Video games! I have been responding to quite a few blogs about the evils of video / online gaming. Thus, I figure I should rant about it on here too. There's no denying it, video games can become an addiction! Yes thats right, it can become as evil as smoking meth or becoming an alcoholic (may not be that extreme but it does have the potential to harm you on some degree). I watched an episode on INTERVENTION about a mid 20 year old that was addicted so badly to video games that he had to seek help some way. He got right into the games and would sit days on end playing them. It was hazardous to his health, among other things. Video games are becoming a babysitter for some children, and why isn't there that great of a stink over it like there was when TV was called a babysitter previously? Especially the games that are coming out now are more interactive and viewed in first person form that it can become overwhelming for people to get so caught up in games. Mike, a fellow classmate talked about how a single father lost $100,000 of real money to buying fake stuff like a house and furniture for his fictional character on a game! My mouth dropped! I heard of children that as young as 6 years old are ebcoming so addicted to their games. I still say throw away all these gaming systems (yes its my bitterness not only because I barely know how to use the controllers, but its ridiculous) and get a life.
I read an article about the disadvantages and advantages video games have. It was quite interesting. The link is:
http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.file/mobj/mobj.579.parents_vid-effects.pdfSome advantages include:
- Offer the potential to foster creativity
- makes kids feel comfortable with technology
- teach eye - hand coordination
Some disadvantages include:
- Playing aggressive games display more verbal and physical aggression amongst playmates and objects
- Desensitization to violence
- Addiction
- Reduction of physical fitness
This article also has recommendations for parents, educators, and children. So, take a look if you would like.
2 comments:
I couldn't agree more about the addiction of video games. I have actually witnessed it. When I lived in Saskatoon some of my guy friends were addicted to a game called 'Everquest'. I remember one time I was visiting one of guys when he was playing the game. After about ten minutes of talking to him, while he played, he asked me to leave because he was about to be in an interview for an elite guild he wanted to belong to. People lose their jobs, spouses, and friends playing some of these online games. It's crazy!
I totally agree... I've watched an intervention about that as well. I think it's ridiculous how consumed people can become. I guess I'm not in their shoes. But... if you really think about it, there are WORSE things they could be doing. drugs and alcohol seem worse, even though they're just as addictive. I've given this kind of thing a lot of thought and I'm still unsure of how I feel about it. *sigh* I suppose I haven't really responded... just ranted. Oh well!
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