computer games creates addiction, do you agree?

Question

is it good or bad that computer games come into our life?

Answer 1

Not being a computer gamer myself, I don't have personal experience. However, I did find the following article the other day on that subject:

Detox clinic opening for video addicts

By FIA CURLEY, Associated Press Writer

An addiction center is opening Europe's first detox clinic for game addicts, offering in-house treatment for people who can't leave their joysticks alone.

Video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs and just as hard to kick, says Keith Bakker, director of Amsterdam-based Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants.

Bakker already has treated 20 video game addicts, aged 13 to 30, since January. Some show withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer.

His detox program begins in July. It will run four to eight weeks, including discussions with therapists and efforts to build patients' interests in alternative activities.

"We have kids who don't know how to communicate with people face-to-face because they've spent the last three years talking to somebody in Korea through a computer," Bakker said. "Their social network has completely disappeared."

It can start with a Game Boy, perhaps given by parents hoping to keep their children occupied but away from the television. From there it can progress to multilevel games that aren't made to be won.

Bakker said he has seen signs of addiction in children as young as 8.

Hyke van der Heijden, 28, a graduate of the Amsterdam program, started playing video games 20 years ago. By the time he was in college he was gaming about 14 hours a day and using drugs to play longer.

"For me, one joint would never be enough, or five minutes of gaming would never be enough," he said. "I would just keep going until I crashed out."

Van der Heijden first went to Smith & Jones for drug addiction in October 2005, but realized the gaming was the real problem. Since undergoing treatment, he has distanced himself from his smoking and gaming friends. He says he has been drug- and game-free for eight months.

Like other addicts, Bakker said, gamers are often trying to escape personal problems. When they play, their brains produce endorphins, giving them a high similar to that experienced by gamblers or drug addicts. Gamers' responses to questions even mirror those of alcoholics and gamblers when asked about use.

"Many of these kids believe that when they sit down, they're going to play two games and then do their homework," he said.

However, unlike other addicts, most gamers received their first game from their parents. "Because it's so new, parents don't see that this is something that can be dangerous," Bakker said.

Tim, a gamer who is currently under treatment, agreed to discuss his addiction on condition of his last name not being used. He said he began playing video games three years ago at age 18. Soon he wouldn't leave his room for dinner. Later, he began taking drugs to stay awake and play longer. Finally he sought help and picked up other hobbies to occupy his time.

Symptoms of addiction are easy to spot, Bakker says. Parents should take notice if a child neglects usual activities, spends several hours at a time with the computer and has no social life.

Bakker said parents of game addicts frequently echo the words of partners of cocaine addicts: "'I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was.'"

Answer 2

No... Not really. If you have any self-control. But, yes a good computer game can be somewhat addictive. It has to be good tho. Only a couple games that I've thought about when not playing, at school, etc... That come to mind now: Oblivion, Doom III, GTA series games, Commandos... Good, or bad? Entertainment value is great, also they do help somewhat with coordination; you can also learn much more, depending of what you play. I know I've learned vocab. from many strategy, and rpg, games... haha And some decent military tactics... Some racing games do teach you real life driving techniques, etc... Just remember know what's real and what's not.

Answer 3

Many video game manufacturers actually employ psychologist when designing games in order to maximize the games addiction level. I think video games are good as long as you do not rely on them in leu of old fashioned physical and social activity.

Answer 4

Yes! of course it creates addiction, computer games rule but if your badly hooked to it and keep doin it all the time its bad. most of the time theyre good.

make sure health is first then your enjoyment!

Answer 5

Yes. It does cause addiction in general. But for me, I would get addicted to it but after some time I will learn to control myself and stop myself from playing when I shouldnt. Its bad if you cant control yourself and cant think of anything besides it.

Answer 6

of course it creates addiction, computer games rule but if your badly hooked to it and keep doin it all the time its bad. most of the time theyre good

Answer 7

computer games are good as they sharpen your mental stimulus but are quite addictive and thus restrict you from taking part in outdoor sports and become physically active and social
the key should be to limit to your time for such games

Answer 8

yes.when u start playing a new game u get addicted .u want to finish the game.that will be ur main aim.that's why u get addicted to games

Answer 9

Definitely ... I have to stay away from them ... XBOX, PlayStation, Game Cube, Nintendo PS ... (got them all) ^_^
Kind of like Yahoo Answers...

It's good for the kids and older kids: gets you thinking fast, moving fast (hands only) and improving vision.

Answer 10

Very bad in some ways. They can sharpen hand -eye co-ordination, but are very addicting.