Video Game Addiction: For Real?

[BABY1]

TweetThoughts on this?

According to a new report, almost 1 in 10 young Americans show signs of being "addicted." Rather than simply playing a lot, the study defined addiction as a point at which their gaming interferes with school, disrupts interaction with family and friends and poses health problems. The only problem is, it might be a bunch of nonsense.

There is some debate, to say the least, over whether or not compulsive behaviors -- toward video games, pornography, the internet, washing ones hands, scientific research, or anything else -- actually deserve to be called addictions. While the American Psychiatric Association may firmly state that "addiction has to mean you're damaging your functioning and not just in one area of your life," many people still think of it as referring to a chemical dependence such as alcohol or heroin addiction.

It must also be said that the warier among us might suspect organizations such as the APA have an interest in expanding the definition of these terms.

So, bottom line: Do you think video game addiction is a true addiction?

[TheChosen1]

Tweet

So, bottom line: Do you think video game addiction is a true addiction?

For sure!! I used to watch the reality show, INTERVENTION, regularly. Sure, you expect to see people who are addicted to and/or abusing drugs, alcohol, food, and exercising. But I remember one episode that covered a 30-something guy who spent his entire day playing PS2. Even his pre-teen sons were bored of the games and walked away, leaving the guy to play by himself. It was pathetic.

If you want a personal experience, I used to be addicted to PC games. When I was in LE, our division headquarters was sharing our office with the Narcotics Division and at the rear of the office was a computer that was solely used to write police reports. I would occupy that computer for hours and play Doom, Tetrix, Pipes, you name it. What's worst, our ranks often threaten to write me up and possibly suspend me but as soon as they pulled off, I'd sneak back into the office and finish my game. I'm glad to say, however, that I was playing Doom one Saturday afternoon when a 14 yr. old kid came into the office and informed me that some guy had just propositioned him. I instantly shut off the computer and went to catch the dude.

I've also seen alot of deputy sheriffs who worked with us literally bring their TV and PS2 to work (sometimes, they even used a City security monitor) to play the games and try to beat the levels in a day or two.

[daved150]

Tweetyea...i think it can be. i have always made my kids play outside so none of them are really gamers. they'll play here or there, but thats it.
whats got me a little concerned is their attitude towards the computer. sometime they act as if it's life or death if they can/cant get on it. it really pisses me off sometimes!

[Dzone]

TweetNo doubt that there are behaviors that alter brain chemistry. Especially sex. but video games can def cause chemical reactions in the brain which can be totally addictive. am i addicted to my crackberry? Well, it broke last week and I got a bit bent on the phone with verizon..."$%#&!!! what the %$#& am I going to do without a phone??????" Later on I felt like an idiot.lol

[jipped genes]

Tweethey fat people say they are addicted to food and they get treated like its a disease, even some get disability. maybe i should get some help for my vid game addiction