Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities

how to break a son's habit? Name: Date: 2006-02-28 16:25:04 Link to this Comment: 18397

I have a 24 year old son who feels that his addiction to gaming is a hobby. It started when he was old enough to hold a controller in his hands. (notice the name of the piece of equipment that is used to run the game, controller). We tried to limit his time playing any game, only to find him back at the game after kicking him out of the house to play with his friends. This went on for years, and I heard every excuse in the book why he\'s back in playing the game (Nobodies out, they don\'t want to do what I want to do, etc.) I too though that it isn\'t hurting anything, he\'s not doing drugs, drinking, hanging out with the wrong crowd, etc. So we aloud it to continue
Now I understand why we should have taken the games away from him and limited his tim Here is a small submission of his weekend time starting on Friday-- Wakes up around 10 am starts playing and will stop at around Saturday Morning around 6 am,so thats around 20 hours, wakes up Saturday around 10 am and plays till around 6 am Sunday, again thats around another 20 hours, and again Wakes up Sunday 10 am and dose the same thing till 6 am Monday morning, another 20 hour that day, so in total of 60 hours in a 72 hour period, Now understand, he has no job, so you do the math how many hours ishe spending now. Do I think he\'s addicted. YES.

I have done everything I could think of to break him of this habbit (Talking to himpleading with him, telling him that I will kick him out) nothing works. I am lookingfor answers. He will not seek help, because think dosen\'t think he has a problem, it\'s a hobby. My next step is to actually kick him out, but I am asking if there is anything I can do befroe I take that step.....PLEASE HELP.

hobbie Name: Date: 2006-02-28 16:33:49 Link to this Comment: 18399

I dont think that video games can be addictive. I mean, sure we love them..and may fall in love with them and the cool characters, but we are not addicted. I think its more of a Extreamly favorable Hobbie.

I rest my case.

just a game Name: Date: 2006-02-28 16:36:33 Link to this Comment: 18400

I think that its that\'s persons perogitive if they want to shoot somebody after playing Halo 2 But if you think about like a real human and have common sense you will understand that its just a game, A game people why are people trying to exhile video to the public when there just virtual.You can say the exact same thing about emeril\'s cooking show on the FOOD network when he cuts chicken all of a sudden people can get dilusional and think human bodys are walking poultry. This situation is just like the columbine shootings and they blamed it on marilyn Manson this is just twisted and unjustified.

not the game's fault Name: Date: 2006-02-28 16:40:29 Link to this Comment: 18401

video games do not cause violent actions. yes there are video games out there that have someone kill hundresds in order to win but that doesn\'t mean that someone will go out there and do it just because they played a video game about it. parents should be watching what their children play. it\'s the same as watching what the children watch and who their friends are. yes it\'s possible for like a 10 year old to get the game Doom or GTO3. it\'s one of those obstacles a parent should be watching for. it\'s
stupid if someone actually thinks that real life is like a video game. it\'s the person\'s stupidness if they go out and kill other just because they played it on a game. it\'s not the game\'s fault. it\'s the person\'s stupidness.

Name: Date: 2006-02-28 16:53:13 Link to this Comment: 18403

I agree that Violent Games can have a negative effect on the gamer, but only if the game is taken a certain way. However, I also believe that the violent games are not entirely responsible for the gamers actions.
You have an outlook on violent games, and I do not wish to infringe it.
Look at the media. There is violence there that all ages can watch (the news).I believe that the background of the gamer has the biggest impact. the Gamer may be trying to find a stress reliever, may want to escape his/her daily life, or may be a social outcast and needs to find \"somewhere\" he/she will be, in some way, \"accepted\". The Columbine shooting, for example, there were other issues (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_massacre/Warning_signs).

addicted Name: Date: 2006-02-28 16:55:00 Link to this Comment: 18404

I have been \"addicted\" to video games for many years to the point that I stop talking to my family and I hope to come home early to play a game(Warcraft III). I can moderate my time but I have to say, it is difficult. I find that video games have taken over my life. I play my computer game for 7 hours a day, or as long as I can. I personly belive that there is such thing as being \"addicted\" to video games because u ha
ve a fell good high and a sence of belonging. Since I am not the most popular kid at school I think that it is nice that people can\'t see how u look or act, but u are jugded by how good of a gamer u are.

help for my son Name: Date: 2006-02-28 17:00:29 Link to this Comment: 18405

I have a 19 year old son who has devoted the past 2 years of his life to Playstation Final Fantasy and has apparently consigned himself to a McJob at a local coffee shop.
This kid is quite smart and has unlimited potential, but I wonder if he will ever get on track. I\'m certain that he would never join the military, but I\'m now beginning to believe that he is not even interested in continuing on to a college education.
Just this morning at 5 a.m. I awoke to see a light coming from his bedroom and found him still awake and playing his video game. Is there hope for this kid? If so, how do I find it.
Thanks.

rage Name: Date: 2006-02-28 17:02:43 Link to this Comment: 18406

On the subject of computer rage in kids -
http://media1.break.com/dnet/media/content/patiencechild.wmv :-)

boyfriend addicted Name: Date: 2006-02-28 17:05:43 Link to this Comment: 18407

i think that my boydfriend is addicated to video games.my boyfriend started playing star wars glaxies and then it got so bad that he would not even notices when i cam home. i could come home, go into the room, come out , and then go back in the room and he would not even know that i was there. also, my boyfriend played the sims for hours to build a house that looked like the house that we are building. in addition, he is a smoker and he smokes a lot when he is playing a game. now my boyfriend is playing star wars battlefront 2 and battlefield 2 and he will play to five in the morning,(that is from the time i get home from work at 4). yesterday, he played to 7 this morning. i am getting conern about him. i think that he uses these games to surpress his feeling. i mean he can forget and not deal with problems if he is playing those games.now it is also affecting me as well, i do not know if i want to live a life with someone who can not deal with his problems and plays games all the time. i need attention, and i do not know if i can be in a relationship were most of his attention is on games. i not sure if what i wrote makes any senses, but i really needed to let it all out.

doctor doesn't help Name: Date: 2006-02-28 17:07:13 Link to this Comment: 18408

I am a 51-yr. old online game addict, and when I play, I am just like an alcoholic or a drug addict. I am escaping from reality. There is no fantasy involved--I play repetitive pattern games that are merely mind-numbing. I have a successful career and many other talents, but I waste my life playing stupid computer games. I cannot seem to stop, and now I am skipping work to play. I need help, but no one seems to think that this is a problem. I have told my doctor, but he thought nothing of it. Now I must get back to my game, which I have been playing all day today.

Name: Date: 2006-03-02 15:53:10 Link to this Comment: 18435

Parents- You are being to easy on your kids. If you want them to stop playing, take away the darn system, rather than letting it foster into something large and merciless. Honestly, get strict on them.

They don't cause violence.... Name: Thulair Date: 2006-03-02 22:08:58 Link to this Comment: 18438

I recently read your article on violence in video games and personally I think that you are wrong. I am 17 years old and have been playing video games for most of my life. I have played violent games such as Halo, Halo 2, Battlefield 2, Call of Duty 2, Unreal Tournament 2004, Unreal Championship 2, Doom 3, and MANY MANY more… (I guess you could call Super Mario Bros violent because you are killing innocent little turtles and hurling their dead bodies at other living objects) I have NEVER been involved in a fight of any kind. I am one of the nicest guys at my school and so are my friends who also play these games. My cousin plays Halo 2 about 30 hours a week on Xbox live and is still second in his class out of about 975 students. I believe, as well as most of the others that have commented on this article, that it is not about the game itself, but the ability of the gamer to distinguish between fantasy and reality. There are video games like World of Warcraft (WoW) that involve violence but they also teach important life lessons. About the Columbine thing…this is not because of video games, it is the people that are psycho. Video games have not made anyone violent that did not start out violent or unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Video games keep many children off of the streets. Instead of going out and being involved in violent or unhealthy situations, they are playing video games. I think that this article is written totally from the “Hilary Clinton” point of view and maybe you should do a little bit more research from the other side.

general concern Name: Date: 2006-03-05 17:25:11 Link to this Comment: 18452

I am a 17 year old male who has played many video games. For me, my addiction is the competition I face when I play. Lately, all I have been playing is Halo 2 on x-box live. What I find to be most compelling about the game is the complexity of the button control system. The many different combinations of weapon selection requires experience and skill to manipulate each combo to its fullest potential. I notice that my ability to multitask has increased through playing this game. Though many will disagree that games increase motor skills and help develope others, I have benefited hugely from the playing games. Occasionally, I stay up late to finish a particular mission, but even then its only during the weekends. (Mainly friday and saturday nights when im off). Though persuing a higher level has intervened with some of my school work, it has never stopped me from attaining my goal to graduate. I have not graduated yet but graduation is just around the corner and Im safely in the graduating category. Truthfully, the biggest gain that I have achieved from video games is the ability to read faster and comprehend what im reading. When I was 10-11 years old (basically before 5th grade) I was not an avid reader. In fact, I was barely speaking english. I had just returned from the islands and was still picking up on complicated vocabulary. I lacked in reading and the last grade udate in my language arts class was a D+. It was around that time that me and my brother (who wasn't a big rpg fan) was introduced to Final Fantasy VII. My brother was in high school and was the top reader in his class. I have to admit, I was badly addicted to the game. (I didn't even play it.) I sat up with my brother for three days straight, watching him beat the game. (the music composed by nobuo uematsu hepled keep the game interesting as well). The point is that, in the game, there are pop up boxes with written text that helps the reader develope the storyline. The game also allows you to skip the text incase you died and started from a checkpoint and didn't want to go through the whole walk through every time. Well I was very interesed in the storyline and I would have my brother read each text box out loud. He would do this for a while and then read it to himself. His reading was too fast to keep up with and I would barely finish a sentence before he goes on to the next box. Soon, I started skim reading, barely catching a few lines. I did this for the first two days and by the end of the third day, I was reading as fast as he was. NO JOKE. BY THE WAY, I NEVER ATTENDED FIFTH GRADE. I STAYED HOME THE WHOLE YEAR PLAYING VIDEO GAMES!

games cause violence? Name: Date: 2006-03-05 17:39:35 Link to this Comment: 18453

I don't quite agree with this statement because, I myself play many violent games. (doom, halo, halo 2, all GTA games, resident evil, silent hill, ninja gaiden, man too many to name. I might as well make the whole comment a list of all the violent games that i've played. These are mediocre compared to the games whose names I can't seem to remember for some reason). I haven't gotten in any fights. Not one. I don't even yell at my parents or sisters or brothers. Not even my friends. I tend to let my respect for others overpower my anger. I agree with a previously posted comment that the violence shown, by kids and even adults who have played violent games, are out of the individual's own stupidity. To think that life is like a video game is just pure stupidity. ITS JUST A GAME! Now that I think about it, most times I play aggressive games, I let my frustration out then. Im always just coo when im around my family and friends. Its almost like a little escape. I use it pretty often. Im seventeen by the way.

Ya it exists Name: Date: 2006-03-07 14:29:09 Link to this Comment: 18467

Gaming has its own affect on different people, and for a kid with absolutely nothing better to do, i think they can be a great experience... The problem is they keep you where you are in life, you never push on to break into another aspect of the world if you are too content with your virtual surroundings...

I'll be the first to admit that for kids up through highschool, without access to a vehicle and little cash to burn, the entertainment prospects are weak and gaming is an excellent and often mind sharpening tool...

To give some background, I am 22, male who was well liked in school but still anti social, to be quite frank I would rather take a nap then listen to the common conversations occuring back in school about what happened on reality shows the night before, and who britney was dating from the gals.. and even worse the non stop sports talk that the guys would ramble on over...

I got plenty hooked on several games, Ultima Online, Asherons Call, and Warcraft III were the big ones, all games that involve some excelent player versus player systems, and that's where my addiction stayed, the ability to build my chericter well and then demolish the competition through superior tactics.

The only problem with the whole thing is it ate up ALL my free time, which wasn't exactly a huge amount, I had a good job, was going to school full time, but it completly killed my social life, nothing like sitting at the computer trying to kill some dorkey Mage while your girlfriend tries to woe you back into bed... like I said, it slaughters your social life...

I look back now at the logic I used back then and want to smack myself for being such an ass... When she would beg me to leave the game I even once responded "What, just because your bored, you want me bored with you?"

Well so much for my appreciation of gorgious good hearted gals I presume, thank god one day I just deleted all my chers and broke the cds....

So for anyone who thinks that the addiction doesn't happen, let me put things into perspective for you, I went from an anti social hermit to dating the most attractive girl in school (literally a model), and I somehow had the balls to brush her off when she wanted to fool around and snuggle up...

So to those of you who were in my shoes, using the excuse that your just burning time that would otherwise be wasted anyways.... It's nothing more then an excuse, not a ture justification

And people trying to help loved ones, good luck to you, the only option is to completly destroy their ability to play, and realisticly THEY have to make the decision... Finding alternative activities is nearly impossible for an addict unless it's forced, so im sorry to say that forcing kids to pay rent and/or move out is one way, in other words you need to kick start them into the real world; and for lovers, im sorry to say leaving is one of the only reality checks out there.... Quite often it works though, I only saw my mistakes after the fact...

my video game addiction Name: Bryan Pope Date: 2006-03-16 14:09:30 Link to this Comment: 18558

I have found that when I play my video games, I just cant stop! I have also noticed that when I have an erection from a hot chick on a game, and I do my buiness, I ACTUALLY don't want to play it anymore! Did I realease my dopamine levels by waggling my doodle?

my video game addiction Name: Bryan Pope Date: 2006-03-16 14:14:52 Link to this Comment: 18559

I have found that when I play my video games, I just cant stop! I have also noticed that when I have an erection from a hot chick on a game, and I do my buiness, I ACTUALLY don't want to play it anymore! Did I realease my dopamine levels by waggling my doodle?

