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Addiction to video games and social media

Discussion in 'Other Substances' started by bourge_21, Nov 28, 2014.

  1. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    I know that this sounds a bit eclectic but I find somehow disturbed by the idea of computer addiction on the young. Of course, we cannot blame technology for its emergence in a steadfast manner; however, I believe that addiction to this sort is not to be ignored as other, more socially compelling types such as alcoholism or smoking. What are your views and ideas regarding this addiction?
    rabst likes this.
  2. Davienna

    Davienna Community Champion

    My 38 years old boyfriend is addicted to video games and it is rather upsetting. All addictions can be harmful, therefore no matter how simple they may seem I always try to break the addiction from early. Social media addiction is something that has ruined many relationships too, as persons don't learn self control when addicted. They share their most personal information there and the other party may not be up to such.
  3. notodrugs

    notodrugs Community Listener Community Listener

    You are right bourge_21. Addiction to this sort of things should not be ignored. This is exactly my friend's problem with her son. They thought he was studying up to the wee hours of morning. But come PTC, the feedback from the teachers were not positive. He was way below his target levels in all his subjects but his video game levels are impressive! He was playing computer games all along.

    He cannot control himself from playing. It's what he thinks about so he can't possibly concentrate on his studies. My friend and her husband decided to have him checked by a psychiatrist. But the doctor said he wanted to talk to the father first. So that's what they're going to do for now.
  4. ally79

    ally79 Member

    It is sad to see how addicted people have become to technology and their cellphones. You can't go anywhere anymore without seeing ten to twenty people with a phone glued to their ear or their face. If we ever have another Carrington event or something else that takes down technology there are going to be a lot of strung out people!
  5. zaerine

    zaerine Community Champion

    I have seen some young and adults around here being addicted to video games. Those who are addicted are mostly irresponsible especially those with families already since their time as well as money are only used to their gaming addiction.I have witnessed a couple before that are arguing in a computer shop because the addicted husband is not working and not even taking care of their child while the mother is working. Worst is that, the money of the mother that should be spend on milk or necessities is being use by the husband to pay for the computer rent.
  6. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    This sort, happens. I also had friends who enjoy video games more than their personal attachments or relationships to the point that women somehow ask them to choose. Video games and social media are slowly replacing the norms.
  7. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    I had addiction to video games five years ago. It occurred for 2 years. It was my life after school, and work. Later, I started to figure out that vices like this won't help you get a life. So I quit.
  8. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    I believe that something is behind that addiction, which you say. This is like alcoholism issue. But I agree that when a father ventures into this vice, he is already irresponsible.
  9. MissManda

    MissManda Member

    I believe my 13 year old step son has an addiction to video games. My husband has only visitation rights to his son and his 11 year old daughter, so this means that we only see them every other weekend. From the moment his son gets in our home, he is attached to his laptop playing video games.
    This goes on for the duration of the weekend, I've talked to my husband about it and he feels that since he only sees his children for 4 days every month, he wants to let them do what they want and be the "fun" parent. I don't find it to be very healthy for his son though. He does not want to participate in any other family activities with his father, sister and myself. He just wants to be left alone to play his games.
  10. primalclaws1974

    primalclaws1974 Senior Contributor

    I have heard about so-called "gaming addiction" since I was playing my Nintendo as a kid. I don't believe that video games are a true form of addiction. It can be a bad habit, that's for sure. I suppose if someone was calling in to work so they could sit and play "Call of Duty", and the money was needed to pay bills, this would be a serious disruption in their lives. If they did it anyway, then it's addiction. I don't see this scenario to be very likely, however.
    rabst likes this.
  11. Charli

    Charli Community Champion

    I think any type of addiction is worth looking into and keeping guard against. I've heard of people dying in computer shops because they've been there too long without eat and sleep due to playing video games. Thankfully I don't think it's as severe of a problem as with alcohol addiction or a stronger drug like meth or heroin, but it surely is still a problem and it should be recognized because every life is precious.
  12. wulfman

    wulfman Senior Contributor

    Yes there may not be as many cases as compared to chemical/substance abuse but any addiction can take a toll and even affect your health if unchecked (ie playing video games addictively 24/7 and not eating or exercising or going outside).
  13. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    I feel what you are trying to say. With advanced game mechanics and campaigns going around the video game world, this, I would say, has been becoming an alternative to sports recreation or social gatherings. Most likely that in the near future, socializing would be replaced by virtual communication and online gaming, and it's alarming.
  14. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    These days, most kids in my country skip classes by group just to play PVP games. Their learning and food allowances are compromised in computer shops. This is obviously addiction vis-a-vis peer pressure, of course.
  15. bourge_21

    bourge_21 Senior Contributor

    Yes, I have heard of these incidents too. Older people even make tournament gaming to earn money- replacing professional work. Sometimes, young people even cheat their parents for money matters just to support their vices in computer shops or buying cards for shells.
    Charli likes this.
  16. primalclaws1974

    primalclaws1974 Senior Contributor

    I can't say that I have heard of people dying from playing video games too long. I heard of a gambling addict that refused to leave the table for so long that his bladder ruptured, and he died.
    I also remember a news segment a few years ago where two parents were so hooked into a game they played together, that they ignored their little girl to the point she died of malnutrition.
  17. jade870

    jade870 Active Contributor

    I don't think I could live without my Facebook, if I am not on it I want to be on it. I find my self checking it all the time almost every 5 to 10 mints apart. I think I have a problem with this I cant even get any work done now. I really don't know what I am going to do. I have got to find a way to stay off Facebook so much, if I don't I think I will loses my job.
  18. rabst

    rabst Active Contributor

    You're right; 'bad habit for sure,' but there's a difference between "addiction" & "harmful distraction." With addiction, the harm comes when you stop; you start jonesin` for it when you quit it. (That's why I say 'you feel like you can't stop'---oh, you believe you can stop if you concentrate on stopping; but your body'll go back to it SUBconsciously if you let it slip!)

    Me, I could quit any time I wanted!... just not right now---I've probably got enough energy saved up to do another scene of CRIMINAL CASE on Facebook! o_O
  19. Charli

    Charli Community Champion

    I've never heard of the casino incident but I have heard of those neglectful parents and I have to admit that story kind of enraged me when I found out about it. I seriously hope they were put in jail at least. As for kids dying in computer shops, I've heard or read about stories of one or two of them happening in Asia where computer gaming is widely popular. From what I remember I don't even think people in the store noticed until way later on.
  20. zaerine

    zaerine Community Champion

    Someone will addiction will definitely not function properly or do his or her responsibilities accordingly. Aside from the fact that they can suffer from various diseases like in addiction to games, you will be having a stagnant lifestyle which can cause obesity, blood clots and other illnesses.