Addiction to Online Video Games

[omni]

I'm glad that this is starting to actually get some press because it's been going on for years now, but unfortunately the media takes a very detached, outsiders view of online gaming. They only want to point the finger at addicts and demonize them without mentioning that virtual worlds seem very appealing when contrasted with a mundane, routine-based life in our cities and suburbs. They want to make examples out of individuals without addressing the material causes that make people turn to games instead of real life solutions.

It also seems that sitting around watching television and movies is almost as engrossing for most people, but it is taken for granted that these are "socially acceptable" forms of entertainment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSNfJKYoA8k&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA1HYXO9GcU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhCm8E2DMXM&feature=related

[cyborg]

Gamers all over the world have been in a virtual frenzy over the latest gaming craze; Life 2.0.

Life 2.0 gives people the chance to plug in to an online world and say goodbye to their life in the real world. Users can completely customise everything about their new lives and choose exactly how to lead their lifestyles. Enthusiastic supporters are calling it a revolution.


SPECIAL OFFER: GET LIFE 2.0 GAME AND LIFETIME SUPPLY OF CHETOS PUFFS (http://www.corrupt.org/articles/satire/d%C3%A1ibh%C3%AD_%C3%B3_conghaile/gamers_say_take_that_reality)

[Empress Cheesatine]

I question as to whether or not this is an 'addiction' at all. When kids spent as much time playing sports outside as they do now indoors gaming, they didn't call it an 'addiction to the outdoors' or some such hysterical term. I think its just more a poor lifestyle choice.

[Draugen]

I question as to whether or not this is an 'addiction' at all. When kids spent as much time playing sports outside as they do now indoors gaming, they didn't call it an 'addiction to the outdoors' or some such hysterical term. I think its just more a poor lifestyle choice.

What is addiction to you? It does not create a chemical dependence like hard drugs do, but the behaviour it induces in people is to some respects analogue to it.

'Playing outside' is an expressely innocuous activity which does not leave the individual in a state of psychological contradiction afterwards. Online gaming is not innocuous as it compels the individual to invest aspects of his being which, in the context of the game, cannot be fulfilled in a wholesome manner. The individual, however,cannot grasp this consciously and continues to invest his time and effort whilst his mental confusion deepens. Those are typical characteristics of an addiction.