Addiction or not? Name: Date: 2006-03-20 12:23:23 Link to this Comment: 18611

If your kids play video games and you don't think they're addicted, I'm happy for you. But keep your eyes open and don't kid yourself about its existence. My son is 18, very intelligent, and managed to get himself a full scholarship at a university about 1 1/2 hours away, which he's in the process of blowing. I blame the video games. He likes it there, and even knowing that he'll have to come home if his grades don't improve drastically, it's not enough to convince him that the games are a problem. I would love some advice. Telling him to stop won't do it. Taking his games might help a bit, but the worst culprit is this online game that he plays on his roommate's desktop.
So, if your kids are home, do something about it now. Don't wait until they're gone because it only gets worse. OUr son is showing symptoms of an addiction: school work is suffering, personal hygiene is suffering, he's admitted that he doesn't sleep well, and he lies to us: pretending he's sick so that he doesn't have to come home for school holidays, not calling or answering his phone for days at a time and then telling us he never knew we called (it's a cell phone). There are always excuses about his grades, but he won't get help. He's got a lot of growing up to do, but I'm afraid that if we don't do something about the game problem now, it might ruin his life. If you think I'm being dramatic, read some of the other postings. If you've been in this situation and have any concrete actionable advice, I'm listening.

YES THEY DO Name: OLIVER QUI Date: 2006-03-27 15:18:26 Link to this Comment: 18697

Violent video games do make you want to be violent. trust me I'm a kid, and i play Grand Theft Auto Every day.when i get in trouble i consider( in all seriousnes) jacking a car and running people over. i once bought a sword and planned to kill our principle with it but realized the consequences so i told my dad i was experiencing buyers remorse so we returned it. I feel that in anger i could kill someone. I truly beleive that if i had ever had a gun with me and i got angry i would have killed someone. but now that i have realized that the games were giving me these ideas i do not play them anymore.

Name: Date: 2006-03-30 09:55:13 Link to this Comment: 18740

If you people don't think video games are addicting, you are in denial. Exhibit A: My Roommate. I have known him since we were sixteen, and now I am twenty one. He is not an unattractive guy, and I am an attractive female. He stays in his room all day playing WORLD OF WARCRAFT. He has been in college for two years now, and hasn't met ONE GIRL whom he has tried to date. He doesn't go out unless it is to eat. He sleeps at all hours of the day. Our activities not only as friends but as roommates are punctuated with him checking the computer. Sometimes he tells me that is doesn't make him happy, and that he wants to stop, but then other times he says he could stop anytime and gets very defensive like a coke head when I tell him what I think of his gaming. He is going to flunk out this semester but I tried to help him stop Warcraft. When I tell him he is going no where in life he asks "Well what have you done" and then tells me he is not impressed with jobs, passing classes, and long relationships with good, hardworking people. What would he be impressed with? A level sixty character? Whatever, he is an idiot and he is going to pay for his stupidity when he realizes in a few years that he wasted not only his college years but didn't keep up with the rest of us socially, intellectually, or in the field of serious relationships. Have fun living at home, douchbag. P.S. You're getting fat again.

Gaming Addiction Name: Date: 2006-04-04 13:24:49 Link to this Comment: 18832

Gaming Addiction Name: stenograph Date: 2006-04-04 13:35:51 Link to this Comment: 18833

I found this site out of sheer desperation. After reading all the postings, I felt relief and sadness all at the same time. All the sites having to do with gaming addiction, described my 18-year-old son so perfectly that it's scary. He is an addict. I am the only person who thinks so, because everybody is in denial that this is a real sickness. He's always played many video games, but these on-line games are and have ruined his life. World of Warcraft, in particular, has caused him to not graduate high school last year, retreat from family and friends, become argumentative with everybody, not care about his appearance, shuts himself in his room, 24/7, except for a small part-time job, which is only a diversion until he comes home and goes straight to his computer. Our whole family is deteriorating. He doesn't talk to anybody, and when he does, it's crass and sarcastic, because it's in response to constant nagging and pleading from me to GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. I see a pattern for children at risk of video game addiction, my son included. Children who fall prey to vide game addiction are generally quiet and shy, intelligent, not big socializers, don't mind being alone, but on-line, they feel like they can belong somewhere. My son had dreams of being an architect. He is quite a good draftsman, but because of this addiction, he will not see this dream materialize. He is currently in community college and flunking out of that because he doesn't do any homework or have any other interests besides video games. I NEED HELP and ADVICE.

I am addicted to games Name: Date: 2006-04-05 03:46:14 Link to this Comment: 18840

I am 19 years old, and have been addicted to games for much too long.
one day, i dont know when, I got the idea in my head that my status and worth in life was directly related to games. In particular, competative gaming.

While some games-- "RPG"s-- have tought me about people and relationships, built up my vocab, gave me all sorts of wisdom to use in life, and a lot of knowlege of the world, the problem is that I tend to want to play these games to their core, mastering them, getting my character to the highest level.

I have put as many hours into games as it would take to become fluent in 4 different languages, and thats a fact. Im sure your son is the same.

videogames are very addicting, but its not just because of what you see and what you do in the games, its about status and purpose in life.

by playing games we feel like we are the hero.. its like reading a book, but the problem is games can be taken further than books. We can play over and over and over and obtain various items or get better at the game if its an FPS or something.

The one thing that has saved me is just getting new interests.

PLEASE ASK YOUR SON IF HE CAN DO THIS
BECAUSE I CANT.

THIS = when one asks him if he plays games, can he say "no, dont play games sorry".

because i find it impossible, but i beleive if one can do that, they will break the feeling that games are important to his status.

the best thing to do is to find another hobbie, for me, its the japanese language.

the problem is that in games, the communities are HUGE, makes them feel important.. if only your son could see the community for things such as art, music.

I dont know what to say, but I think after a while he will understand how bad it is and force himself to quit. Ask him if there has been one game actually worth his time in his career playing. (not the one hes playing now). For me, there isnt.

Online gaming must be recognized as a serious addi Name: Kaatje Date: 2006-04-10 15:57:36 Link to this Comment: 18933

Online video gaming can certainly (and easily) become an addiction. So what can you do to convince someone who's addicted that they are addicted, and to quit? And how do you prevent relapses?

My brother and boyfriend are both addicts. My boyfriend has tried quitting many times but it never sticks.

I have reason to believe that gaming companies know that gaming is addictive. Take Final Fantasy Online for example. For one, every time you log in, there's a warning/reminder asking players not to forget about their real lives -- friends, family, school, work. Secondly, the company has a policy that if you delete your account, you're only allowed to reactivate it once. They archive all character data, so it's not like they're really deleting data in order to conserve storage space. The policy must be built around allowing people to delete their accounts once and for all in order to beat an addiction to the game.

These sorts of addictions seem to proliferate in games that have a massive online community moreso than with games like Tetris. Though I have known the occasional recluse gamer that's happy sitting in his bean bag playing self-contained console games, a truly life disrupting pattern seems to only emerge from games like World of Warcraft, Everquest, and Final Fantasy Online. You can't beat the game -- you have to beat the other gamers. If one poor schulb spends 20 hours a day for a year to achieve a particular goal, so must you. Then there are in-game guilds and groups that, through peer pressure, capitalize all of your time.

Within the microsphere of an online game is a complex working economy and culture which create a false reality that is more real and comforting to players than real life. Players invest time and energy in relationships with people that often offer no committment, support, or opportunities outside of gaming, rather than investing in mutual and supportive real-life relationships. Fellow players could all be 12-year-old girls or 50-year-old men as far as anybody else could tell.

Game addicts have told me that eventually, the game starts to feel like a job, and yet they are still compelled to play. Game addicts have told me that they realize, had they invested game time into another activity, they could have had a black belt by now -- and yet they are still compelled to play. I have seen game addicts gain weight, lose friends, lose sleep, lose self-esteem, lose the capacity for non game-related conversation, make their families sick with worry, and yet defend their right to play the very game that often makes them AND the people around them miserable. There's even a World of Warcraft phenomena of estranged wives and girlfriends who call themselves "World of Warcraft Widows," because their significant other's gaming addiction killed their relationship.

But the gamers won't admit that it's an addiction. Can we please get some press on this? If addicts won't admit that it's an addiction, they will never treat it like an addiction. And it certainly isn't a problem isolated to children -- kids can grow up and rebound, it's the 20-somethings that are ruining their futures that I'm worried about.

Non-psychopaths are perfectly capable of separatin Name: Kaatje Date: 2006-04-10 16:10:41 Link to this Comment: 18934

Sorry, not buying it. A kid with supportive family, friends, and community can play Wolfenstein and Mortal Kombat without going postal with knives and guns. And a kid who hasn't played "violent" games, when desperate, depressed, or frustrated enough, will still resort to violence against him/herself or others if they feel that they have no other options or means of communication.

It's like saying that those driving games in arcades make for irresponsible drivers. Non-psychopaths are perfectly capable of understanding the context of a video game and separating that from real-life, okay behavior.

And for the record, I don't use my DDR moves in nightclubs, either.

Video Game Violence Name: Tom Kizans Date: 2006-04-18 19:31:09 Link to this Comment: 19086

I read Grace Shin's article on video game violence, and some of the ingnorant responses to her gave me quite a good chuckle. Some of you are correct that in the last 10 years, violent crimes have indeed dropped as a whole, but you're not doing correct research either. The prrimary age group of violent crime committers is 18-45. While there are some older gamers, there are some younger crime commiters. A proper study in correlating video game violence to crime statistics would focus on A- Arrests of 12-25 year olds(the primary gamer age range), and B- the reports of violent tendencies in schools. You can talk all you want about your personal experience- that means all of squat. I game, I'm passive, I'm a successful psychologist and businessman as well- big f'n' deal. I think, regardless of my experience, that IN GENERAL, video game violence does negatively impact youth. I see it daily. I play pick-up basketball at a local park in a good neighborhood, and I frequent a local area gathering point for youth that centers around a lasertag facility and a gaming center. I'm constantly surrounded by youth that are "gamers" devoting their productive non-school time(and some of their school time). To Half-Life, Evercrack..errQuest, Doom, GTA, etc... I see the change in their behavior, and it's not good. I don't think games should be removed from the shelves, or censored, but rather parents should DO THEIR DAMNED JOB! You people are flat out WRONG- games are too violent, and that violence DOES impact behavior in the real world. It gives a false sense of ego, and agression to skilled gamers. However, instead of turning your head and denying the plausability or existence of said problem, why don't you open your eyes to the real center of blame- irresponsible parents who don't monitor their children appropriately. Violent games shouldn't be taken off shelves- some people enjoy them and are not affected by them (generally older gamers who get to those games around 17 or older), but I definitely think parents shouldn't let younger kids under 16 play games like that.

Name: jake Date: 2006-04-26 15:22:23 Link to this Comment: 19152

yea... the last comment i just read and the paper are wrong. i play video games a lot and many violent games as well. as of right now im doing a persusive paper on how videogames do not cause violence in teens and everyone that plays them. on the last comment i aggree that parents should inforce themselfs on their kids more but not limit them to buying videogames that are violent! i am fourteen and in highschool and catholic i am not a violent person at all, in fact i am really nice. the only way really that you could get violent from a video game is if you have a mental instabality and there are some that are i will admit but playing a violent videogame is not going to damage you or make you become more violent. but playing a violent video game is in a way a stress reliver its just like punching a pillow but that is a more violent action then killing a non living thing.

violent games create violent teens Name: Date: 2006-05-03 15:02:37 Link to this Comment: 19212

Games are not violent. It is the environment that the teens live in that makes them violent. Also, it hasn't been proven that videogames make people violent. Psychologists don't have any hard evidence to base their claims of violent games being linked to violent teens. Also, I have done it all, yet I'm not violent. I have seen horror movies. I love first person shooter games. I love playing online first person shooter games too. I even curse at the others. The point is, I have done just about everything, yet I'm not violent. I think the thing that makes a person violent is their environment, how they think, and how they were raised by their parents. Videogames does fit into the environment category, but there are other factors that are included into the mix. One last thing. I pity those who shall dare make rude comments or anything negative to gamers or games because they haven't played most games out there.

Name: Date: 2006-05-12 10:53:51 Link to this Comment: 19366

i am 15 year's old and strongly dissagre with the page's thoughts on violence on video games. i have played my fair share of violent games. games are a way to express anger. if you the game player can't reilze reality from fiction then you do not deserve to play the game's. in all reality what is the purpose of all video game's. even in rated E games they have violence in them even though it does not seem like. a particular rated E game is need for speed hot pursuit 2 is violent because the game allowes you to crash what ever you want (road rage). what isn't violence. games are games you can't change them. they are all violent depending on the you look at it. 1st person shooters are a great example of violence, but do they benifit the player sure they make you think, solve puzzels,ect. games are like movies people play/watch them because they like it.

My opinion...? Name: Nyki Di Date: 2006-05-16 00:01:32 Link to this Comment: 19393

Yes well I am twelve years old and I'm writing an essay on video games and teen/child violence. First off, I believe that video games are not to blame for a child's behavior. However, I do believe that video games affect a child for they absorb what they see and learn, as everything, no duh. To parents who have a problem with their child's "addiction" to video games, do remember you are the parent. You are responsible for what your child absorbs, for children are blank slates. But for you parents whose child is a young adult, perhaps 18 to 24, it is now their responsiblity as to how they spend their time, even if you believe it's a waste of time. I do encourage you, though, if you think it is an issue getting out of hand, to talk to them, for that is the most you can do. Express your concern.
My brother, who is sixteen years of age, is indeed addicted to video games. He'll play them nonstop, even if it's a school night. He's an intellegent young man, but his common sense in how he spends his time is either hidden or not there at all. My brother, who we shall name Nat, has been falling behind on his homework. My mother was fed up with Nat's irresponsiblity and has now limited his time on the computer. She does not, however, moniter what games he plays, which I believe parents definately should. I believe my mom does not moniter our video games because she trusts that we know what is okay to play. She trusts our judgement as to what is right and wrong.
Now, as for violent games, I grew up playing DOOM, Turok, and Mortal Kombat. I also grew up on Chrono Cross, Super Mario Brothers, Bubble Bobble, and other nonviolent games. Which do I prefer? It doesn't really matter whether it's violent or not, I don't believe kids have more fun playing violent games as opposed to nonviolent. I also don't believe that video games are teaching kids to kill. You wanna know why the rest of the world kills? Because of anger and hate, emotional problems and even brain disfunctions, not because a video game told them to.
I'm sure you're all tired of reading this, well, at least I'm tired of typing, so I shall end my little adventure simply. I am a hardcore gamer and play eccessively, but my opinion is not based off of my love of video games, although I am very passionate about the subject. My opinion is based merely on my judgement and knowledge on the subject. Well, thanks for being so patient and reading~

hi Name: Date: 2006-05-18 14:04:19 Link to this Comment: 19404

i think yuo should just kick his ass out and maybe he should get a girl friend and i think it would be better for him to smoke weed instead of games non stop

if you want him to stop so much Name: Date: 2006-05-30 09:50:37 Link to this Comment: 19437

Well the easiest way that i can think of getting him to stop or just even stop playing as much would be to make him pay the bills. This would not only make him have to get a job, he would also have to work which would only leave him about a little less than 60 hours out out of a full time working job week. But i agree with other people, its not an addiction, its just a passion!

