how much are video games dictating our lives? (and should they be banned?)?

Question

Ok, you hear a lot, more and more, about how computer games are ruining peoples lives (job losses, families leaving, death etc.) and I used to be addicted to a game called unreal tournament until half a year ago when I finally decided that I have a year of not studying and i don't want to waste it playing computer games. It was also escapism. I was also brought up playing all the nintendo and sega computer game consoles and playing them all the time instead of having more normal childhood hobbies (even though it is normal now). I regret being allowed to waste so much of my time with video games and not ever being told enough is enough.
I want to know if people think computer games have gone too far and, with their addictiveness quality at the moment and unlimited play online, should they even be banned? Also, of the people replying (if any), could you mention how many hours a day/week you play computer games and if they've affected you in any way. It's your say on them now...

i see what you're saying "who da..." but adding clinics won't solve the root of the problem, it would just be encouraging it. I think that most addicted players won't admitt to having an addiction so that would be pointless anyway.
I like the timer idea though.

Answer 1

There are people addicted to books, sex and even food...

Shall we ban food?

...Yeah, good luck with that.

Addiction is addiction. It's unreasonable to hold the medium responsible for the mental predisposition of a signifigantly small collection of individuals (21 clinically reported cases among an estimated 100-200 million gamers) who become addicted. As well, it's unfair to punish mentally fit well-adjusted people, who might enjoy games, because a tiny segment of gamers are mentally unfit.

Fix the person, before you start burning down a multi-billion dollar segment of the entertainment industry, which employes thousands of people across the world.

Answer 2

Any therapist that handles addiction issues can address online/gaming addictions too. The underlying psychology is similar, if not exact. And it wouldn't surprise me to find some therapists out there already specializing in internet/gaming addictions.

Like any other addiction, the fault is not in the product. Many people can game with no conflict at all. Addiction is a personal issue, not a problem with the product (no matter how tempting the product may be!). A person makes a choice about how to spend their time, that's the bottom line. As with any other addiction, it can be treated once a person will admit to having a problem. *shrug*

An object cannot make a choice for you. If lives are ruined, it is by a person's choice, not by an inanimate bunch of metal and plastic sitting on their computer desk.

Oh, yeah. I do online gaming at maximum 3x a week for 4 hours at a time (stress maximum). I've never had a problem limiting my online time, never expect to. I use my computer, it doesn't use me.

Answer 3

Some people are born with addictive behaviors. Those are the people who are likely to play video games all day and night long. These people would likely become addicted to alcohol, drugs, or some other thing they've fixated themselves on.
I agree that video games are a waste of time, for the most part, BUT if I had to choose for someone I love to be addicted to something, I think I'd pick video games over something else.
Parents don't 'parent' their children these days either. Kids can do whatever they want, whenever they want and I think that's part of the reason video games are so popular. Kids start playing them because parents are too busy with their own lives to spend time with them. The kids have nothing better to do so they start playing video games.
I think if more parents were responsible and taught their children limits and boundaries, we wouldn't have half the problem we have today. But, that would require parents spending time with their children, and I don't think most parents are up for that challenge.

Answer 4

It is all about self-control. I don't agree that video games should be banned because a lot of kids have them as hobbies. The main problem is how people can't seem to stop playing. Instead of banning games, there should be a rehab centre for addicted gamers to ease off the games. One of the main concerns is MMORPGs or MMOs. In those games people get easily addicted and it takes over their lives. Anyhow, I enjoy video games but I also control the time I spend and I don't play for too long. So listen to me, video games should absolutely NOT be banned, but there should be a timer that limits your playing time and/or rehab centre for heavy gamers.

Also, some people get addicted easily to things like games, but some people do not. Addiction has been bothering people for years, in many ways. Such as drugs, alcohol, and even games. But, no matter what we do, it's really up to the person to decide if they want to fight it or not. We can't decide for them, it's a personal thing.

One last thing, even if a law is issued, they won't be able to stop everyone. It's just like pirating. Yeah I know that pirating IS a crime, but they can't stop everyone. What will they do if they find you playing your old PS2 games? Confiscate your PlayStation? I highly doubt it. Anyhow, I hope I helped.

P.S. I play viedo games 5-6 hours or less normally but up to 10 hours in certain weeks when I get a new game. I guess it's kinda like addiction, but it doesn't control my life. Like I saide before, it's all about self-control. :P

Answer 5

>
>
> The developers who study their quarry are
> a lot different from the software creators who
> put bells and whistles on keyboards. They
> use the idea of the "grabber" in graphics
> but also in the psychology of how the player
> wins points.
>> Then the negative effects of being hooked
> range from not doing the dishes or taking
> out the trash to much more serious effects
> on the gamer like ruining relationships or
> or their health or even their safety.

> Me, I like My Buddy. I like pickin' and
> grinning with Bill, and that one is not so
> addictive.
>
>

Answer 6

I know what you mean. When i was younger i used to play and beat games left and right but then when i got older i decided to slow down on the gaming and start putting my attention to more important things. Sure i I'm still a gamer now, but as serious as i used to be. My guess is kids play games because in games you could be whatever you want unlike real life you're restricted to whatever god gave you to work with. Of course in life you could make yourself better but it takes less time in a videogame. My point is kids that play alot of games play them to escape the dissapointments of reality, or they just love playing them.

Answer 7

They shouldnt be banned....I like to play em, but like what the other ppl said, it all depends on the player, i play for like 2-4 hours at weekdays and about 12 hours (omg) at summer...Well, if i am to choose between video games, drugs, gangs, alchohol, or prostitution, id rather stick to video games...

And oh, BTW, games are a fun way to reduce stress, like, if ur mad about someone, play quake 3 or counter-strike...er...just dont kill the ones you hate in real life....

Its good to limit your self if u like to play much, like take a break, go to the beach for one day and spend time there, or play some sports...

Answer 8

For me, it always depend on the player, its his decision, for me I play 6 hours a day(less if its weekdays) addictedness is hard to confront really, and it will make the person stop in the long run because he will recognize his mistakes and will carry this experience throughout his life and will more likely pass this on to the next generation