run.

Can you beat anxiety without medication? 

At times, there is a chance that you can win the anxiety battle without medication as long as you consider mindfulness meditation. It helps in overcoming worry and nervousness simply by modifying your thoughts, behavior, and lifestyle. It works so well with many patients that some psychotherapeutic methods used it as a basis of treatment.

 How can I kill anxiety naturally? 

You can get rid of anxiety naturally if you consider these things: Regularly exercising, avoiding late-night alcohol and caffeine consumption, eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, quitting smoking, practice deep breathing, and meditating. You can also consider having a meaningful conversation with a friend or family or simply set time for self-talk.

 What does the Bible say about anxiety? 

The Bible often talks about anxiety. There is always a constant reminder not to worry about anything because God is with you. By reading the Bible and internalizing God’s word, and praying to him, you can lighten the stress that weighs your heart and mind down.

 Does CBD help anxiety? 

CBD products show excellent results in treating social anxiety, general anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety-induced insomnia. Many feel CBD’s effects almost instantly, but it could usually take anywhere from 15-60 minutes.

 Are there any bad side effects of CBD? 

CBD is often permitted specifically for medicinal purposes. However, it causes side effects, such as reduced appetite, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and restlessness. CBD can also interact with other medications currently prescribed and work differently, such as blood thinners.

 Does CBD do anything? 

Contrary to what others believe, there’s no evidence that CBD cures cancer. Though some researches show its damaging effects on the body and brain, there is still moderate evidence that CBD improves fibromyalgia pain, sleep disorders, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, as well as certain conditions of anxiety.

Source: pixabay.com

Insight

 A lot of people assume that social anxiety is just something one invented to avoid social situations. But the truth is, its existence is something that no one can explain. It is not just introverted because there is a mental pressure that lies within the condition.

 

 

Source: pixnio.com

 

As parents, you may think that your kids are spending a lot of hours with digital technology like smartphones and tablets. You might even catch your teenagers rolling their eyeballs at you when you try to reprimand them about using their phones at dinnertime. But the reality is that technology has affected almost all areas of family life.

The World Wide Web and the thousands of electronic gadgets that companies are releasing year by year have given families with choices that we could never have imagined ten years ago. I, for one, could only remember having a very hard time when my husband worked in a different state during the 90s. There were no cellphones then, so I had to wait for him to get home before I’d get to talk to him and ask how his day went, or if my kids missed their dad and wanted to hear his voice. Now, I can easily talk to my college kid through Skype or Face Time at any time of the day to see how she is. Technology has indeed helped improve relationships in terms of communication.

It has also brought about improvements in several other aspects of family life, and this includes education, child growth and progress, business, and work. Below, we take a closer look at the ways that prove how the family has taken advantage of digital technology.

Work

A lot of families have adapted the digital way of life to attain a much better work-life balance. Previously, work meant long travels and being stuck in the office from 8 ‘til 5. This has changed through the advent of remote access systems, email, and social media platforms, which have made it possible for us to have a little leeway with staying long hours in the workplace. Employers have embraced the idea of giving their employees the choice to work remotely or telecommuting. These work-at-home setups have allowed a lot of families to spend more quality time with each other, plus saving them thousands from childcare costs and transportation.

Home Management

Housewives and working moms no longer need to go out of the house when they need to withdraw money and pay their bills. They can subscribe to their bank’s mobile app, and lo and behold; they can do all their transactions in the comfort of their own homes!

Education

Source: flickr.com

Technology provides us with the opportunity to gain more knowledge whenever we want to and wherever we want – as long as there is an Internet connection. A long time ago, people would keep themselves updated about local and international events by purchasing newspapers. Women would learn new recipes by reading books and magazines and making notes out of them. For students, finishing their term paper meant spending painful hours at the school library, searching through card catalogs, and whatnot. Now, in the online era, different software applications, ebooks, and virtual libraries make it so much easier for us to learn something new in just minutes. Students now can even pursue other courses that were not accessible to them years before by just searching online.

Teachers, too, have taken a step forward in the way they teach their lessons. They also use the computer, interactive whiteboard, projectors, and video presentations to conveniently hold their classes and give instructions for homework and projects.

Entertainment

Digital technology has blessed us with easy access to hundreds of movies, series, and interesting shows that are available on your phones or smart televisions through the Internet’s streaming services and applications. In many ways, this has managed to bridge the gap between families, friends, and significant others, keeping them entertained together and strengthening their bonds. Couples get to bond with their favorite romantic comedy, while teens and parents can watch a great family movie after dinner.

If you are not that tech-savvy, you might be hesitant to use some of the devices and gadgets that look easy when the younger generation uses them. Well, read these tips to help your digital life a little easier than it used to.

• If you want to play online games with your kid, try the tablets first. They’re handier than the laptops and have bigger screens than the smartphones, so they’re just perfect for gaming and learning too.
• Find games that are fun and appropriate for your child’s age. Remember also to choose games that are educational and enriching as well.
• Always find time to bond with your child through online games. You can commit to making it a regular thing, like weekends.
• Be patient and eager to be led by your child when it comes to these things. Letting him share his forte with you will help boost his self-esteem.