Video games are bad for everyone Name: jazmin Date: 2006-05-30 17:22:10 Link to this Comment: 19438

video games are stressing and bad for all of us. I've studied video games and their effects and it turned out that video games are affecting the mind and the eyes. Please if you think that if your on the game for 30 hours per week and nothing will happend, you'r wrong. dont you feel akward after your done with a game. If video games dont affect your mind then how did Eric & Dylon do such a massacre after playing hours and hours of deception. Don't dare to blame the parents because it also includes society(commercials)- and addicted people who influence children to play violent games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

video game addiction Name: Jackie Str Date: 2006-06-01 12:33:26 Link to this Comment: 19452

People who say games are not addictive are totally wrong. My husband and I have been together for twelve years and I deal with his addiction on a daily basis. Unfortunately, so do our three children. His addiction has cost us so much. He used to rent or buy games without me knowing it. The games that he would rent he would hide so that he could continue playing until he achieved whatever goal he had. One time he actually had a game hidden for 45 days. Imagine the late fees on that! Several times I destroyed the game system (hammers work great) which didn't have the effect I desired. After seeing me destroy one game system it actually led to physical violence. His addiction has led to me having an affair (which I admit was totally wrong and inexusable on my part), our daughter being molested by his cousin(he was sitting in the next room playing games) and refusing to come home from his brother's house to take me to the hospital when I was 9 months pregnant and my water had broke (he of course was gaming) just to name a few. We have three children ages 11, 2, and 1. I recently found out from my 11 year old that he has been making her take care of her little brothers while he sits on the computer playing games. I hid the keyboard several days ago so that he couldn't do that anymore. He was fine when he got home from work until he saw the keyboard gone. It's like watching a drug addict go through withdraw when he doesn't have a system. He gets very aggravated and aggressive with everyone. He's terrible to be around but yet he doesn't see a problem. Don't tell me games aren't addictive. If anyone has any helpful sugestions please email me atjos0917@peoplepc.com.

Helping them take Responsibilty Name: Date: 2006-06-21 09:26:33 Link to this Comment: 19540

Im 18 years old and was hooked on a game called Team Fortress Classic for a number of years ( a modification of Half-life 1). My advice to all the parents out there is to bite the bullet and stop doing what your doing to support your childrens gaming habits, which I will describe below. I realize now that i CHOSE to play TFC, even when i felt helpless and that I had no choice in the matter. I BELIEVED i had no choice in the matter when I in reality did. When you are addicted to Video games your addicted to the chemicals (dopamine) naturally produced in your brain for excitement, which are now produced at higher levels. As you continue to play you need more and more (dopamine) to be released the same feeling; in other words the same level of . At these high levels the chemical rush is very addicting, but the individual in question STILL has the ability to act on this urge or rush, even if it is hard. When I finally got unaddicted to TFC, and spent a substantial amount of time interacting in the real world, I learned the one thing I never had much experience with and therefore had a very difficult time coming to terms with (besides obvious lack of development in social environment) is taking personal responsibility for my actions. My decisions are my responsibility and nobody elses. For a long time, I realize looking back, i believed my decisions were also my parents responsibility and not just mine. Looking back I feel very resentful towards my parents, who were very critical of me and my game playing, but never FORCED me to stop/get a job/see a counselor (and i don't mean just threaten because they made plenty of empty threats, so that means you actually have to seriously think about what you can do to stop supporting something that is ruining thier lives, whether it be ending the friendship, calling the cops on them because they wont leave, etc. Most likely they will come back for forgiveness or help and then you can set the guidelines) Nobody starts out a session of video game playing thinking "Ok, im going to play for the next 8 hours", but it happens because the person in question either conciously makes the decision to play for 8 hours (not many addicts are these people) or they conciously make the decision not to be aware/inhibit themselves in this activity, due to the short term "rush" that fufills thier bodys cravings. When they get defensive and sarcastic towards friends/family its because theyfeel guilty, but they feel like you have no right to call them on it. If you have children over 18 and thier living at home, you need to tell them how long they have to get a job and move out, because you are supporting thier game playing habits by not doing your part in enabling them to help themselves and see that they CAN stop playing if they so choose. What you do is going to be dependent on the situation you find yourself and the person which needs some tough love in. All in all alot of these addicted gamers (like I used to be) just need help taking responsibilty over thier lives because they right now are in a state of mind where things outside thier lives control them and they can't do anything about it, and its a hard state of mind to get out of even though its not true. Friends and loved ones who just come home and criticize, plead, or threaten, might as well just say "I avidly support your game playing".

Getting the record straight Name: Liam Date: 2006-06-22 16:15:11 Link to this Comment: 19557

The fact that the two most measured and intelligent responses are from a twelve year old and an eighteen year old is slightly concerning. Addictions are not some modern phenomena as everyone is aware, there have always been activities to which people can be become addictive. It is entirely possible, for example, to become addicted to exercise. This would not cause friends and relatives concern, but could in fact be bad for a person. Any addiction can be dangerous. Any addiction can also be controlled. The fact that most people single out video games is the pure result of 'moral panic' media campaigns.

People who are susceptible to video game addiction will show signs of conditions such as (not exclusively) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Such conditions can be dealt with, see a specialist.
If you wish to stop someone's addiction yourself, follow the advice already given - if they are young you can control activities positively - for example, provide financial support only for video games which meet for criteria - no violence or a certain age-rating, say or by spending time doing other activities with them, such as playing sport or going out. Or you could restrict them in negative fashion - by restricting gaming time for example. The latter is likely to make them feel they are being treated unjustly however. If they are older, all you can do is offer advice. They will face the social/financial consequences themselves and will either choose to accept this or change their habits (as stated, if this is through an condition of addiction, there is help available). In the end, for the older gamer, it's their life I'm afraid.

Now, in response to some earlier posts. Firstly, for the person who claims to be a professional psychologist and businessman, or whatever it was, perhaps it is best that you get your facts right before laying down your judgement from on high. Check authoritative sources such as, say, the ESA or books written on the subject by academics ('Videogames' by James Newman is a good one). The average age is now 33, with 70% of frequent computer gamers over 18 and 60% for console gamers (of which 44% and 25% respectively are grouped in the over 35 range). Your claim that 12-25 is the primary gamer age is either skewed data or complete fabrication. You have no grounds for the condescending, patronising tone you adopt. Please find some actual hard evidence for your statements (although I think you will find it difficult).
For the person who claimed to have studied video games, you obviously did not do so in much detail. I have also studied it and can tell you that there is no consensus on the subject of the affect of video games, even amongst professional researchers. The presence of studies which prove that video games have negative affects seems to be general accepted, and so I shall quote none (although I can upon request). There are, however, many that provide equally compelling proof to the contrary (I believe the latest is Williams & Skoric [2005] - google it, you can read the whole thing online). This dealt with online gaming - the area that so many people seem to be scared of. Please note, neither is a perfect study, nor is any video games study to date. There is simply not enough strong evidence to make a sweeping statement on the subject either way, as many of you have tried to do.

I think that's covered all the areas. I'm sorry if this seems at all patronising, I'm just annoyed at people getting the facts wrong. Also, apologies if I have confused my usage of 'effect' and 'affect' - it's a rather weak area for me. Oh, and I'm eighteen too. I didn't want to add that until the end for fear of people using that as an excuse not to consider my response.

Online Psychology Thesis on Video Game Addiction Name: Daniel Lot Date: 2006-07-03 12:40:37 Link to this Comment: 19639

Hi All,
My name is Daniel Loton and i'm currently completing an Honours year in a Psychology Degree in Melbourne, Australia. As part of this year i must complete a thesis, and for my topic i've chosen to study video game addiction (or problem video game playing), and the inter-relationships between video game playing, communication styles and self-esteem.
If you would have 15-20 minutes to participate, or are interested in the topic, please visit
http://www.computergameresearch.com
The survey is completely anonymous, and you do not have to be a gamer to participate! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reply or email me.

Kind Regards, Daniel Loton.

Name: Date: 2006-07-25 20:33:08 Link to this Comment: 20022

My name is Nicole and I work at a new daytime show in New York. The host is a psychiatrist who has been on Oprah. We are covering a variety of topics but one topic in particular is video game addiction. We are focusing on this because we feel it is becoming a real issue that is not being taken seriously. I would love to speak with anyone who is famliar with this topic and interested in speaking with me. My direct line is 1-888-372-2569 x4205.

I need help Name: Date: 2006-07-26 20:00:56 Link to this Comment: 20033

I am addicted to the game World of Warcraft. My parents have tried to get me from playing and I myself have made this effort. Yet everytime I try and break away, the desire to play comes back.

My weighted GPA has fallen from over 4.00 to 3.5. I have several aches all over my body and have gained about 30-40 pounds.

Please help me.

Name: HK Date: 2006-08-09 11:01:35 Link to this Comment: 20148

*falls over laughing*

It's like...alarmists mixed with wacko's. How....drole.

Video Game Addiction Name: Date: 2006-08-09 22:21:24 Link to this Comment: 20151

My son is 14 and is going down the road of video game addiction. I need to know how to get him to snap out of it without sending him into major depression. Does anyone have any suggestions or names of professional doctors in the LA area that specialize in this new addiction?
Please help. Thanks.
CC

Ignarance??? Name: David D. Date: 2006-08-15 09:38:48 Link to this Comment: 20166

Ok first off, its ignorant (how ironic) Secondly, I think that people are becoming too touchy with this whole "Protect video games, because I'M fine" attitude. The study in the last paragraph just said it affects different people in different ways, so don't be so critical. If you enjoy video games, aren't aggressive and aren't addicted, good for you. But don't discount the others that ARE affected. I use myself as an example. I have been playing video games since I had an Atari 2600. I am 27 now, own a PS2 and play 'Balllefield 2' online regularly. Over the years I have noticed my "smack talking", competitiveness, and even anger towards the game itself, become more increased. If I have to deal with situations or people after I have played, I have much less patience I would on days I don't play, and I am definitely more irritable. In retrospect, I know for a fact its the games that do it to me, so I have taken a break and played more in moderation. My mood has improved a great deal. Still not convinced? Check out this nutty german playing Unreal tournament in front of a hidden cam:

http://www.filecabi.net/video/angry-german-subtitles.html

Game addiction Name: J Date: 2006-08-29 04:06:51 Link to this Comment: 20227

I hope this helps someone, or maybe someone can help me. It's good just to write all this down - feels like a spring clean for the soul.

I'm addicted to computer games. When I was at Nottingham University it was chess, which I played online with Yahoo and contributed to me failing Physics at university. This is a nasty fact I can only recently accept. Before that it was strategy games like Mega-lo-Mania (for the Mega Drive), Transport Tycoon, Civilisation II, Red Alert and its sequel. Anything which is completely involving. More recently it's Age of Empires, Rise of Rome. I like these games because they are strategy based. Looking back on it, there's no real strategy involved. Like most gamers, I play the same strategy time after time.

The pattern of usage is the same, download the game from Ares, a file sharing network. Play it endlessly. Pointlessly. Then delete it, empty the recycle bin. Only to download it again in a few days time.

My mum used to say I was addicted. I was/am. But I was always annoyed with her for interrupting. Always. She broke the illusion of reality. It was like a spell. Large chunks of a working day would simply disappear. Hours fly by when you're playing. The sun rises/sets and I'd barely notice.

I'm now 26, I have receding hair and I noticed early in 2006, my first grey hairs. I used to see myself as infinite, now I see in the mirror of my own mortality. I've resolved to change. For CHRIST'S SAKE THERE MUST BE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS!

I'm trying to set up a web optimisation business. Maybe if I can get this off the ground I will have something else to occupy my time. The website will go live in a few days time at www.optimalwebsite.co.uk

I've resolved not to play a game again. Ever, so long as I live. If you'd like to send me an email, it's saber_raptor@hotmail.com I'm thinking about setting up an online forum just so gamers and their ignored families can swap stories. Is there any demand for this? I've searched online and not found one yet. Just a thought.

Violence and Games Name: ~PMC~ Date: 2006-08-30 22:17:49 Link to this Comment: 20233

While it is true that Violent people do play games as well, It is not Violence in Video Games that cause people to be more Violent. In another artical that I have read, I have found that the United states have a very high violence rate compared to Japan. the reason I stated this fact was because in Japan, the games are more violent then games in the United states are. If it was true that Video games causes people to be more violent, then Japan would be the hot spot for violence especially since their population is larger than the US and most Violent Games are created there. I believe that Violence is caused by early childhood development and because during the first couple of years when children brains are fastly developing, Violence in their surroundings are the true cause of violence.
~PMC~

Violence and Games Name: ~PMC~ Date: 2006-08-30 22:20:19 Link to this Comment: 20234

While it is true that Violent people do play games as well, It is not Violence in Video Games that cause people to be more Violent. In another artical that I have read, I have found that the United states have a very high violence rate compared to Japan. the reason I stated this fact was because in Japan, the games are more violent then games in the United states are. If it was true that Video games causes people to be more violent, then Japan would be the hot spot for violence especially since their population is larger than the US and most Violent Games are created there. I believe that Violence is caused by early childhood development and because during the first couple of years when children brains are fastly developing, Violence in their surroundings are the true cause of violence.
~PMC~

Some Inductive Reasoning Name: Date: 2006-09-05 19:21:46 Link to this Comment: 20271

Video games SHOULD be addictive!
How else will a multi-billion dollar industry secure a profitable prospectus in this capitalist race to the top...?
Chances are that the people that get a taste for the profits wouldn't be dumb enough not to know how to keep the market engaged - and an addicted customer is always a good customer!
(you can reflect on the tabacco industry as one example)
Personally, I think it's a waste of time trying to debate whether v. games are addicting or not - or if they cause aggression, or other maladaptive behaviors. These are retorical questions... and any answer will always be conditional.

