Online games destroying lives ('n stuff)

[Namae Nai]

I'll toss in my two cents.

We keep claiming that drugs and alcohol are physical addictions but gaming/gambling are not because there is no actual substance ingested.

I beg that point.

I think Syll either said this or alluded to it, but there are plenty of hormones and chemicals released in the body that are utterly and absolutely addicting.

Take, for example, that rush of adrenaline when you succeed in an encounter ig.  Or that flush of joy when you figure out a quest.

Gaming brings with it a whole host of internal chemical reactions that can be quite addicting. 

And chemical addictions are chemical addictions whether you ingest them or inspire them through your gaming/gambling.

A key difference is that you cannot be put into a state of endophin withdrawal, as you can with alcohol and drug withdrawal. As well, you do not gradually build tolerance to chemicals released in your brain.

Drug/alcohol dependencies includes a toxic reward/penalty system. It's not just the highs that hook you. The lows when you aren't using also help to worsen your dependancy by motivating you to get high again at any cost. Added to that are the gradual increase in dosage that a physical addiction requires, along with the actual damage it does to the brain, liver, kidneys and other internal organs. It can lead to a state of hopelessness, when one has literally nothing (mentally or physically) left but chasing the next high because even if they stopped they wouldn't be good for a job, a family, relationships, and they've thrown those all away in any case.

I think it's safe to say that drugs or alcohol are much more damaging and addicting than a simple happy buzz, as chemically similiar as it seems. Your body is meant to process those happy chemicals. These brain chemicals are meant as a reward that's supposed to reinforce positive biological behavior like caring for a loved one, being successful, eating something comforting, or even successful risk taking. I could even argue that to some extent humans are designed to be 'hooked' on these chemicals. For example new mothers have brains that flush with oxytocin when they breastfeed. It's a chemical the encourages pleasant happy feelings and a bonding instinct... similiar to the effects of the drug Ecstasy(the hug-drug), but without the increased chance of heart failure and other risk factors.

[PinkRose]

I have done damage to my kidneys because of gaming but that's a whole other topic.   

[Lyrima]

Ok ok Namae

I was just tossing out an idea I had.

*snuggles wise and wonderful Namae*

HEY! Did NO ONE look at the site I linked??

/pouts

[Alwynn]

People who play video games are idiots.







Hey, is anyone picking up Marvel Ultimate Alliance this week? Woo! 

[Anaris]

This is where Kemmy's Belly Dancing emoticon comes in handy...  Where is the bellydancing emoticon?


WHERE IS KEMMY?!!!   I miss... 

[PinkRose]

Justice League Heroes looks good though, Beeker.

http://justiceleagueheroes.warnerbros.com/

[Alwynn]

I have a 360. This is for some antiquated system.