Source: coolmompicks.com

Takeaway

If you are a parent, it is natural to be anxious about the negative effects that digital technology can bring to the family. Of course, there are dangers in sharing family life and everything on it to the online world, especially to the children and the teens that may not yet completely understand what it means to be exposed. For this reason, you must be obliged to educate them about it, including the limitations of using technology.

Technology does provide opportunities for the whole family to discuss issues with their kids like the fact that as parents, they must know what their children are watching online, or concerns about privacy and cyber-bullying, among others. By knowing all these and having an understanding with your children, you can help them avoid the possible harmful effects while reaping the benefits that the digital world has opened for all of us.

 

 

Millions of people across the world are feeling the effect of the Coronavirus outbreak. There is the plummeting of the stock market, lacking supplies of essential items in stores, cancelations of small and large events, adjusting school classes, and so on. But some effects of the situation are less apparent. Here are some of the ways the COVID-19 virus outbreak can affect us primarily in months to come, specifically in the world of technology.

Source: pexels.com

The Change In Technological Needs

The Coronavirus is either the success or the failure of a business, depending on which side of the industry gets involved. For some companies that run in an internal function, they urge their employees to work from home and interact via video conferencing applications such as Zoom and Slack. As you can imagine, these two apps are doing quite well because they get to be in demand in this particular situation. It provides an advantage to those individuals who no longer need to travel only to go to work.

Source: pexels.com

The same goes for delivery options. Since people are required to stay at home, they now turn to delivery services to get food and supplies. Regardless of the fee, people are now choosing to pay additional cash for the convenience they are receiving. That is because of the advantage of not exposing themselves from the uncertainty of the outside world.

Another one is the convenience of finding entertainment despite getting stuck at home. To pass the long hours, people enjoy streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Youtube, and others alike. These networks provide people with convenience and stress-relieving options, making them want to stick with the rules of social distancing and home quarantine.

Thus, with all these advantages, we can expect that these technology companies continue enjoying their services and seemingly getting the benefits of the situation. That is not a bad thing, actually. In a time like this, those are the only options people can get.

Source: pexels.com

The Supply Chain

Coronavirus is affecting the tech hardware business by targeting the supply chain. Perhaps people know the brand name of a TV, laptop, and phone. But that only tells them little about the design and assembly of a particular item. That is because getting all the parts together needs a complicated web of contractors, subcontractors, and manufacturing warehouses that goes entirely unseen. Meaning, the parts of an item comes from different manufacturing companies. So people get the idea that the process of creating a particular item is all interconnected. Thus, if one manufacturing company or supplier shuts down, it cripples the entire production system and grinds everything into a halt.

People assume that these large companies can stand alone during this pandemic crisis because they have been the most prominent companies in the market. However, the shortfall is not immediate. When the warehouse and other manufacturing factories stay empty, we can all expect a shortage of goods. It will be followed by rising prices as the demand for some technological items increases as well. But fortunately, most of these technical items are high cost. Therefore, they are less prone to hoarding. However, that does not mean that with the Coronavirus outbreak, things will still be the same.

Source: pexels.com

Takeaway

People are noticing the situation right now.  So it is no secret to them that some businesses choose to stay out of the competition due to lack of demand. While the large industries are striving hard to keep intact with the economic function, the smaller enterprises are giving up their chances because of the slow return of investments. In some unfortunate cases, the chances of earning seem impossible.

 

Source: wallpaperflare.com

One of the most important goals of the 2019 World Indigenous Cancer Conference was to address the increasing rates of cancer among indigenous populations. Researchers have gathered to share what they have in terms of statistics and information on how they could find ways to reduce the incidence of cancer among the indigenous peoples of Canada, Australia, and Native America. It seems that cancer control services, surveillance, patient support, and treatments are not sufficient and feasible. They focused their discussion on the reasons why Native Americans have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Why Can’t Native Americans Beat Cancer? 

They lack access to the proper healthcare system. 

While the government has made ties with Native Nations, they have failed to fund efficient healthcare facilities and programs. The Indian Health Service exists, but the budget cuts make it impossible to run appropriately. They have insufficient resources, which is why cancer patients do not get what they need to get treated. Also, because of the high rates of poverty, most Native Americans cannot afford to avail of healthcare and even Medicaid. They also encounter discrimination and stigma.

They lack sufficient documents.

The Native American population is frequently misconstrued when they seek help, and this has led to significant problems in terms of getting the proper information, documents, and statistics for their cancer rates. Details are often inappropriate or lacking. The CDC reports that one significant barrier to improving healthcare among the Native American communities is that a lot of them, including Native Alaskans, are misinterpreted on their records. They are often reported as a different race at the time of their death. This may sound insignificant, but it is a very vital issue, as there are so many discrepancies in terms of cancer and Native Americans. Researchers struggle to find ways to get the appropriate information to help reduce the rate of cancer among Native Americans. If they misreport because of incorrect details, they are falsifying data for this population. More attention must be made to achieve proper documentation.