Name: Dimitrios Date: 2006-09-05 19:29:17 Link to this Comment: 20273

Continued from above:

my email is dgripeos2@msn.com if you want to get an earful of information on socioethical considerations and corporate responsibility as it pertains to this particular industry.

Game Addiction: My Story Name: B Date: 2006-09-15 05:58:56 Link to this Comment: 20421

Holy crap, where did the last 2 years of my life go?

I am an friendly and easy-going guy, that had tons of friends in high school, college, etc. I started playing Final Fantasy XI (FFXI), a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), in March 2004 and soon after graduated from college in May. As I looked for and failed finding a job in my degree, the game began to take me over. My sleeping cycle became nocturnal, then eratic to the point where I was numb to time, and all times of day felt the same. I was down to showering about 1-2 times/week, grew a beard, and stopped getting my haircut. My diet even changed to consist of soda, chocolate, and the occasional meal. Seeing as I had just graduated, I lost contact with many friends, and playing this game over the summer pretty much lost contact with the rest.

By September 2004, I had finally found a job and gotten my sleeping schedule back on track, but i still was shamelessly addicted to the game. The reason being: I had worked so hard, to quit the game would be a waste. So my evenings and weekends were spent sitting on my butt playing FFXI on a couch, in my parent's basement.

(By the way... I laughed when I first saw the disclaimer, where it says not to let the game take over yor life. I thought to myself there was no way a game could ever do that...)

April 2006, I'm still playing FFXI whenever I can, continously building on my "game accomplishments". I get fired in mid-April for tardiness to work, and sink into a cycle that in reflection, is pathetic: wake up at 12-1pm, play FFXI, eat, mooch dinner of the parents, and go back and sit on their couch in the basement and play until 1-3am. By now, it's out of habit. I've lost contact with friends, I have no job and no luck finding one, and the game has become the only source of accomplishment in my bleek existence. Granted I have met friends on the game, and have become a leader, I have to ask myself, "Where does any of this matter in real-life?"

September 2006, I finally realize what I have become, but still feel the need to play because of my accomplishments. I have about 6000 hours (250 days) of my time into the game, and yet I cannot hold any of my accomplishments in the palm of my hand, nor will the rest of the world understand it if I tried to explain it to them. This is 6000 hours I could have used learning, volunteering, making money (appx. $90,000 @ $15.00/hr)... the list goes on and on, and yet I did what equates to nothing.

Video games can become incredibly addicting, this I cannont deny. Sometimes you get pulled in without even knowing it, and it turns you into an animal. I'm 25 years old, I've lost contact with all but a few friends, I have a college education but can't find a job, and I live in my parent's basement. Like before FFXI, I want to be a doctor... the difference being I've lost two years, and I've forgotten alot of what I've learned. So let the gamer beware (especially if it's a MMORPG), if you see any of the symptoms listed in this article affecting you... QUIT THE GAME AND GET ON WITH LIFE! Do NOT by any means turn out like me!

If it's too late, and you're already an addict, here's a little advice:
1. Start your life over. Give everything away in the game that you can. Uninstall the game, and cancel your account. It's not that hard if you want to move on.
2. Get a new hobby to keep you busy when the cravings come.
3. Get a hold on yourself and your professional goals, and go do it. Make friends along the way.
4. Move forward & don't look back.

husband game addict Name: CT Date: 2006-10-05 02:23:11 Link to this Comment: 20604

my husband is addicted to the Final Fantasy XI game. i've been reading some of these blogs and i can't agree that getting a job will help, my husband is in the US Army or crying out loud, he has to get up early at 5am sometimes earlier to go do PT and he doesn't go to sleep until 1 am. as soon as he gets home from work around 4pm sometimes earlier M-F he will go straight back to the "game room" and play and not move until i yell and scream and beg him to go to sleep. and on weekends, well he pretty much doesn't log off. for all u game addicts out there i hope u never get married or have a relationship because u will ruin it if u don't get rid of the games and grow up. my husband was not like this when i first met him, i wouldn't have married him if he was.

I hate X-Box Name: Date: 2006-10-07 23:42:18 Link to this Comment: 20635

My husband and I are are separated because he is obsessed with X-Box and watching movies. That's all he does- it's like he has built up a virtual universe for himself. He relates only with people who are 12- 15 years younger than him. We will be getting a divorce as he cannot put his wife before his obsession.

Diablo 3 Name: ~Hay-Stack Date: 2006-10-12 17:40:32 Link to this Comment: 20671

Lmao When is diablo 3 coming out i cant wait to waste another 5 years of my life looking for that godly unique item and leveling 29 charecters to level 99 and becoming the ladder champion!

Violence Name: Corey G. Date: 2006-10-17 18:13:41 Link to this Comment: 20697

Personal experiences have no ground in any useful repository of information. Also credentials are useless, this is the world wide web, i could be Dick Cheney for all you know.

That said, violent video games have shown a high correlation with aggression in several studies. That is a fact. I am currently attempting a research paper on this topic and I have to say nothing here has been helpful. The bulk of the posters on this site are young teenagers who think they have something to prove and defend, their right to play games. They indeed have that right, as long as their parents allow it, and it is their parents responsibility to evaluate their childs ability to play violent video games and still function normally in their world.

On the subject of Video Game addiction, my personal opinion, not that it holds any weight what so ever ( I have no delusions of my importance), is that video games can indeed be addictive. Such victims seem to be more likely to be the people in our society that are not overly flamboyant in the "real world" and may be considered intelligent. My advice to those seeking to beat such an addiction is simple, just unplug your machine and go outside. Write a nice fantasy novel, play a game of pickup basketball, go swimming, go clubbing, and above all find a replacement in your life that equates the fun you had as a gamer.

Violent Video Games Name: Jenny Date: 2006-10-18 15:43:42 Link to this Comment: 20702

Violent video games such as Grand theft auto with killing in them should definately not be allowed. It gets kids in he habit of seeing people killed and one day when it really happens , they've already seen it happen on a video game 100 times.

-Jenny
Fansites I belong to: Angelina Jolie Jessica Simpson Paris Hilton Eva Longoria

Gaming and Violence Name: Jason Date: 2006-10-25 22:31:48 Link to this Comment: 20765

The idea that video games contribute to violence is absurd. Children from a very young age are exposed to violence (with me it started with Bambi) through television and movies (and sometimes books). If video games, television and movies contributed to violence in our culture, then every American would have violent tendencies, based solely on the ammount of violence we're exposed to throughout our lives. This, of course, is just not true, since the majority of Americans exposed to violence are simply just not violent at all. If only we taught our children that sex is natural, and violence is taboo, maybe we'd be a gentler people. -Jason Visit my blog: Boston Web Blog

My husband is addicted Name: Date: 2006-10-28 21:54:39 Link to this Comment: 20790

When my husband and I first got married, everything was great. i knew that he played video games but I didnt realize how much. Now, he comes home from work, and the first thing he does is jump on his Socom game or sometimes the computer. he always has to be doing one or the other. I feel like he deserts me and his son. He always has an excuse for why he is playing and I am getting to the point where it is breaking my heart. He spends all the time on there that he can all day, every day..... I believe,for sure, that video games are addictive because I live with an addict. I dont understand what the need is for these things so maybe someone can help me.....

video game addiction Name: Phil Date: 2006-11-01 20:17:20 Link to this Comment: 20841

My Son will play all day from 8am to 1130pm day after day this has gone on for a year or two. He is now doing final exams at 17 yrs old. His school books stay in his school bag Does he qualify as an addict? I think so How many others are like this ? What is the personal social and economic cost of this ? I feel a self help group maybe on an internet site could help my Son. I call it the Pied Piper Cyber Kids Anonymous might be a good name CYKA not Psycho. Where are the concerned Parents can you direct me to them.

a concerned sister Name: B. Date: 2006-11-06 08:32:41 Link to this Comment: 20884

i am so concerned for my little brother that i have woken up just now at 12.20am to try and do something about it. i didnt think there would be so much info out there on the web! and so many other similar stories....
my brother is 21 and lives with our parents, its gotten to the point where no one really knows what to do. his computer game addiction - all those bloomin interactive war games! has been going on for years, i wonder whether its too late...... but i must have hope!

he lost his job last week for not turning up, didnt finish his studies, has no motivation towards ANYTHING!, is pushing away family and friends, has no responsibilities, is like a baby that needs mummy to do everything for him (ie. cook, open his mail, book him in for job interviews, i mean...honestly!) afer serious bouts on these stupid games he becomes like a zombie, totally devoid of any individualistic personality, seemingly bored with life and not caring. i have mini panic attacks over it and cannot sleep.
his day is similar to other experiences ive read on this forum. sleeps all day, spends 20 hours a day on the damn computer, eats, goes to the toilet, sleeps, and again 20hrs on the computer. is this the society our ancestors have fought for us for? emotionless inactive zombies-youths, si this the new generation thats meant to save us from climate change? (as they say!) well im not confident!

as an active person who has studied and travelled and plays sports and interacts and protests against world injustices, i find it so frustrating that someone so close to me who i love dearly is wasting away and not enjoying life as it should be experienced as a 21 year old. but what do you do if that person doesnt even respond to you? pushes away family and doesnt want to talk? how the hell do you help someone like that? i dont know..... i live in australia, if there's anyone out there with info for where to go here for help please let me know!!!
much appreciated,

Games Name: Chuck Date: 2006-11-07 09:53:29 Link to this Comment: 20889

I love games P

Husband addicted Name: Ash Date: 2006-11-12 20:25:21 Link to this Comment: 20968

I really just want to vent here.

My husband is also a video game addict. We are only 20 years old and its amazing how much video games control his life. He was NOT like this at all when we were dating and when we first got married (over a year and a half ago). He used to always say, "Only losers play video games for hours at a time." I laugh when I think back about how he used to say that all the time... because its completely what his life revolves around. He gets up and goes to work as a security guard at 6am Sunday through Thursday. He gets off work at 3pm, then jumps on to his game (Dark Age of Camelot). He stays on there until he goes to bed, usually around 11 since he works so early. 95% of the time when he comes home, he doesn't even kiss me, hug me or even bother saying hello. I cry myself to sleep almost every single night in bed. Oh, and as far as what happens at night in the bedroom - well, nothing anymore. I go days without being kissed, hugged, or touched. Here's the real stinger though, in 3 days, I am due to give birth to our first child (a girl). I worry all the time about how its going to effect her. I always tell him one day he will wake up and realize his daughter is graduating high school and he will wonder where the time went and he will miss out on her growing up. He says he isn't going to play once she is born - but I highly doubt that. On his days off of work, he plays from the time he gets up until the time he goes to bed. He has put on 20 pounds in the last year. He just eats junk food all day and whenever I do take him his dinner plate at night, he just says "I'm not hungry". But, he has Twinkies and Twizzlers (etc etc) sitting on the computer desk and empty candy wrappers that I have to clean up every day. It makes me sort of feel like something is wrong with ME. Like, he doesn't find me attractive anymore or doesn't want to be around me anymore. I feel like if we got divorced, it wouldn't bother me so much because I already feel like he isn't here. Sometimes I forget that he is home because he holes himself up in the room with the computer. I just don't know what to do anymore. I want to go on to the computer sometimes and erase his game completely off of the computer, but I am too worried about how he would react.

I don't know what to do anymore... I just don't know how much longer I can go on like this...

:/

I always felt my husband has an addiction on video Name: Date: 2006-11-15 15:15:58 Link to this Comment: 20999

I am a mother of two. As much embarrassing it sounds. I feel that my husband has always and is addicted to video games. I've been married for almost 11 years. I don't know how I did but I stuck with it. Now it came to a point that I was thinking about divorce. Why you ask? Why did I wait this long? Becuase I have a wonderful son who is 9 years old. I notice he is also addicted to video games. My son does not want to play with his friends. I mean to go outside and play. I notice that my son could be on a video games for more then 8 hours without a break. My son is only 9. With my husband he could do the same. But it is different for a farther. He rather play a video game then spend time with his family. My husband works so hard. He has a huge commute 5 days a week. He only has the chance to spend time with his family for 3 hours a day. But he would rather play video games instead. Becuase he said that it relaxes him after a hard day at work. I have no argument that he is a very hard worker and I thank him for that. But for that past 10 of our marriage I felt I raised these children on my own. If I don't nag him to spend time with his children instead of playing video games , my children would not be able to spend time with there father which they love so much. My husband addiction gotten so bad that it lead to worst things in our marriage. When I knew he could'n t change I had to be brave and ask him to stop playing period. He told me that I was not being fair. He told me that I am taking away the most thing he loves! He had to think about it. Now he told me that if he could not play any more than he will move out. Becuase he could not handle someone telling him what to do. I told him thank you . You just help me made my decision that I have been struggling for years. We are taking marriage counseling. I don't know what is going to happen. But I do belive on things of video games addictions. That if your child or teen does not think this is a problem it could lead them to have problems in theire future marriage.

Love Em Name: Date: 2006-11-24 12:27:57 Link to this Comment: 21169

Personally, I enjoy PS3 games. ninjadude celebrity pictures

A Desperate WIfe - XBOX 360 is ruining my life!!! Name: Date: 2006-11-25 21:09:22 Link to this Comment: 21175

As I read the messages from wives who are suffering as I am, I felt almost a sense of relief that I am not crazy. These wives are me. I am a newlywed believe or not. My husband and I married September 2005, before xbox360. He became obsessed with getting this game, I should have seen the signs then. I made the mistake of giving it to him for his birthday in August of this year. He would have bought it himself anyway. He spends between 6 to 10 hours (non working hours) everyday on that D#$n game system. He has the wireless headset and controller, so now he meets other addicts around the world who share his obsession. He plays spades all day, and UNO with different people. I hear him giggling with female players and talking trash with guy players. If I interrupt for a question or dinner he yells at me and feels I am disturbing him. Our marriage is really shaky right now. He claims I speak to him like a child, but maybe if he wasn't acting like one, I wouldn't. I am tempted to put a magnet in the hard drive or throw it away or give it away. He has a son that he ignores because he is playing games (His son only comes over once every other weekend or so)I end up playing with him that now the kid doesn't want to stay overnight with us anymore. Can you blame him? His father ignores him. I play with him. I try to talk to my husband and he feels I am lecturing him. It ends up turning into big arguments. I have suggested marriage counseling and he is refusing. What is a desperate wife supposed to do. I too cry myself to sleep at night and long for the person I married to return, to be affectionate and caring. Please help me or I will need psychiatric help for myself real soon.

