It’s hard to find any negative things to say about the wide range of games that are easily available on mobile devices in today’s world. Perhaps the only problem is that they’re too enjoyable to the point that they become addictive and hard to put down. Of course, this is no accident. Modern mobile games utilize modern technology that makes them endlessly fun to play, whether it’s the engaging graphics or appealing gameplay.
Perhaps the pertinent question isn’t how these games are addictive or even the potential consequences of being addicted to mobile devices, but rather what to do about it. Luckily, there are ways for people to consciously take steps to enjoy all of the games available on their mobile devices without worrying about getting addicted to them.
Set Limitations
The first step in avoiding game addiction is tracking your screen time and setting strict limits on how long you can play games in one sitting. Luckily, this is easy if you’re willing to abide by your preset limits. Most devices allow you to track screen time and receive reminders when you’ve reached your limit for the day. Even if you are self-monitoring, tracking data on how much time you spend on specific apps can let you know if you’re spending an appropriate amount of time playing a specific game.
Reward Yourself with Screen Time
Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, there is nothing wrong with treating mobile games as a reward. Of course, this is something you’ll have to track and monitor on your own, but it’s worth a try. If you spend an hour reading a book, exercising, or doing something outside, far from your mobile device, reward yourself with a few minutes of gaming. The point here is to create balance in your life. If you are using mobile games as a reward, there’s no chance of playing them to the point that you become addicted.
Avoid Paying for Games
To be fair, certain games are worth paying a small monthly fee. But it’s best to avoid games that are constantly asking you to pay money to buy accessories or gain access to new features. It’s not a great use of money, especially with so many free games, and it can lead you down the path to addiction. Luckily, there are ways to get around paying. Even if you enjoy online casino games, you can play most games in demo mode without risking money. You can also look for a no-deposit bonus casino that lets you sign up and play casino games without making a deposit. It’s a great way to get a taste of the games available on the platform without going overboard or risking getting addicted to them.
Create a Gaming Space
If you find yourself having trouble stepping away from your favorite game and putting your mobile device away, one option is to create a gaming-specific place. This can be a specific chair or corner of your home where you keep your phone most of the time. That way, you can only play games when you’re in that area. Ideally, this space won’t be in your bedroom or somewhere you spend most of your time. This method is designed to create physical separation between you and your mobile device, making it impossible to play games all the time.
Find Something Else
As mentioned, maintaining a balanced life is key to being able to enjoy games and other fun things without worrying that you’re overdoing it or becoming addicted. This means finding other activities besides gaming that bring you joy. It could be reading, painting, hiking, or anything else that keeps your body and mind occupied. There’s nothing wrong with relaxing for a few minutes every day by playing your favorite mobile game. But it can’t be the only thing you look forward to doing and the only way you have of enjoying yourself. As long as you balance out your love of mobile games with other aspects of your life, you can enjoy them without worrying about developing an unhealthy habit.
