One of the most counterintuitive truths about video game addiction: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Video Game Addiction Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of video game addiction
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking video game addiction is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging video game addiction without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing video game addiction to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for video game addiction while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Video Game Addiction
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting video game addiction, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Video Game Addiction
Many people find that when they stop fighting video game addiction and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of video game addiction is partly the struggle against it.