Computer Game Addiction – Six Negative Effects to Avoid
Although computer game addiction does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) excessive and unhealthy video game habits is something that has received increased attention in the past several years.There is a movement underway to have online gaming addiction / video game addiction listed in future editions of the DSM, but for now it is not an official diagnosis. Still, it is difficult to deny that some people (whether they are children, teens, or adults) play video games far too much and that it can negatively impact their functioning and success away from the glare of the monitor.Of course, not everyone becomes addicted to computer games. Online games are enjoyed by millions of people around the world as a way to relax, interact with friends, and for simple entertainment purposes.However, it is becoming clear that there are those who lose control of their gaming habits. For these individuals, video games (especially online multiplayer games) take center stage in their lives. Work performance may suffer due to extended late night gaming sessions. School grades may drop as a consequence of giving more attention to computer games than studying. Relationships may deteriorate as one partner feels neglected and less important that his or her partner’s latest game obsession.For individuals whose online gaming habits have crossed over from a hobby into an addiction, there are multiple life areas that can be negatively affected. Of course, not everyone who plays video games excessively will experience identical negative impacts. Nevertheless, the following list outlines the six main areas that are often affected by computer game addiction.1. Psychological and EmotionalPeople addicted to computer games may have a higher risk of experiencing self-esteem problems, depressed mood, social anxiety, and mood instability. When negative consequences of the addiction can no longer be denied, they may also feel guilty and ashamed for not being able to control their habits. Of note, game addiction can not only *be* caused by other issues (for example, depression), but may also *cause* other difficulties (again, depression is just one example).2. HealthThose who spend many hours playing computer games each day (sometimes totaling more than 40 or 50 hours per week) may neglect personal hygiene and health. They may give up healthy physical activities they once enjoyed, develop erratic sleeping habits, and choose meals based on convenience (ideally those that can be eaten while playing) rather than nutritional value.3. FamilyFamily relationships can be negatively impacted by computer game addiction. Family members (for example, parents, partners, or spouses) may tolerate excessive gaming habits for a while, but eventually they will demand that the person decreases how much he or she plays. A person who is addicted to computer games may deny that it is a problem, accuse the concerned family member of intruding on his or her life, and see the person as overreacting. Parents with children who are addicted to computer games may experience frequent arguments about how to address the problem.4. FinancialGaming can be a very expensive hobby – even for non-addicted players. Thousands of dollars can very easily be spent on new games, expansion packs, micro-transactions, online subscriptions, new consoles, and of course upgraded computer equipment. On rare occasions, someone addicted to computer games may lose his or her job due to poor performance at work (for example, showing up late, missing work, playing or reading about the game at work, etc.).5. AcademicComputer game addiction and academic success are not compatible. Children and adolescents who are addicted to video games will spend more time with online games than studying or completing homework. They may quickly finish homework with minimal effort so that gaming can begin.6. SocialThe more time a person spends playing computer games, the less time there is for the important people in his or her life. Face-to-face human contact is increasingly sacrificed in favor of the game. As a consequence, the person may experience social isolation, lost friendships, and loneliness.
How to Compare Online Casinos
Whether gambling online is a serious pastime for you or a casual hobby, choosing between the hundreds of online casinos available online today can be rather intimidating. After all, every online gamer has their own unique personality, likes, dislikes and preferred games. Just as every player is different, so are online casinos. Below are the basics to consider when shopping around for an online casino that will meet your gambling needs and then some. It’s All About the GamesWhen it comes to online casinos, I come to play and I play to win. But first and foremost, I come to play. That means that you’re not going to stick around playing a game you don’t enjoy. Even if you play a game common to all casinos like poker, if the interface is weak you are all but guaranteed to make a fast “exit.”Because online casinos only feature games where wagers are involved, you might think your choices are limited, but you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Many companies pride themselves on thinking outside the box and offering new and innovative games that raise the bar in terms of graphics, sound and playability. It is a good idea to get an idea of which online casinos carry games that you are interested in playing. Companies like Rival and Cryptologic are just two of the many top online casino software providers that push the envelope with every game they put out.Also know that each software provider has their own style. Rival, as I mentioned above, has stellar games, but tends to cater to the younger crowd of online casino players. They focus more on graphics and games that appeal to “video gamers” more than anyone else. Where as Cryptologic has a knack for taking classic games and making them fresh and exciting again.Banking FeaturesNaturally people when playing online, one wants to make sure that they are able to access their money as quickly and conveniently as possible. Most online casinos offer simple depositing processes whereby you deposit money into an account for use within that particular online casino. Still, not every casino operates the same way. RTG and Playtech incorporate their own software methods to manage money while Cryptologic uses “Ecash.”Look for Peer ReviewsAn online casino will tell you