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*Hooked on Pixels: Seth’s Journey from Gaming Addiction to Real-Life Balance*

Natalie Rivers
4 min readJun 23, 2024

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Picture by Natalie Rivers

Meet Seth, a bright and imaginative young boy diagnosed with ADHD at four. His story is a cautionary tale, a journey that started innocently with video gaming as a coping mechanism. However, it soon spiraled into a dependency that shaped his journey into young adulthood, a journey that we can all learn from.

*The Beginnings of Seth’s Digital Dependency*

Seth’s parents initially saw gaming as a way to help him focus and engage in something he enjoyed. However, as time went on, the lines between leisure and dependency began to blur. Seth spent hours immersed in his games, often at the expense of his homework, physical activities, and even family time. His grades started to slip, and his social interactions became limited to online friends he met in the gaming world.

*The Struggles in Seth’s Young Adulthood*

Now in his early twenties, Seth faces significant challenges due to his early digital dependency. Socialization is one of his biggest hurdles. Seth finds it challenging to initiate and maintain conversations in real-life settings, feeling more comfortable behind a screen than in front of people. This struggle affects his ability to form meaningful relationships, leaving him feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Holding down a job is also a significant challenge. The skills Seth developed in gaming — quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and problem-solving — haven’t translated well into the workplace. His attention issues, compounded by years of screen-induced distraction, make it hard for him to focus on tasks and meet deadlines. This has led to a series of short-term jobs and a growing sense of frustration and inadequacy.
Seth’s digital dependency even impacts his personal Hygiene. The long hours spent gaming leave little time for self-care. As a child, his parents constantly reminded him to brush his teeth, shower, and change clothes. As an adult, these habits have become ingrained, and Seth often struggles with maintaining a regular hygiene routine, which further affects his self-esteem and social interactions.

*Finding a Balance*

Despite the challenges, Seth’s story is a beacon of hope. Recognizing the impact of…

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Natalie Rivers
Natalie Rivers

Written by Natalie Rivers

Aspiring writer passionate about memoirs and short stories. Exploring storytelling and honing my craft. Inspired by personal experiences. Lover of storytelling!

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