The Video Gaming Addiction
By Ghostflower
@Ghostflower (36)
United States
October 2, 2010 8:31am CST
How many of you know someone who plays video games? Out of the people you know, who appears to be more addicted? From the ones who are addicted, who show signs of aggression toward others or have this anti-social problem?
From adults to children, there has been violent to neglected crimes, others have social issues. We know there are those who are very capable to handle video gaming, but what about these people who have grown an enormous addiction treating it like their own world? I heard of a ton of stories, like how the parents get interested in a baby virtual game, than taking care of their own real baby. In the end, their baby dies, because no one fed the poor child. While other stories, about children acting out violent crimes, for they learned from video gaming that shooting is the only escape. Ever heard of the children fighting over the game till the point one gets hurt or is dead? Have you heard of that child who is capable of shooting the forehead every time on the officers, or anyone in their path, almost treating it like a video game. Have you heard of those numerous stories where either parent will neglect the family due to video gaming? Even worse, kills someone due to their interference with their gaming?
I could really go on this topic, but please tell me, if you could set a law to stop these crimes, what would it be? How would you help these people and fix this problem? What are your thoughts on this topic?
2 people like this
5 responses
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
2 Oct 10
Hi Ghostflower,
I know lots of people who are addicted to video games. Most of them are young boys, but I know a few girls and even a couple of 40-something people who spend every free minute they get playing.
I haven't seen any severe consequences, as the ones you describe, in any of them.
They do, however, get very unhealthy habits, they don't go out anymore, they start skipping meals or eating in front of the computer, and they sleep less. Also, they lose interest in daily events.
I heard one kid arguing with his mother, that he couldn't do his chores because he promised his online pals he'd be online in time for a raid. When did commitments me make to people online become more important than responsibilities we have for "real" people around us?
1 person likes this
@Ghostflower (36)
• United States
2 Oct 10
Well you see, video gaming is like pleasure to brain. Each time they levelup, they feel relieved and satisfied. It makes them want to levelup again and again. There are negative and positive lessons that we gain in the real world, but in gaming you mainly enjoy the easy way out of gaining rewards over and over again. Usually in role-playing virtual games, even killing things you get a reward for it. Also, finding new abilities or gaining treasures is pleasing to the brain. The game is pretty much telling their brain it is o.k. to kill, see you got a reward, or you got experience points/points.
In the real world, if you were to write a book, but the computer crashed, you gained nothing out of it. Maybe personal experience, but no "levelup" no "reward". To them, you gain nothing in chores during that time period than all the experience points and cool stuff you could get out of a video game. They feel like it is a waste of time to fold clothes, what do you gain out of that! "Oh common mom, I'm just about to beat the boss!". Doesn't it make sense? They feel anything in the real world is a waste of time because video gaming gives their mind that pleasure, the positive rewards, and the easy way out of life. It is their escape. Maybe even their character is someone they want to be.
I am not saying everyone is like this, but there are those in a certain degree.
1 person likes this
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
2 Oct 10
Yes, I agree with you, there's a lot of instant gratification there.
There's a lot of instant anger, too - when their character gets killed, these kids can throw quite a tantrum, I've seen it happening.
I think most of them will outgrow this phase naturally.
I also play games once in a while, but I get pretty frustrated with myself if I find I've spend more than 2 hours on it.
1 person likes this
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
3 Oct 10
Well I love video games but my goodness I definitely would not call myself in addict, nor do I know anyone with an addiction to gaming.
But I am aware that addictive personality disorder dose exist among some people and as with any addiction it may require help, I referring to any addiction that effects a persons quality of life or if it effects the people around them.
1 person likes this
@anurag3786 (6267)
• India
3 Oct 10
I think I am not addicted of video games. I have played video games for many times. And now I play games on computer. But I never feel that I am addicted of video games. I always like to play Cricket game on my computer. Because it is my favorite PC game. I also like to play Need for speed.
@ANIME123 (2466)
• United States
2 Oct 10
I am addicted to video games that I get in to it like I won't really know what is going on around me and I do get a bit mad if somebody interupts me while I am playing also my brother he is addicted to video games I guess video games are just a lot of fun. I think that I will never be able to give them up because it would be to hard for me to do so. Still I did cut down a little bit.
1 person likes this