Just Wait Name: Date: 2006-11-27 01:28:39 Link to this Comment: 21181

All you people that are defending excessive amounts of video games are being ridiculous. Providing support that "games keep you off the streets" and "the smart ones know the difference between fantasy and reality." Come on. You are going to be the 50 year old bachelor flirting with 13 year old girls on your online games because you haven't seen a woman in 30 years. Except for your mom, whom you'll be living with. Video games are fun. I think they do develop your hand-eye coordiation and all that. But they only reason it keeps you off the streets is because you stay wholed up in your bedroom. Think about all the time you spend playing games and think off all the good you could do in that time. You could probably go to school, get a great job, and find a girlfriend. And those of you that think video games don't teach you violence haven't been in a violent situation. A situation where you had to defend yourself, defend your life. I think playing violent video games do teach you violent behavior. Why do you get so mad when your parents take it away from you? All you do is sulk around the house and pretend like there is nothing else fun to do. GET OUT! Meet some people. You gamers don't even know how to talk to people. Why do you think it's called a controller? BECAUSE IT CONTROLLS YOU. Yes, it controlls your behavior and you try to down play it like it's not an addiction, but then why do you always run to it when life gets hard? You are escaping reality and going into a fantasy world where you don't have problems. Playing games is great for like an hour or two a day, but seriously...6 or 7 hours a day. No wonder everyone is ingnorant these days.

? Name: Date: 2006-11-27 12:17:04 Link to this Comment: 21188

i dont get it

I totally agree! Name: Date: 2006-11-29 16:22:48 Link to this Comment: 21234

Yes I tihnk video games can led to violence...but I tihnk what those boys did was not purley out of the video game and out of fun of killing people...or so they thought!

vg anony mouse Name: Date: 2006-12-10 11:57:09 Link to this Comment: 21287

My own family has always struggled with substance abuse (alcohol and drugs), and I always felt pretty superior because I didn't use drugs, barely drank once or twice a month.

However, my smugness is wearing thin. Just like the nerves in my fingers, my strained back and shoulders, my social relationsips.

The only thing growing is my "to do" pile.

I beleive that I am a video game addict. I spend about 4 hours a day gaming on the weekends, and have, of course, all kinds of great rationalizations.

Every behavior I'm familiar with from my substance-using family, I do. Except violence and verbal abuse. I save that to beat up on characters in games.

life unmanageable? Name: Date: 2006-12-10 12:01:57 Link to this Comment: 21288

In a 12 step program, the addict is asked:

Is this _____(alcohol, drug, sex, gambling, shopping, gaming) making your life unmanageable?

If the answer is yes, we really need to look at it straight on.

Name: Shay Date: 2006-12-22 12:50:22 Link to this Comment: 21344

I am addicted to video games, but not that bad. I am an all A student in high school and play when i get free time.
Don't take it away from your kid.
Talk to him, and make him realize that he has a problem.
I've overcome the addiction by admitting that I have it and doing other stuff. Invite your kids friends over, that's what helps me a lot. Let him/her go to a movie, and give her plentiful, but not abundant allowance to spend.
My dad increased my allowance from 20 to 30 dollars and now I have tons of things to do. Also, it helps TONS when you're in a neighborhood with a lot of kids. I recently moved into a senior citizen neighborhood, and I'm already beggining to feel it comin back.
Also, make him log his hours. I felt like I was doing half an hour, but i was actually doing 3 hrs.This motivates you a lot.
Most importantly is to simply find ur kid or yourself something else to do.
If all else fails, then take it away.
That's what I had to do with my halo pc cd.

"Parents Are Being Played Like A Video Game!" Name: Gregory L. Date: 2007-01-01 15:28:42 Link to this Comment: 21367

Here's information on a New and Timely Parenting Book, getting excellent reviews, helping parents to become more aware of ways to Regain the Respect of our Youth, while helping to Build Good Character Traits and dispelling the need for gory violence in Video Games.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

"Parents are being Played like a Video Game!"
Author Analyzes Problems with Today’s Youth, Offers Faith-based Solutions

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Author Gregory L. Chester offers analysis of the lack of respect in today’s youth and suggestions for practical parenting awareness in his new book, Parents are Being Played Like a Video Game! (now available through AuthorHouse and most major bookstores, ISBN: 1-4259-3132-4).
Though the problem has reached alarming proportions in recent years with the computer savvy “me” generation, Chester says it began as early as 1946. With the publication of Dr. Spock’s The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care and his “Spare the rod, spoil the child” theory, the world of parenting and child-rearing was forever altered, Chester says.
“Unfortunately, Dr. Spock’s book was a little confusing in that he never actually took credit for telling everyone to spoil their kids,” he says. “However, Dr. Spock did say, ‘Parents should ask them for respect,’ implying equality. Unfortunately maybe he never heard of ‘Give ‘em an inch, and they’ll take a mile.’”
Chester’s book provides a new approach to parenting that he believes will explain the problems with today’s youth and offers practical solutions. Most importantly, Chester analyzes the role of technology in the problems with young people, especially violent video games.
“This enlightening and timely book presents many startling facts and shocking examples of how the subtleties of violent video games may be affecting our youth’s character today,” he says. “It answers the age-old question about whether violent video games are bad for our children and offers a solution. It also shines the light of awareness on many new threats to our children’s character.”
Chester also discusses his project, TLC (The Learning of Character), and mentions his observations of our failing education system. He offers potential solutions for these problems, as well.
Chester has worked for 30 years in technical sales, marketing and management. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. As a marketing veteran, he gained a keen sense of judgment and an expert ability to observe human nature. Chester is also the owner of the eCommerce Web site, www.HelpMakingDecisions.com. His writing career includes several articles for leading factory automation trade magazines as well as a seat on the original advisory board for Programmable Controls, a trade magazine. His sales and marketing consulting firm, GLC New Product Consultants, pioneered the TLC program for the Dayton, Ohio, school board several years ago.

More information is available at www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookID=35632.aspx.

###

an ideal on how to slow the addiction down Name: Lyon15 Date: 2007-01-12 12:26:20 Link to this Comment: 21386

To all parent who kides play video games use it to your advantage to help them do better in school. What my parents have done is if I get a failing grade on a report card they not let me play video games for the rest of the year. If I get a failing grade on a progress report I can not play untill I get my report card. This will hopefully get them interested in other activites to pass the time.

Name: Date: 2007-02-01 14:09:29 Link to this Comment: 21423

You spelt Mortal Kombat wrond you idiot. Kombat is with a K fuck.

Videogames Name: Kurtis Date: 2007-02-08 14:16:06 Link to this Comment: 21435

Video Games do not cause children, or anyone to kill. Murder has been around far longer. It is indeed a simple cause of lack of attention from the parents that these more violent games fall into the hands of young children. Any young child will reenact what they see or hear from anything. But older children know the difference. If you are not a gamer you won't understand. Think back to your time. Was it rock and roll that was condemned by your parents? Did it harm you? Are America's children, the world's children, killing eacth other left and right? Though we only hear about are the events of rouge children with serious issues, the American crime rate is actually at an all time low. The year the Playstation was released, the crime rate actually went lower. Video games are not the cause. They are simply a scapegoat.

YES to VGAnonymous Name: Date: 2007-02-13 00:50:07 Link to this Comment: 21460

Yes, it's an addiction. It's as interfering in one's life as anyone that drinks every day or uses any substance that changes their behavior or allows them to escape to another place and ignore their daily life responsibilities. Anyone that disagrees with this is either in denial or isn't ready to admit their own addiction. I'm certain of this. Just as certain as I am in my own addiction to alcohol (recovering for 16 years then tried it again only to discover, thank God, that I didn't like it any more). Video games change your personality if you're addicted, they are a "safe" place to go when you are unhappy with your world. Just like any addict.

I'm unsure if video games are easily "controlled," like controlling the amount of alcohol one drinks (yeah, right). An addict can NOT do this. I know there are some addicts that have successfully controlled their "intake," but they are very low in numbers. Considering that only one in ten alcoholics successfully stay away from alcohol, you can imagine the numbers of people that can actually control it. So what is the answer, but to remove the consoles and computers? When almost every person in the U.S. has a PC on their home desk, how are we to stop this addiction???

One very good way is to provide an outlet, like VIDEO GAMERS ANONYMOUS. I just may start a meeting in my area. For me AND my son. How about you?

my husband is addicted Name: Date: 2007-02-22 18:54:37 Link to this Comment: 21488

My husband would rather play video games than anything. I use video games to bride him to do chores. I am envious of women who can use sex because it doesn't work in this case. He thinks that for every minute spent with me that he deserves an hour of game time. He is gone for a week now because of military training. I am known to worry to the extreme, and he didn't even call me so I could be assured he safely arrived. He says the reason was because I acted like I didn't want him to call me. He took a game system with him to this training and didn't want to take time away to make a five minute call to his wife. I want a divorce!

Eh Name: Date: 2007-02-22 20:06:38 Link to this Comment: 21489

Eh, but i'll post this time. Name: Alex Date: 2007-02-22 20:19:08 Link to this Comment: 21490

So, video games are an addiction, agreed, why? They put you into a world where you do not have to be yourself. The world sucks, and most people run away from it, or are afraid of actually experiencing it. I far as using video games as motivation to do other things...... I'm sorry to say, HE has a problem.

As far as violence in video games making it easier for people to commit violence in real life(didn't read everything here, but i'm sure someone said somethign about it). I have been gaming since I was five, I have killed people in every way possible, on a video game. I have shot them, stabbed them, burned them, disembowled them, sucked their brains out, killed their mothers and fathers and siblings, hung them, systematically dismembered them,(Zombies are the best, I once shot one in the upper torso, blew his entire upper half off, and he kept coming) and yes, enjoyed it . Every damn minute of it. But i still have trouble actually gutting a fish, or chicken when I wish to make something for my girlfriend or family. I can't force myself to even punch someone. I am (unless pushed, to protect someone) completely incapable of hurting someone/something else. How exactly does this work?

I am 19. 12 years of horrible video violence, I've hit one real life person in that time. He was a fifth grader picking on a kindergartener.

Writing a paper on gaming Name: Bre Date: 2007-02-26 02:54:42 Link to this Comment: 21495

Hey all, I'm writing a paper for english 102 on video games - the benefits, harms, potential addictions and what not. I've read countless articles that state recent studies show how gaming can benefit, how it can harm, the effects of addiction, and all the little examples that go with them. It seems as if I am reading the same paper over and over again with different wording. I need three more sources to make my paper complete, but I just don't know what to look for. If you've got any suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me (brebre89@aol.com). I would really love the help.

wow Name: Date: 2007-02-27 15:53:31 Link to this Comment: 21506

75 % of all teens are not effected by violent video games

9 year old addicted to gaming Name: Date: 2007-03-05 22:57:42 Link to this Comment: 21553

I have been praying all day to figure out what is wrong with my child. I took him to the doctor's office today because he is missing so much school. Long story short, after researching every health issue from anemia to leukemia (we're still waiting for lab results, all of the sudden everything came together. He's addicted to video gaming. (latest was Lord of the Rings). So, I looked this up on the web and EVERYTHING DESCRIBED HERE IS WHAT I'M SEEING! (playing video games rather than playing with friends, A+ student to suddenly C's and D's!, starting to lie to parents to get more play time etc.) I took away his playstation beginning Friday (couldn't stand watching him play for hours while it is gorgeous outside) and he is almost dispondent! I'm sure this is what is wrong!! He's been playing for hours a day since he was in diapers, I'm not kidding. Thank you everyone for posting here, you've given me valuable info, I hope I'm not too late.

Thank you!!!!!

9yr old addict response Name: Chris - ga Date: 2007-03-06 18:16:17 Link to this Comment: 21556

While you have concern to be worried, don't get too drastic. if i may suggest that you allow your child to only play for maybe an hour or so a day, which stil gives him time to relax and keeps you in control. just a suggestion. :)

Name: jacky smit Date: 2007-03-08 13:08:46 Link to this Comment: 21558

violent video games effect on teens Name: jacky bobb Date: 2007-03-08 13:18:46 Link to this Comment: 21559

not all people that play violent video games then go and rob a bank or kill someone so i don't think it's fair to the rest of the people who dont do that that they take away from the other people who dont but this is just my response

addiction and violence Name: sigh Date: 2007-03-09 02:58:45 Link to this Comment: 21560

So my husband is addicted to WOW and when I read all the posts of people defending themselves or others saying that there is not a true connection to violence I have to ask exactly what kind of violence they feel is detrimental? Physical or the crap that verbally spues from my husbands mouth when he dies in game or loses a PVP fight?

Honestly I don't think it is mentally or physically healthy to play these games so much.....and for those people who think it's a hobby not an addiction...well did anyone ever play monopoly for 12 years 17 hours a day? Besides hobbies in any form should never become someones whole reason for being.

