February 9, 2010
Published: 16 Sep 09 10:35 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/22110/20090916/
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Computer gaming addiction is reaching “pandemic” proportions around the world, according to a Swedish organization poised to take a leading role in helping young people cope with the problem.
External link: Game Over Stockholm »
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Remember when they said that if you drove your car faster than 60km/t you would pass out?
The reason that people dissapear into alternate worlds is because they prefere that imaginary world to the stale real life presented to them. Fix this problem and you will fix the addiction problem.
I think there are a lot of people who are a lot happer staying at home with a roof over there head, and a bit of food in there mouth and engaging in their new reality, as opposed to taking it up the ass and dancing to the policy makers tune in the old world.
As for the addiction: as long as it is not physiologically based (like with strong drugs), it is only a matter of being able to realize that there are also some duties in the real world, and everyone will be able to establish a reasonable balance between what time he spends in real or virtual life. For example if a child has excessive amount of free time, almost no duties to do at home, no push to some other interest, it is quite probable that it will end up spending a lot time playing. The problem is solved if it is raised to be involved in something from the very beginning.
If you are asking me how I would fix those people with an addiction. My answer would be if its not causing a problem to society, that they should be left alone.
I have seen this imbecilic nonsense before. As a teenager I grew up on heavy metal. I remember seeing the pscyhiatrists, psychologists, social workers and politicans on TV stating that all kids who like heavy metal, will grow up to be murderers, rapists, perverts, anti social etc.
The rocker kids I grew up with are all still married, with kids, jobs and seem to be quite well balanced.
Since then, there has been a list of politicians having weird sex and starting wars. A lot of Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers have ended up in jail for various things, mostly strange things.
Strangely when Tipper Gore, Al Gore's wife complained about Twisted Sister songs being about BDSM, I was part of a group of teenage rockers in the library trying to find out what BDSM mean't, which really annoyed the librarian.
Anyone want to bet which person involved in this attempt to demonise gaming, will end up in a tabloid for having sex with children, raping someone or starting a war?
As I typed this, I listened to some relaxing music by Moterhead and judas Priest:)
If my answer is not clear, then it's maybe because the article is also not clear: they don't give any real numbers, don't say how they define being addict to computer games... Just say some alarming sentences, used basically by anybody who wants to get to media at any cost.
In short, gaming addiction IS REAL. Get on with it.
Like anything in life it can be a good or bad experience.
The social aspect is great and I've met alot of my best friends online. I don't have children but if I did I'd much rather them be at home playing online than running out in the streets drinking and spray painting. It's also can be a fun hobby and a way for some people to relax and escape the stresses of everyday.
On the other hand, I've seen some really negative aspects of gaming too. People can become addicted to gaming. I know couples that have gotten divorced, people that have lost jobs and friendships that have fallen apart due to gaming.
The problem comes when people lose themselves to the fantasy. People need to take responsibilty for themselves and for their families.
Like I said above, there's alot of the time that I'd rather have my child (if I had one) at home where I know they're safe. At the same time I believe parents need to make sure their children are happy and have a social circle irl (in real life.) Don't let the computer or tv replace quality family time. Make the kid go outside and get some fresh air every now and then. :)
When gaming or drinking or whatever starts to take over to the point where it's negativly affecting you work and home life, it's time to pull back. Do a reality check, fix the problems that are influencing your addiction and get help if you need to.
Having said that though, I feel the need to point out that most gamers, especially the adult ones only use it as a hobby.
Like Ooh456 says
"so people are playing WOW and not having babies, going to work every day, and paying taxes like the government wants. And the problem is... people are having fun?"
Most of us have jobs, pay taxes and are responsible in life.
I just don't want this study to turn online fantasy games into yet another thing society blames it's problems on.
Children don't become "bad" adults because of the music they listen to, the games they play, the books they read or the stuff they see on tv.
They become screwed up when the parents aren't around, don't take the time to explain what's important in life, don't teach them the difference between reality and fiction and don't teach them to take responsibilty for their own life and actions.