anything and everything to get you to gamble at their online casino. Can you blame them? They want to make money. It is in their best interest to sell their online casino as the biggest and the best. Therefore, your best bet on researching an online casino is to search for customer reviews on gambling review websites.Online gamers are passionate about the casinos they love and venomous towards those they hate. Before spending a dime, it behooves you to read some reviews and benefit from the experience of others. There are so many sites out there offering top-notch, third party reviews of online casinos. Even though you’ll be gambling at the casino, it’s best not to gamble on a casino.Beware of Sign Up BonusesSign up bonuses as far as I’m concerned are the candy that a shady stranger uses to lure a kid into a van. They say nothing for the online casino’s game-play or customer service. I shall use another simile. They are like an ad incentive from a car dealership put out there to draw suckers into the clutches of salesman. Bottom line, there’s always a catch. In the above scenarios you either get kidnapped or have the old “switcharoo” pulled on you and end up paying way more than you wanted for a car.Online casinos are no different. Often the sign up bonus will offer some exorbitant amount of free money. That’s what it says on the surface. But what they don’t tell you is that if you want that money to pay off, you will have to pay an even more exorbitant amount in wagers until you meet your minimum that lets you cash out…if you have any winnings that is.Are You a Mac or a PC?While every online casino is PC friendly, the same cannot be said for Macintosh computers. However, online casino bosses aren’t blind and many have developed platforms that are compatible with both PC and the rising number of Mac users. So if you’re on a Mac, your choice is fairly limited. If you’re on a PC, the online casino world is your oyster.ECOGRA Certified CasinosThere are a number of third-party online casino watchdogs out there, all of them monitoring the casinos to see that they are playing fair. The most trusted of them all is eCogra (short for eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). There is no way to ensure that any online casino is absolutely fair 100% of the time. However, seeing that a casino is certified by eCogra is the best way to know that play is as fair as it can be.There are other names out there, but none as universally trusted as eCogra. While others may certainly do their job as well as if not better than eCogra, their reputation is certainly strongest. In theory, anyone could start a watchdog company and create a seal. By going with an eCogra certified casino, you know that they stake their reputation on the fact that your gaming experience will be a fair one.Know the LawEven though it shouldn’t be, online gambling is largely prohibited in many places, the United States included. In those places where it is legal, it is highly regulated. Therefore, whether online gambling is legal in your area or not, it is important to know the law before you start spending. An online casino allowing you access does not necessarily mean that their services are legal where you are. It is difficult for governments to regulate the internet and often the player is the one at risk. If your funds are seized, the casino has their money already since it is legal for most casinos to accept deposits. So before making a deposit, look into online gambling laws specific to where you live for a hassle-free gaming experience.
Why Personal Finance Software Is Important
Why personal finance software is important
These days, technology has really revolutionized people’s way of life, including their financial life. Back in the day, most people used a pen and paper to document their earnings, spending, and finances.
What is personal finance software?
Home finance software refers to a financial tool that enables you to prepare a budget, track your expenses, and check your overall finances. These days, there is no valid reason why you should be disorganized and mired in debt because there are many good personal finance programs that you can use to keep track of your money, plan your future, and completely control your finances. If you have a PC or laptop, you are lucky because you can easily find good home finance software at little cost. Application programmers have now catered for the high demand for these applications as they now come with all sorts of functions and capabilities that can save your money, time and effort.
Analysis
You can now analyze your finances unaided. However, this kind of analysis can be much easier if you have some accounting background. Finance software will analyze your important financial details. Details such as your monthly expenses will stick out. Many personal finance applications also allow personalization. If there is one particular aspect you want to know about your finances, you can simply create a specialized analysis. Many personal finance programs can also give you a monthly analysis-an excellent way to see how you actually spend your money on a monthly basis.
Budget creation
We all know the importance of a personal budget. But creating a real budget that you’ll stick to is easier said than done. You can find a personal finance application that creates a realistic budget for you. Simply enter your basic information into the software and quickly create a simple budget.
Checkbook balances and bill payments
Sometimes you’ll fail to pay bills on time. When it happens, interest rates are more than likely to shoot up. Fortunately, you can avoid this mistake once and for all. Look for a personal finance application that’ll remind you when to pay your bills. Likewise, you can accomplish balancing your checkbook by just ticking a box. Sum up any amounts withdrawn from your account and check carefully anything that seems suspicious. Once you have everything on record, it becomes much easier to know how your finances are faring.
Trust yourself and no one else
When it comes to finances, it is best to keep track of all you have carefully. You may trust your finances with your financial adviser, but it is still important to know where every cent is at, always. With a personal finance application, your money will never be far away from you. Whether you are paying bills, balancing your checkbook, tracking your paycheck, or creating a personal budget, you should not live without personal finance software.