It works.... Name: Date: 2007-03-09 08:29:05 Link to this Comment: 21562

If a video game sucks you in 2 its world where your playing it 12hours a day, then your in trouble. Espically if your fat, lazy, old and have no life then your really in trouble. Now listen up, I'll take my experience from video games and trust me i've probably playing more video games than about 75% of the U.S population. I'm 18 years old, a high school football player, weightlifter, and bowler who averages 4-6 hours of video games a day. I'm not addicted...but I just love 2 play. If your parents have been trying 2 get you 2 stop playing 12-15hours of video games a day, it wouldnt work. You have 2 start at a young age. I should know, it work 4 me. My parents have put me on a schedule 4 5years now. It stated 4 every 2hours of games i play i have 2 put in 1hour of study time. Now im a A+ students and at the same time plays alot of games. So what im saying is 2 u n 4 parents...create a schedule 4 u and or the kids because becoming addictive 2 games is the last thing you want....

ps2 violence games Name: Date: 2007-03-22 13:08:09 Link to this Comment: 21570

Personally, I think that violent video games are not that good. Take it from somebody with years of video-gaming experience. They make people think about violent games, so they think about violent things, then inevetably they end doing them in real life. OK. Lets look at it from a parents point of view. You are a parent with a kid who is addicted to violent video games. Every game s/he plays and finishes, his/her lust for violence increases. And every time s/he finishes one game, s/he asks for another. You protest at first, but eventually you give in and get him/her the game. And so, his/her thoughts get more violent as time goes on. However, you decide to draw a line somewhere. This is an instinct as a parent. You tell him/her to go and play with his/her mates. This is also a common parent tactic. But this is the fatal error. Because the moment s/he meets his/her mates, they will talk about the game. Then one of them will dare another to do one of these violent things in real life. That person, being a child, will not risk their reputation and will do the dare. somebody is seriously hurt. The police arrive on the scene and you know the rest. So what do I do to stop it? you might ask. Well that answer is simple. You might not like it, and you know that your child will definetly not like it. However, it is the only safe solution; GET RID OF IT. Destroy it, sell it, give it to somebody, whatever you like. But you must get rid of it to: STOP IT DOING YOUR CHILD ANY HARM MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD TAKES THE RIGHT PATH MAKE YOU SLEEP A LITTLE MORE COMPORTABLY But remember that you must not let your child have a say in this. Then again, if you are a kind parent then you will let your child play it for 1hr for 2 times a week and ONLY during the holidays.

Conflict of physiology causes addiction. Name: L K Tucker Date: 2007-03-25 14:37:11 Link to this Comment: 21573

Those who have serious psychiatric outcomes from video game playing, including addiction, may have created a problem in the design and placement of their computer game-playing workstation. They are reacting to exposure from visual Subliminal Distraction not the content of the video game. This phenomenon was discovered when it caused mental breaks for office workers in the 1960's. The cubicle was designed to prevent this exposure and the mental breaks stopped. Very few people are aware of the problem so that there is never reporting about it. But there are occasionally mentions of things that demonstrate it as the cause of serious negative mental outcomes. The Redlake school shooter left a journal entry describing something he did that would have caused exposure. I have an email from actor Ben Stein revealing that Tommy, his son, had created exposure in the location of his computer where he played Everquest. (Most people do not believe this when the hear it for the first time. They would rather believe Sony guilty of putting addicting script in the Everquest game code.) Simple precautions provide 'Cubicle Level Protection' for any computer user. Visit VisionAndPsychosis.Net and link to the demonstration page to experience habituation in peripheral vision. http://VisionAndPsychosis.Net

Wolfenstein v. Myst study Name: Date: 2007-03-26 18:10:52 Link to this Comment: 21588

I would just like to point out, if it hasn't already been done, that in the Wolfenstein 3D and Myst study, if you give the participants to choice of which game they wish to play, then of course the ones who tend to be more aggressive are going to play the more aggressive game, and the ones who tend to be more contemporary will play the contemporary game. That study lacks a control and experimental group in it, and makes the whole study completely invalid. I would suggest using studies with stronger bases, instead of just picking once the support your hypothesis, especially when they are void.

I can help Name: Steven Date: 2007-04-05 16:13:17 Link to this Comment: 21651

just take away his video game system then tell him to get involved with his community and or travel some where he would like to go or tell him he can get a girlfriend if he wanted to

think about it Name: an opinion Date: 2007-04-06 00:00:29 Link to this Comment: 21652

now..i am only a teen (or am i).i have been looking online at comments on video games and violence and addicitons.i for one think that half of this crap is not true.now..some of you are a liiiitttle too addicted to video games (20 hours a day)..and some of you dont understand at all what loving video games truly means (girlfriends,moms)...and may i also add you take them away after theyve loved them for years, they will rip your head off.now..and parents who watch there kids play video games aalll the time to see if they're "appropriate", that also sets up a barrier and gets on their nerves (in my case and probably other kids).parents, you cannot run away to look for advice on the internet to see what to do.and restricting kids to e rated games really isnt right.allright ill admit it..im restricted to e and t games..and i buy and play MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM rated games.although parents if you raised a kid like me (smile) even when your trying to break the rules you cant.you need to understand if your child is mature or if he can handle some blood and some gore.as for strong language i dont think that they should put people goin around droppin the f bomb on an m rated game they no kids will play.and as for blood and gore a game thats, oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!a game thats!"Ultra-Violent" (i thought adults used more sophistocated language).and i wouldnt let your kid be playing games where you have sex and it shows all of that..erm..yeah..dont judge a book by the cover.look at what its rated for and maybe do some research on the game (dont let your kid no).for example some M rated games that have blood actually allows you to turn blood off.and may i say something even though im sneaking M rated games and dont get any that are too bad, i want Resident evil 4 a.k.a one of the most ultra-violent games of 2005.and if u actually no what ur kids buying and looked into it youd have seen that resident evil for is (quote):Rated M for a reason!extreme violence and blood and gore!.you think your kid cant handle it or if he decides that on his own (im proud of you son) then good.i for one can handle some blood and gore and some language.Sex in a game though, i do believe is wrong.see if your kid can handle this stuff.see why he(possibly she, and im not talking about addiction to barbie the magic pony ranch)likes video games and maybe give it a swing, you may find they're not so bad after all.look at it from a different point of view and dont let it be a open and close case, give some time to look into it, unless you want your child smuggling m rated games like me after struggle through life without them even though theres so many freaking M rated games that are unfairly rated!!!!..ok..take some time and look at it thru a different point of view and think about it.

important Name: Jack Date: 2007-04-06 00:24:01 Link to this Comment: 21653

i have heard that alot of the addicts on here are online games.now if i can say something to parents, lovers, and anything else, if they have not started playing them and love video games and pc games, dont let them!Runescape can be very addicting and so can world of warcraft.i was glued to the computer screen for 1 year before i broke my accidtion of runescape.although these games do teach life lessons about interacting with real people and talking, they are sooooo addicting!!!stay away from them unless you want to be locked up from everyone, the only phonecall you get to be your friend luke calling to tell you to hurry and log in.and may i say playing these games make you look like a very big dork..not very attractive..and after a while youll understand youve become those nerds you see on tv.i really cannot offer advice for breaking habits except maybe getting rid of world of warcraft disks (you may be slapped) or changing runescape passwords or doing something to restrict their access to it (they may cry).they are very addicting and take it from me, you begin to thirst for it!!dont be cold and unforgiving about it..just try to do whatever the hell you can to stop the madness!!!!!

Need For Speed 12 Step Program Name: Savio Date: 2007-04-06 17:29:01 Link to this Comment: 21654

First off I've had a slight addiction to gaming myself. My thing is the Need For Speed games. I can't get enough of them. I've become so skilled at that game that it's spilled into my actual driving style. I've avoided 3-4 potentially major accidents, as a result of my driving reflexes. Need For Speed has become an influence in my life. I modded my mustang with a body kit and added 90 horsepower to it (Nitrous is next) I drive aggresively without breaking a sweat or getting sweaty palms. I can drive 120mph without my heart beating fast or producing unnecessary adrenaline. This can be very bad. I freak other drivers out. A couple of those accidents that I avoided were caused by my ability to create aggression or confusion in other drivers on the road. These habits and changes ONLY took place after I began to excel in Need For Speed, and other racing games. I definitely agree with the addiction profile attached to games. If something causes relationship problems, if something hurts a family member or loved one as a result of excessiveness, if something goes beyond habitual, if something is induced or practiced instead of work or school, if something creates a passion in someone that they find themselves obsessing over; we're talking addiction here. Pornography, masturbation, caffeine, cigarrettes, narcotics, money, alcohol, and food: all are addictive. So can be video gaming. Anything performed or sought after in excess is an addiction. Anyone who says differently is in denial, and that's a symptom of addiction according to the AA 12 step program. I'm addicted, therefore I busted up my Xbox and sold my Xbox 360. Master Chief can kiss my ass.

Defeating Dependency on Games... Name: Frankie D. Date: 2007-04-07 23:01:51 Link to this Comment: 21659

I'm 14, I am slightly stuck to doing stuff on my computer, whether it be games or reading interesting stuff like this site.

I'm just wondering, I know for sure that I don't act socially to other people as frequently as other people I know from my high school.

What are the steps to getting rid of the enjoyment of the computer and start enjoying the stuff life has like bowling with friends or pitching in a baseball game?

I don't mean entirely, but enough that I'd rather play sports with other friends than play MLB 07 The Show or Runescape.

Thanks, and LET's Go Mets, Let's Go Islanders, Let's go Rams!

To: Frankie D. Name: Juli S. Date: 2007-04-08 22:13:02 Link to this Comment: 21661

I'm the mom of a 20-year old young man that got into video games and the computer when he was about 10. He can build a computer from the ground up, and blows my mind at how incredibly smart he is. I'm sure you're the same. His life became centered on that machine, however, and although he did have several good friends, they were also extreme gamers. So no matter where he was, he was most happy when he could play, escape into, or talk about computers/games.

I'm a recovering addict myself, so I do understand the feeling of being "slightly" dependent on something that seems bigger than myself. I MADE it bigger than myself. And after 15 long years of "practice" I had finally had enough. It had to become not-that-fun-anymore for me. I hope you don't have to get to that place. It's pretty far down there.

The most important thing I have learned in the past 16 years of recovery is that I must "act as if" I'm better at social things than I am, and it may take awhile, but it will finally become my way of life. It does get easier. I promise.

Just go for it. And good luck!

Time To Break-up? Name: Date: 2007-04-10 16:57:58 Link to this Comment: 21662

Its Time To Conciter Leaving (for a bit atleast)

You are being hurt by this, please own that and know its not ok or normal. I worked for years to fix my relationship, and a few months away changed our lives forever. I highly suggest this, please read on.

I had the same experence as you all. My boyfriend of 5 years was on EvE all day and night, became adgitated/agressive, sometimes forgot to eat, was lashing out at work and failing classes. It took me over a year to leave (the adiction started at 2.5 years and believe me unless he is all in to stop it will not go away). Since I did, my confidence has shot through the roof, I have a gorgous and successful boyfriend who I find new things to do with every weekend, and I am building a healthy foundation I can build a future on both emotionally and in my partnership.....

Meanwhile, devistated, he readely admits that me leaving is the only thing that could get him to change. He has stopped games all together, but unfortunatly it was too little too late, BUT he still attributes me leaving to gaining his life back. It basically forced him to look at his disheveled life and deal with the issues, and start reavaluating and rebuilding. He went from denial, to anger, to actingt out. Finally, after 4 months, when he realized what he lost and that I really was not going to tolorate being in a (what I now call a semi-emotionally abusive) relationship, he completely broke down and was begging on knee to get me back at my doorstep. Thankfully now, he no longer fails classes, can handle his job, has a great group of friends and spends his time doing stuff he loves. It took 4 months of absence to do what I worked 2.5 years to do.

Relationships are about respect, support, shared commen interests, and communication. I know you love him or her, but if you don't have those things and he or she is not willing to work with you to gain a healthy relationship you can not stay. You WILL end up in a gridlock, often with children, and it will end in divorce. Please respect yourself, the world is full of people who will love you and LOVE to spend time with you. You can have the life you have always dreamed of. Trust me, I was you for many years. Scared, tiered, neglected and just feeling like I could never end it but meanwhile I had done everything in my power to fix it but nothing worked. The truth is, one person cannot fix a relationship and unless he is eager to fix what you have its time to move on.

I am all for supporting and talking to others who would like my help. Getting through that was the hardest thing I have ever done, and if I had a slight amount of guidence it would have made it so much easier. I am open to diffrent types of relationships, not everyone has to leave, but I went through 2.5 years of trying diffrent things and going through the hurt so if you want some advice im here. You can reach me at:

Ginn182@yahoo.com

games dont cause violent Name: Date: 2007-04-12 13:17:18 Link to this Comment: 21664

okay yeah some people do believe that games cause us to be more violent. Truly thats kinda wrong, remember that school shooting and it had to do with the game Doom, i mean come on later on they found it was bully'n that cause them to kill at the end. I believe if anything games help us think more then we have to, like the game Zelda. I'm not sure if you will call that game violent or not, but to me its more of a puzzle game that makes you think so you can save the princess at the end of the game. Trust me I've play so many violent games, but at the end I have not change. Besize people who blame games are just scared to say they were bully or maybe even abused in the past, and they have no where else to trun.

Name: Date: 2007-04-22 20:18:14 Link to this Comment: 21695

Hello all! I am a student and family member of a former video game addict. I have taken a great interest in this area and am working to find advanced treatment methods for video game addiction. Please help me in my efforts by taking my survey.

This study is sponsored by The Center for Survey Research at an anonymous private university in Southern California. The results will be used to help understand how video game addiction affects the lives and family members of those who are inflicted with this illness. In addition, this vital information will help further the understanding and pattern of depression in video game addicts, determining weather it is a beneficial angle of treatment.

All your answers will be kept completely anonymous and confidential. The questionnaire take about 12 minutes. Your participation is voluntary. If you have questions at any time about the survey or the procedures, you may contact Ginny at Ginn182@yahoo.com.

I would like to thank you in advance for your participation. Video game addiction is a devastatingly real challenge for thousands, both for families and addicts themselves, and with your help we may one day begin to better treat this disorder effectively.



Click Here to take the survey

Extremist views are usually wrong Name: osidianmas Date: 2007-04-23 23:32:35 Link to this Comment: 21699

I have read many of the comments and feel that people (parents and public in general) are blaming video games for the things in their families or society that they cannot help or understand. The shooting that occur in schools are due to bullying not violent video games. I am a gamer myself and find that killing other people online is almost therapeutic in the way that it helps me relax and takes you to a place which you cannot go in real life. The few gamers that do die each year from playing too much game's and those that are kill others in real life because of video games (there is no strong evidence) are only a minority (a very small one at that)and extremes should not be taking to stop the production of video games. For the person who posted the comment about being branded a terrorist for buying a book that is full of radical comments and some even call for the death of the Americans, Australians etc and said that why buying (making etc) violent video games doesn't brand you a terrorist is obviously ignorant and a pacifist. Most of our planet is free and freedom means having to right to do what you want (within the law). Extreme views are what make our society poorer scientifically and in general. I play world of warcraft and am located on the spinebreaker server (FYI). I am normal and have friends i am not addicted because i can stop whenever i want to i just chose not to.

hubby 'addicted' Name: Date: 2007-04-26 13:56:09 Link to this Comment: 21714

My husband is 29 and we have 2 kids and a third on the way.

