Mar 08, 3:02 am
I got a problem, man. I may not find the answer to life in a video game. I need to turn off the console or computer, go outside and try some reality for a change.
As a gamer that truly has no real life outside video gaming, I always find it amusing to read what other people say about this growing global addiction. In the past, I have contemplated gaming addiction, in terms of comparing it to other addictions like alcohol, drugs and gambling.
One definition of addiction states that it is a state of being dependent on a certain substance, which is harmful or dangerous for the physical or mental health of the person, as well as his/her social well-being and economic functioning. There are clinics and programs to help overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling, but is there a growing need for Video Games Anonymous? Video games would not necessarily be classified as a substance, but does that make them any less obsessive and psychologically addictive?
For decades, people have also studied T.V. addiction and have now begun following video game addiction closely. It is no surprise that gaming can become a life-altering habit that can lead to a strong psychological addiction; many things help contribute to this phenomenon. Everything from the instinctive human trait to conquer and complete a game, the adrenaline rush of competitions, instantaneous feedback to numerous other things that would engage a player and perhaps begin the formation of an addiction, many people now spend a great majority of their lives engaged in a world that is not deemed by society as equating real-life experiences.
It could be debated whether or not online gaming does provide real-life experiences, but for now we will focus on the addiction side. Many people will argue that addiction is real when it interferes with your real-life world in terms of career, family, and social interactions. In my own personal experience, I have seen gaming take over lives. I, myself, game from awaking to falling asleep, with only an hour or so to take care of business. Many people around me call me an addict, but does that make me one? I spend 14-16 hours a day gaming, I don’t really have any outside personal interactions much, and if my internet goes out I am truly in psychological turmoil. However, when I have to go to work, I do it; when I have other things that need to be taken care of in real life, I do them; and when I am dragged by my hair into the real world I go without too much of a fight. So, am I an addict?
This has always been a tough question, in my own experience, as since gaming (quite literally) is my life. I justify this through the rationale that I am not yet at a point where I put everything else off - but, in all honesty, I do postpone things to the last minute/second I can. I think online gaming itself has, in fact, helped create an alternate world where I do indeed have personal friendships and relationships with others that seem to receive more interaction than my family and outside friends. So, my answer is yes, I am an addict, but I don’t know at this point if it’s wrong. I realize society will still say its wrong for the majority, but what do we know as a society anyway?
I was looking online for gaming addict tests so you guys could test yourselves and see where you stand, and I found the one here. While it says I am 82% a video game addict, I also noticed their advice to go outside and get some reality for a change. That pretty much ruined it for me. Someday, I will write on the differences between in-person social interactions and online social interactions and debate the differences and similarities, but today isn’t that day. Just know that when people offer advice that stems from societal influence and ignorance of the unknown, I am not so quick to accept it.
Anyway, have fun with the test that will probably put all of us in the top 50% (as I doubt a non-addict would be hanging around here) and post your scores!
