Yet more media coverage of compulsive gaming

[DeeCaudill]

I actually thought this article was more balanced and less "Omigosh the World (of Warcraft) is coming to an end!" than much of what we've seen about MMOG obsession:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/videogames.yahoo.com/ongoingfeature?eid=505289&page=0

WoW is the target--always go for the big ones right?  I thought it was interesting that there is a push to list compulsive behavior disorders (of which gaming compulsion is only one type) in the next DSM.

Yes, yes.  Let's preempt a few things from the last time I started one of these...

1.  I'm not saying anyone here has a problem.  In fact, I think Saga is pretty well-adjusted on the whole.
2.  Of course other activities can lead to compulsive behavior (as the article explains).
3.  I'm not placing blame on gaming companies, community, or culture for the incidence of MMOG obsessions.

What have I left out? 

Oh yeah...

[Lyrima]

It is a wonderful read.  Balanced, thoughtful and thought provoking.

The guy they interviewed, Splint, was a great example.

Thank you Dee. I started reading with a bit of trepidation, but finished having learned something and glad I read it.

[ElektroViking]

~Stands~
Hi!
My names Scott and I'm a MMO-holic.
I play 6 different games with multiple characters on each.  I spend 20-32 hours a week in my Pixilated paradises of beauty.
My Girlfriend partners with me, puts in just as much time, AND we spend 90% of our time...."Together".  I'm able to get up for work each and every morning.
....dependency?....maybe.
....problems?...heh, YA! not enough RAM!

[Dicey Reilly]

*grins at Tan*

That was more balanced then any other one I have read.

[DeeCaudill]

~Stands~
Hi!
My names Scott and I'm a MMO-holic.
I play 6 different games with multiple characters on each.  I spend 20-32 hours a week in my Pixilated paradises of beauty.
My Girlfriend partners with me, puts in just as much time, AND we spend 90% of our time...."Together".  I'm able to get up for work each and every morning.
....dependency?....maybe.
....problems?...heh, YA! not enough RAM!

No problems?  If not, then I don't see anything wrong with the extent of your play.

On the other hand, other behaviors that look like warning signs of compulsive gaming (or other compulsive behaviors) to me:

• Reduced work performance or high rate of absences for gaming reasons
• Relationship problems with significance others where time spend gaming is an issue
• Neglect of children (Big-time issue if it happens)
• Serial lateness in paying bills
• Living beyond your means to maintain game subscriptions and computer technology to play
• Routinely shorting yourself of sleep in order to increase game time
• Significant weight gain from being overly sedentary while gaming and opting for junk/convenience food to save time (pass the Cheetos!)
• Repeated failed attempts to stop playing
• Evasiveness when talking to family and friends about your pass time
• Neglecting housekeeping for extended periods of time

Many of these applied to me when I was at my worse...

[ElektroViking]

I'm really not an MMO holic.
I'm ADHD and i HATE to be bored.
I get bored with having conversations....i'm not bored "With" the conversation...its just the conversation doesn't have enough for me to DO.  Talking is just so "easy"..that i need to be doing something with my hands or the other half of my brain not involved in the conversation.
Video Games gives me Instant gratification and stimuli to keep my over active brain attached to something.

[Anaris]

I wish I had more time to play....   

[Namae Nai]

What they do to Internet addicts in China...

[Namae Nai]

Games can even kill you, if you play them almost nonstop for a week!

[DeeCaudill]

The librarian in me is itching to start a bibliography.

[PinkRose]

http://www.ussa.edu/news/2006/12/11/matta.asp

And being physically fit can get you killed as well.

[Lyrima]

Oh no!

i'm physically fit AND I game...!

I'm dooooomed.