He is a gamer and it is excessive already. Yes, he still goes to work but when he is home (aside from sleep) the majority of his time is spent cooped up at his computer in the basement. I have kept track of the time he spends and I would say he averages about 3-5 hours on work days and 8-10 hours plus on most days off. He was like this as a teen, but hey he didn't have a wife and kids! He chose this life willingly yet is unwilling to adjust the amount of time he plays.

It is ruining our marriage but I don't think he realizes it. I see his behavior as self absorbed and inconsiderate and when he actually comes up for air I am so irritated with him that I don't want to talk to him (I need to work on this too I know). He has a poor relationship with his step son (8) who he has parented for over 5 years - so much so that a psychologist is involved and they have to attend therapy to help their bonding.

I am miserable. Since I have been pregnant he has made more of an effort to help around the house, but so much damage has been done. I am not even attracted to him at this point. His playing is over the top for a married father of 2 and it seems so adolescent.

Playing 2 hrs per day is a hobby - playing as much as he does is addiction. He has addiction problems in his family so the genetics are def. there...thanks for letting me vent :(

On the contrary of what you find to be true in reg Name: Zahran Ahm Date: 2007-04-30 07:40:39 Link to this Comment: 21716

After reading through your vivid and profoundly assembled, editorial, so to speak, it has indeed come to my understanding that the cause for these abrupt course of actions is not in fact due to the manipulative procedures of the game, but the individual itself. I'm 15, and I sincerely apologise if this has consumed any of your "precious time”, however, all this gabber about the impacted damage upon the young adolescents of today has really got me riled up. Now, with all due discretion and taking into account the whole scenario of the case, doesn’t it seem the least bit absurd to evaluate the lives of all teenagers using the evidence of but a few petty reviews? If this is the case, then I am utmost regretful to state that mankind has yet again, stooped so far as to resort to stereotypical reasoning. Must we reduce ourselves to the aid of superficial interpretation to resolve our affairs? If so, I’m afraid that maybe its time we abandon these responsibilities, and let infants deal with the wellbeing of their own insecurities, be it financial instabilities, medical services, etc. as obviously we have not yet proven ourselves worthy of making such decisions.

Skillzorz Name: Date: 2007-04-30 14:16:52 Link to this Comment: 21717

I have been playing video games constantly since pong was invented. I can even maintain a proper marriage over the internet. We have 3 ekids, two boys, Thor and Salamon, and our youngest being a girl named Jane. We have a happy life all together because of the internet and the games we play. So don't be bashin teh video gamez

Addiction Name: Date: 2007-04-30 18:26:14 Link to this Comment: 21718

I have a 23 year old stepson that will not work, take a bath but, plays video games all night long and sleeps all day. His father and I have been trying to use tough love on him for years. His mother and grandparents keep bailing him out. When he has a conversation with you it is all about video games. He does not live with us because we will not allowing him to play video games all night long and we would require him to take a bath and get a job!!!!!! Video games are addicting.. It is so heart breaking on my husband to watch his son throw his life away. I just thankful since he lives like this he doesn't have a wife and family.
To all of you that have a husband that is throwing his life and family away on these games, give him a choice either me or the video games. Life is to short to be wasted on a loser.

Relationship lost to gaming additcion Name: marisa Date: 2007-05-02 14:39:57 Link to this Comment: 21720

I am a parent and an ex-partner of a video game addict, who is in denial, and always wanted to place blame on me instead of himself. We split up less than two weeks ago, and it has been very painful for me, but maybe once he gets control of his passion and addiction for this monster of his, we can rebuild where we left off. Please, parents, while there is still time, limit our child's use of computers and video games. It truly affects every facet of your child's life if they lose control. It's sad to think I was replaced by an XBOX 360. I"m so broken hearted.

video games Name: Date: 2007-05-02 19:10:10 Link to this Comment: 21721

okay, first of all, u have let this get way out of hand. Just thought I'd let u know that. Anyway, to break your sons habbit, u can tell him to give it up for lent, or you can just take it away all together. I know he's not a little boy anymore and he has money of his own, but everytime he spends money on video games u can take that away too until he grows out of it.

Videogame Addiction Name: Date: 2007-05-20 19:10:23 Link to this Comment: 21730

For more information, you should read these transcripts. I myself play videogames and found it rather interesting to see that you could possibly get addicted to videogames. However, there are differences--big differences-- between substance addiction and videogame addiction. :D

Video game vilenc Name: Clarify Date: 2007-05-22 15:18:42 Link to this Comment: 21731

I'm sorry but I don't buy that Video games cause a person to be violent. One need only to look in the history books to see that violence is ingrained in the human psyche. I'm sure niether Hitler or Jack the Ripper ever played video games and look what happened there. As for video games being addictive well maybe but stop telling me I'm wasting time while you sit and watch Sienfeld for the 1000th time.

Addiction Name: Date: 2007-05-23 20:43:49 Link to this Comment: 21732

Have you every notice the people that don't think video games are violent or addicting, are the people we are talking about. They don't want to except that they have a problem. If they work and kept a job and played a couple of hours in the evening, I have no problem with that. The father that says he has 3 small children and they play video games all the time and has no problem. When does a father of 3 have time to play video games for very long? (I am not talking about education ones) What about all these people that are falling in school, not spending time with family and friends not working or taking a bath. Sure it is not the same kind of addiction as drugs but, they do get a high out of being in this make believe world and being a ruler. I don't even watch violent movies, who really gets a big thrill out of people being hurt or killed. Any parent that has a adult child living with them and not working and playing video games all the time, it's is also your fault for allowing them to continue to play video game all the time and live in your home. Disconnect the video games and tell them to get a life.

My Video game story Name: Ronnie Her Date: 2007-05-29 18:23:15 Link to this Comment: 21740

'I'm thirtteem atm and i personally feel i play video games alot, though it may not be 3 hours of straight gaming its consistent. (The game i play has 30 min matches about) and i play maybe 2 per day. Maybe 1 per day on school days where i have to study. But on weekends i could play 0 - 15 games. 30 X 15 = 4 hours, 30 minutes!! I could be learning or doing something valuable with my time. I've started learning web coding to break away from the addiction, and have started to resurface my musical career (E guitar).'

That's what i woulda said 3 years ago when i was 13. Now i'm 16 i feel alot better. My life has improved dramatically. Back then is was the only thing i had fun doing (my excuse for it while i did it was cus of the weather, which was bad winter!! :p). But i did other things, i learned lots of things. Got all A's in my GCSES, learnt HTML and C++. And i play maybe 1 - 3 games a week. Thats 1 hour 30 mins of my life, and its quite relaxing to play it on occasionaly days. Though for me breaking away from the addiction was quite easy as i used and still do think i have strong will power to do things i other would not do.

Well that's my story of video addiction for the whole 6 - 8 months are was addicted to the game, THX!

^ Name: Date: 2007-05-29 18:24:42 Link to this Comment: 21741

God i used bad grammar in that comment

yes we do Name: petre Date: 2007-06-08 17:48:25 Link to this Comment: 21754

for the last 7 years iv just live games. and even what im told not to play i do. and when they take my system i look for it and when i find it ill play again. iv lost freind over games. iv lost girlfreinds and gained a lot of weight playing. and the only freind i have are xbox live gamers freinds. if anyone can help me plz i would like it. my dad tell me i need to stop playing but i still do. ppl tell me games are like weed or crack, booz, or anything else like that. and that i will not be able to stop by myself. send me a email or hit my myspace if you know of a site, or a # or anything that can help me slow down on games my email is lilp1986@hotmail.com or my myspace is www.myspace.com/raverfever

also i want to make a Name: petre Date: 2007-06-08 18:10:33 Link to this Comment: 21755

i want to try and get ppl that have the same problem as me in like a chat so we can all help each other. if you want to help me see if gamers can help gamers plz send me a email with the subjek say i need gamer help

Addiction Name: Date: 2007-06-12 20:43:00 Link to this Comment: 21761

I can see how messed up the video games have made you, by just looking at the comments you have typed. You would choose a video game over your wife or family.

- Name: Date: 2007-06-16 15:56:58 Link to this Comment: 21767

IMHO, I believe video games have definitely influenced this generation so far as to say they are more likely to participate or initiate violent acts. The more some person involves them self in the feeling of correct behavior or rewards for violence then there is a higher chance of violent acts.

it already exists Name: Date: 2007-07-09 11:33:08 Link to this Comment: 21822

www.olganonboard.org

I just wish there were meetings to go to or the AMA would make it official. I just lost the love of my life of 23 years to video game addiction.

He ended up playing from 6:30am till 2:45am the next morning...sleep repeat. He started to become verbally abusive. Finally moved out so that he could spend his time playing. He told me he only wanted to leave the house in order to eat or go to work (which he hadn't for 7 months).

I fell in love with a really good person...then his fixation and priorities became the games.

moved from WOW to LOTHO

Name: Tino Date: 2007-07-13 12:00:15 Link to this Comment: 21824

I sometimes get too carried away and spend hours playing games. Recently I have started Ghost Recon. What a blast!!! Nonetheless is important to put it away to get work done, see family friends etc. Is all about balance. It is hard to think about anything else when you start playing a new game but you don't wnat to waste your life away playing games either.

Name: Date: 2007-07-17 23:01:32 Link to this Comment: 21827

A couple of things I would like to note: I am eighteen years old, and have played video games since the age of 4-5. I have never had any violent tendencies, and in fact have never been in a true fist fight(though I have gotten close a few times). I grew up playing games such as Quake, Duke Nukem, etc. I played Final Fantasy 7 back when it was all over the news for violence, I played Counterstrike and Grand Theft Auto, and have never had the slightest bit of an urge to carry out my actions from the game into reality.

However, I have noticed at least one detrimental effect of video games..

From the age of 5ish up until 13, I was quite limited as per the amount of time I could play video games, and spent most of my free time outdoors. However, I would play any time I could get away with it, and as I got older, I was allowed to play more and more.

I've always been a somewhat shy person, but never *extremely* shy. When I entered the 9th grade, I found myself very socially awkward. I spoke very little, didn't really make any friends, and played a significantly larger amount of video games. This continued into part of my 10th grade year, when I finally talked myself into quitting World of Warcraft. Since then, I found myself much more socially active, but when summer came around, I renewed my subscription again. Again, I noticed myself becoming less social, feeling very awkward around even my friends. Having since quit and reactivated many times, I have noticed that there is a direct connection to the amount of time I spend playing video games and the ability of myself to carry on a conversation with other people. I quit playing games completely a short time ago, and am much more active out in the real world now, and I enjoy it much more than I ever enjoyed playing any game.

Hope this helps~

Addiction Name: Date: 2007-07-18 22:46:03 Link to this Comment: 21828

I am really proud of this 18 year old that he was mature enough to see the difference of having a normal social life and not have a normal social life. I very glad that he could see that spending to much time on video games interfered with his interactions with people. Very proud of you and I would like to encourage you to keep this up.

Relationship problem Name: Date: 2007-07-21 01:28:33 Link to this Comment: 21831

The game has caused a pain in my relationship. He will play all day, I'll ask a question an he would pretend he never heard me. It didn't start until he got the X-Box 360. He stay up late, an let his food get cold before he touch it. It's so bad that the game will soon cause a seperation. He drew his self away from me and the outside life. It is really bad. He will continue to play if he can't pass a mision. The game is a drug to the human body.

Getting Bully Name: Date: 2007-07-25 14:39:53 Link to this Comment: 21832

Hi, I'm a 13 year old boy who has played many video games. But one my Mom won't let me get is Bully for PS2. She said that I'll think it'll be okay to flirt and have gay sex, but I'm not stupid. I got Tony Hawk Undergroud when I was 8 and I'm not drinking. Can you please help my mom understand the situation or can you help me convince her to let me get the game?

Becoming the video game Name: Date: 2007-07-25 14:46:13 Link to this Comment: 21833

Some people like my mom think that video games make people see a different way of life. But I'm smart. The only things I have ever got on report cards are A's and B's. I'm not stupid. I have played so many and not even changed. The only thing that happened was repeating every line of the game. Someone help.

Becoming the video game 2 Name: Date: 2007-07-25 14:51:13 Link to this Comment: 21834

Added to Comment 21833, I have gotten over the problem of repeating lines.

worried girlfriend Name: Rhiana Date: 2007-08-01 15:19:16 Link to this Comment: 21839

I really think my boyfriend is addicted to video games. First of all, he has lost at least three jobs in the past 7 months because he stays up until 7am playing games and sleeps during the day. He is supposed to be looking for a job right now but sleeps all day long so he never even has a chance to even think about it. I'm worried because he's in his own apartment and has no money. I cant afford to pay for his food and all the other things he needs anymore. And where is he going to go when he gets kicked out. It's bad. He'll tell me he's tired and has to take me home at midnight so he can go to sleep, then stays up all night playing games. He's been lying about looking for jobs. He plays final fantasy at night then when he does wake up during the day he gets online and plays guild wars or soldier of fortune. When we talk lately it's all about what's happening in his games. He also has only one real live friend. All the other people he is "friends" with are from Europe and Australia and what not. People he's never met... I'm scared for him and it's hurting me. We had plans today, and when I called him at 1:30, he was still asleep. He told me that he wanted to sleep more because he didn't go to bed until 7:30 this morning. He cancelled on me again. I hate it when he does this to me. That's why I'm on here - looking for help. I understand that he needs his space to do what he enjoys doing, and I'm totally okay with that, but I think that over 10 hours a day is getting excessive. Please someone, give me some advice. I want to tell him that I'm worried about him and how much he's hurting me but I don't know what to say or how to say it without attacking him. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO...??? Please help me...

