The World Health Organization's move to enter gaming disorder as an addiction worthy of the International Classification of Diseases is going to create ripple effects for the technology industry.
WHO included gaming disorder in the draft of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The ICD is the bible of medical conditions and basically legitimizes conditions.
In an FAQ[1], the organization said gaming disorder is:
A pattern of gaming behavior ("digital-gaming" or "video-gaming") characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
To diagnose this condition there needs to be a behavior pattern that impairs areas of functioning for at least 12 months[2].
WWDC 2018: Can Apple cure us of smartphone addiction? | Apple, Google have similar phone addiction approaches with iOS, Android[3][4]
Simply put, gaming disorder is just the beginning. Get ready for:
- Smartphone disorder.
- Social media disorder.
- And a grab bag that may include disorders to cover everything from online dating to any other use of a digital device.
I don't see how you don't have gaming disorder without smartphone and social media addiction in the ICD. Give it time. The WHO is already on the case[5]. It noted:
Since 2014 WHO has started activities relating to the public health implications of excessive use of the Internet, computers, smartphones and similar electronic devices in response to concerns expressed by professional groups, WHO collaborating centres, academics and clinicians about associated health consequences.
What the WHO move really does is highlight how important it is for Google[6]