Source: 163atkw.ang.af.mil

Illegal dumping of waste on native lands.

This is commonly done in most Native American communities. A lot of factories have been fly-tipping, or illegally throwing waste materials without the knowledge of the people living in these areas. Most of the waste materials contain asbestos, which is odorless, tasteless, and toxic. This is one of the major reasons for causing cancer.

 

 

An average number of people around the world check their mobile phones almost a hundred times per day. Not all that. These people also spend their time using their devices for not less than 5 hours. That is nearly a third of every person’s waking hours. Considering the non-stop usage of the mobile device, we can say that it is somehow related to addiction. And now that we are on lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the temptation of using it at an extreme level arises. So how can we decrease spending too much time with our digital phones?

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Use The Device Only With A Purpose

Being active on social media platforms is okay. Perhaps it is your way to get news and information from the current situation of the world. But to refrain from smartphone addiction, use the device only with a purpose of knowing. Use it to contact a family or friend, or when you want to access government and healthcare chat support. Just avoid checking it subconsciously. Discipline yourself not to use the device for more than an hour and only find time to use it when necessary. Yes, this process of self-control is not easy. However, you can benefit a lot from the struggle. You might appreciate yourself for becoming independent and away from your phone for more extended periods.

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Turn Of Your Internet

One way that triggers the usage of smartphones is due to the internet connection. It is considered the biggest distraction that links to overusing a digital device. With all the access to social media posts, video entertainments, pictures, and memes, you can easily get caught up with it. Yes, it is one of the essential things as of today. However, it still poses a risk for smartphone addiction, especially now that there has been a limit to some things that you can do. So to avoid that condition, choose to turn off the internet and only turn it on when required.

Source: pikrepo.com

Switch Off Push Notifications

In case the internet is so essential that you can’t turn it off, consider changing your phone settings. Try to switch off ALL push notifications from your mobile device applications. Not only these push notifications distract you, but it also increases the mental torture of eagerly wanting to know what makes your device pops a sound. Technology should not decide when you would need it. You should be the one who creates the rules of when you should use or check your mobile device. You should control technology and not the other way around.

Source: pikrepo.com

Look For An Alternative

Instead of continually looking and scrolling on your mobile device for news feeds and information, you might want to consider using other avenues. You can watch television or listen to the radio podcast to get even with the details of the outbreak. You can read newspapers as well. You can try can calling a friend on a landline phone to get updates. There are multiple ways that technology can help without getting stuck for hours on a smartphone. And if in case your purpose of using the device is for entertainment, you can find something else that requires non-digital usage. These can include reading books, writing a journal, drawing and painting, and a lot more.

With the increased smartphone usage during this COVID-19 lockdown, the risk of developing an addiction is at stake. You need to understand that the number of seconds you always use to check your mobile device can sum up a total of an accomplished task. So when you feel bored, try to consider looking for productive things to do.

Source: pxfuel.com

The gathering of clinicians, researchers, and people with cancer themselves happened at the 2017 Cancer Conference in Liverpool. There was a discussion on cancer research and the collaboration of cancer industry representatives in order to improve research and developments about the disease. The Dragon’s Den is a popular part of the conference where there is an opportunity to meet and share knowledge between carers and patients regarding research and treatment.

Currently, there are breakthrough cancer treatments that have been proven to improve the symptoms of cancer patients that have done clinical trials and even those who were willing to pay a little more to see some improvement in their condition. Here are two popular cancer advances that are giving hope to cancer patients today.

Immunotherapy. A person’s immune system takes down and kills foreign substances that invade his body – substances like viruses and bacteria. Unfortunately, cancer has found a way to become undetected by the body’s immune system, which is why it can grow despite its efforts to get rid of it. Immunotherapy is a kind of treatment that helps one’s immune system to find these cancer cells, attack them, and kill them. it works in two ways: boosting one’s immune system and prevent cancer cells from hiding.

Some immunotherapy treatments that have been tried and proven include monoclonal antibodies, which are created to destroy cancer cell antigens. Other antibodies are intentionally attached to toxic substances that kill the cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors are also popularly used. They block ‘checkpoints’ on the cancer cells to assist T cells in finding cancer. These checkpoint inhibitors have been proven to treat cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and liver. Finally, cancer vaccines are some of the most commonly utilized types of immunotherapy treatments. They also help detect cancer cells in the body and have been proven to alleviate prostate cancer symptoms.

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Gene-based Therapy. The study of the changes in the genetic makeup of one’s DNA, genomics, has given doctors relevant clues as to what kind of treatments are best for specific types of cancer. They explore mutation in cancer genes to help provide a diagnosis, predict outcomes, find the best treatment, and finally determine whether or not the treatment is actually working. Currently, scientists are continuing to discover new therapies based on these gene changes. They believe that studies on this treatment could lead to improved treatments in the coming years.