Addiction Name: Date: 2007-08-01 19:25:32 Link to this Comment: 21840

You need to walk away from him NOW!!! If he gets his life straighten out and proves to keep a job for several months and doesn't game for several hours a day, maybe it can work out. Is it going to be easy to walk away from him? No it is going to very hard on you and hurt you very much. I would rather you walked away now and hurt then to continue seeing this person or be married to him and you will still hurt be miserable and waste your life on him. You deserve someone who would rather be with you than the video games. If he kept a job and did it a couple hours a day ok, but not working sleeping all day is not good. How do I know this? My step son is doing the same thing. Not working, gaming all night, sleeping all day. Will not take a bath, nor does he care about his family. His mother supports him finacial. It breaks my husband heart to see his son this way. This has been going on for years. I have been with my husband for 5 years and his son is still not working. Like I have said before if anybody has a adult child living in your house and you are supporting them when they are able to work and allow them to played video games all the time, you are just as guilty as they are. You are inabling them. Tell them to move out and get a job.

Name: Date: 2007-08-07 22:36:23 Link to this Comment: 21845

It is true all these statements are ridiculous or as some of my more foul tounged impulses tell me Fucking retarded. Oh know that is a sign of aggression a teenager said fucking in response to your "all knowing adult motherly" words of "wisdom". Because all these studies are conducted by people who know shit about the physiological impulses of teens.
Thats what i think, but what do i know because i play violent video games, I must be a trained killer. Also you believe that there should be laws against these gory games that's a violation of the first amendment FREEDOM OF SPEECH fuckers!!!
Just come make some more poorly thought brain washed anti-violence game super catholic violent video game hating babies you communist suburban soccer mom bitch

Addiction Name: Date: 2007-08-08 14:26:30 Link to this Comment: 21850

See how messed up this guy is from video games. This person doesn't even make sense. You also need to clean up your filthy mouth. I bet this person doesn't even have a job. The one's that really need help and need direction get so angry and will not admit that they need help!!!!

reply to addiction Name: Date: 2007-08-11 00:40:05 Link to this Comment: 21860

Hello i'm almost sorry for my previous post it was quite violent. It's too bad that you don't understand where i am coming from with that atitude. So i thought i would return to explain myself. You are all treating video gaming like it is a disease and our children are all sick. Truth is it is up to you the parents how your children act and if you are negligent and allow them to stay home from school when they claim to be sick to play video games, you are simply become detacted from your kids that is wrong, if you can't tell if your child is sick or faking then you are not the best of parent.
So please do something more constructive with your time then try to find cures for an addiction that isn't real
Now in reference to myself I'm a sixteen year old high school student who is fed up with this constant use of video games as a scapegoat for your real problems. Also I don't need help because I'm not a violent person I've never been a fight i don't even get angry very often. Frankly i find the last persons post insulting "He probably doesn't even have a job." for your information i am a computer technician , and i work almost sixty hours a week and i still have a social life. Maybe you should wait before passing judgment like that because thats just rude

All Parents and SO CALLED "Addicts" need to read t Name: Unknown Date: 2007-08-11 01:47:20 Link to this Comment: 21861

All right I am getting tired of seeing the word addiction on this FUCKING website!!! Yes I emphasized the word fucking and that is not because i play violent video games that is because im tired of reading all this bullshit about how video games are an addiction. People when you go to the docter and they tell you that they cant help you it is becasue you dont have an addiction it just means youd rather play video games then pursue your life and make goals. I am a computer technician that works every day and has only one day off in the entire week, and i do play violent video games and i have never had a serious violent urge to kill someone. Yes it is true that i get angry but so does everyone else. There are kids or adults that will have violent urges to seriously harm another human being or animal for that matter and they dont even play video games. Oh and as for the 19 year old that has devoted 2 years to play Final Fantasy, the mother of that child needs to get a grip on her life and grow some balls and kick her son out lets see him play when he is broke and has no money. And for the girlfriends that have boyfriends that play video games all the time and dont notice you, I have one solution, a solution that would get me away from video games and most likely other guys as well take off your clothes and walk in I bet you'll get his Attetion then!!!
Now try to convince me that video games cause violence and see if i care what you think!!!

Hmmm, interesting. Name: Jenius Date: 2007-08-11 13:56:11 Link to this Comment: 21862

I find there are alot of insulting comments going around. Let me be polite about saying this. I personally do play violent video games. I have a good time with them, but it seems that, through what I am noticing, is many parents are having a hard time with kids getting addicted.
Let me say this.
I, am not addicted.
I am 17 and right now I am working with Flooring company putting down tile. I plan on going to VTC (Vermont Technical College) to study computer hardware. I hope to some day reinvent the idea of the supercomputer (such as a Cray) so that they will help us develop the idea of curing diseases such as many forms of cancer.
Now this might seem not so nice.
If you kid is addicted, throw their ass out of the house, and get them a job. I do believe that people can become addicted to video games. For a while, my parents were worried that I was. They though that it was the underlying problem to my bad grades in school.
We found an underlying problem. I had both a General Anxiety Disorder, and a mild case of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
This is the kicker. THEY GOT ME HELP!
If you think your child has a problem, then GET THEM HELP!
Posting in these forums isn't doing a damn thing. If they are over 18, kick their ass out of YOUR house and have them get a job on their own.
If not, then get them help before you have to kick them out, because, understandably, it is going to be hard. Yes, thats right, your going to have to put some effort in, because if it is worth having, it is worth working for. Get help people. That is the only way you can show your kids that you really love them and are good parents.

I hope that this was helpful, and I didn't even have to use dirty language.

I must also add Name: Jenius Date: 2007-08-11 14:02:27 Link to this Comment: 21863

Those of you with addicted loved ones, boyfriends, or girlfriends. If they are not willing to even try and change for you, it's time you moved on. They do need help to get off their ass and do something. If they love video games more than you, then go to a bar and find a new guy. Maybe a doctor, or a lawyer, or a mechanic, who has a good job, and makes good money, and is in search of a soul mate, to marry and move in with, and have kids, and live happy with. Thats what you need to do. I understand that it is hard to move on. It always is, but Jesus Christ, find some one who isn't batshit crazy for video games, and who will be batshit crazy for you. I'm sure you deserve it. Just be optimistic, and try not to give in.

My addiction Name: Stephen C Date: 2007-08-11 20:26:10 Link to this Comment: 21864

I am 17 years old, and I have been playing video games since I was about 10 years old. At first it was just for fun playing console games with my brother once in awhile for maybe 1-2 hours a day. Then I got into online games and I would play them for 8 hours a day sometimes. Lately I have been playing games for 15 hours a day from 12:00 to 3:00 in the morning. I basicly live in a different reality on the game then I do in real life. In the game I am a important person that many people respect and in real life I barely have any friends and I am very quiet and not many people like me at all. I am overweight, have been all my life. Maybe this is why I feel the need to play video games, I cant do many other activies because I am overweight. You can really escape all the problems when you are in the game, but I have been thinking lately and I just kinda realized, that I need to stop playing because in 5 years, it does not matter what level I got in the game, or anything like that.

I used to be a very good student, very smart and had lots of friends. and now? I am a c,d student barely passing all my classes. I dont have many friends, maybe 3-4 and I am so shy in school. Online tho I am a very talkative person wtih alot of friends.

The reason I am posting here is because im quiting video games. I uninstalled all my games on my computer and I am going to get in shape and lose weight. So far it has been two days and I feel I am getting depressed from not being able to play any games. I just feel that I have a ton of boredom from not being able to do something that I used to do for 12 hours a day.

I just feel I had to let all this out, maybe some of you are in the same situation and could help me out here. I just want to start living a normal life without video games.. buts its so hard when you wake up and you have noithing to do with all your time.

I realize I must quit playing video games, get healthy, get a job, do well in school, and one day become a important person in this world. I hope this post will get people to email me and help me with my problem, I just dont know how to deal without video games, I dont know what to do with my time, I am bored out of my mind now that it is the summer and I dont have school.

Please if you have any ideas of how to help me, please dont be shy to send me a email, I would really appreciate it.

My email is stevec1341451@aol.com

Thanks, it feels good to get this all out.

For Stephen Name: Date: 2007-08-11 21:06:00 Link to this Comment: 21865

Have you thought about counseling for your shyness. You could also get a part-time job, look into a local church to see if they have a youth or college and career group that do activities. That way you could meet people your own age. Join the gym or take dance lessons. You could also look into doing voulteer work and it would allow you to meet other people.

For Stephen as well Name: Jenius Date: 2007-08-12 01:20:30 Link to this Comment: 21867

You see, this is good. It sounds corny but, knowing you have a problem is the start of it. So, what I personally think you should do, is call a psychologist. A good one preferably. I don't know if a church is such idea (no offense to anyone religious, but I have found that many churches are too objectified with converting people to the actual religion than helping some one with an addiction.) What also can help you is a job. Run down to a local store or something. Once you get interested in something else, it all just flies by. It might even be a good idea to sell your system or computer. Just for a little while.
You don't have to listen to me, I'm just putting out ideas. I find this is more helpful than telling some one what they should do. I think you should make a choice yourself, and find something that works for you.

Good luck
I hope i could help you

gaming addiction Name: Daily Date: 2007-08-13 00:53:59 Link to this Comment: 21868

I'm 27 and have played MMORPGs for nearly 5 years.


For the last 2 years I've slowly added more game time and decreased real life social time.

Currently, I have no friends other than my online friends and even those are few because my natural personality (I believe) is to have a small and very close few for friends.

At this point I am no longer in college, my boyfriend supports my household financially and I spend my entire day around my computer. I sit no place else.

I have played every MMO released for play.
I become very easily burnt out with games since I play so much, but I am constantly downloading something new...even if I know I won't play it long.

I have nothing else to talk about.
Every conversation I have with boyfriend or an occasional family member has a gaming reference. It embarasses me and I never admit to anyone that I do absolutely nothing else besides gaming.

Sadly, these wonderful experiences in-game create a depression that I try my hardest to suppress. I sleep more often than usual and I shamefully neglect personal hygeine for days because of the time it will take away from my computer.

I know that I have a problem and the more I type this out, the more real it becomes. I don't know what I'm going to do about it. To end my gaming would be ending a daily life that I've had for years. Who could do that?

There is no 'blame' here other than my own.
I'm an adult and I make a decision to play games.
This has snow-balled into a problem, but the only real problem is my will-power.

Believe me, this is not a horribly sad story for me.
I've had plenty of incredible days of gaming and I wouldn't change that for anything. It is a wonderful hobby. It feels great to make progress and build a character with grand weapons that saves the universe.
I just should have taken a few days off from playing savior.

I hope that others will realise their problem sooner...if only to keep them from limiting their lives like I have.
There IS more to life.
Games are great, but real relationships are needed.

addiction stories Name: Ron C. de Date: 2007-08-13 20:15:37 Link to this Comment: 21870

Recently there was a story on tv from someone who betted on the stock market all day. He had finally quit, because "the fear got bigger than the kick". He had believed his own explanation of his behavior even though he knew it was a lie. You can only lie to yourself for a limited time; after that, you start to get disgusted of yourself. "That is a very painful experience, that when you have all that you miss around you and that you are really dreaming of, and you stand crying in front of the mirror looking at yourself and saying: 'so my friend, are you the one who has it all? You have all that you want but here your stand!'" The therapist repeatedly said it was not the kick as much as the power that his client was hooked on. Addicts can turn like a leaf, standing in front of a machine and saying "absolutely never more", and then break down (tears) and start playing again. You are trying to get that high and that effort is taking up ever more of your time. You should try to rely on the logic of your feelings (guts) instead of the one in your drip-fed-conditioned brain. You may think it isn't much you are doing, but trying to give it up, shows you how much it really is!

16 year old game addict Name: Date: 2007-08-23 18:45:56 Link to this Comment: 21879

Hey, I'm Jess and I'm 16 years old who has a really unhealthy habit of playing Playstation 2 almost all the time because it allows me to escape into another world and leave my problems to dust.
I know that this is quite unhealthy but its fun, I mean what do you do when you can't do anything else but play video games because you're so depressed and bored there isn't much else to do.

Name: michael Date: 2007-09-21 19:01:22 Link to this Comment: 21912

This is a general desription of how parents should deal with video games.

Parents these days are NOT responsible not all of them but most are. i am 13 years old and i play video games.at my age it is considered allowed to play more violent games like grand theft auto and playing these games do not effect me. but when I go on the internet for an online game (im playing an extremely violent game) and I have a mic hooked up to talk to other players in game and i hear somone 6-8 years old... if you think my age and his is not that big a gap for gaming your wrong. to play the game I was playing would probably make me more violent this game is almost like a horror game i have friends who have gotten scared playing it and then I hear someone probably in grade 3 playing this game thats extremely wrong. if you have heard of the game gears of war you would most likely know where im coming from. people who play these games at my age dont care about it and think about doing violent things because of them or even when I was younger. We look at a game and wonder if it takes skill or not. anyways what im getting at is parents if your child wishes to play a video game say hes 5 years old do not get him an xbox or ps3. get him a nintendo or a gameboy and get him a pokemon game because at that age they probably like anime. there are three basic types of games there is the First Person Shooter, Real Time Strategy and a Massive Multiplayer Online. first person shooters are fine i used to play james bond with my dad when i was little and real time strategies are where you control an army from a birds eye view and is peticularly about eliminating another army it will have noo affect on your kids such as addictions and so on along with first person shooters. but parents the massive multiplayers online (mmo) are extremely addictive causing your children to play for long hours of the day from morning to night when they have the chance. I know I once played the mmo (massive multiplayer online) games and finally realized i had a problem. I was playing these games instead of going outside with my friends and it messed with me socially.mmos are designed a certain way to get you addicted. When I was a kid even though I said that a kid whos 6-8 years old playing that violent game was wrong a kid 9-11 is a different story by then they are ready for games like halo and maybe gta. as bad as gta is children playing those games only care about customizing there car in the game and driving around in it. But... if your children do play a violent game like gears of war dont allow a mic until they are age 10 your kids will know every swear word by grade 4 and 5 so no use in annoying them for no real reason. so avoid an mmo (masive multiplayer online) such games as world of warcraft and warhammer online. do not restrict your children from games rated T for teen when there not a teenager because seriously those games are just as bad as when you were little and played cowboys and indians. so generally keep restrictions with games like gta and saints row up until they are about 10 also thats grade five they already know bbasicly everything you dont want them to know by then.