Video Game Addiction

[mkmurray]

One of my BYU Computer Science professors that I took classes from as an undergraduate co-wrote an article that was published in the latest edition of the Ensign on the topic of video games and addiction.

It is an excellent article explaining why a special variety of online games (specifically, the online, role-playing, quest-oriented ones) are by nature more addictive than other types of games. It does a great job of detailing the problems that can occur and gives terrific guidance for those affected and their loved ones. It's definitely worth a read for everyone, regardless of your level of familiarity on the subject.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?h ... 82620aRCRD

[mfmohlma]

An excellent article. About half-way down in the HTML version of this article (at the end of the article in print) this article mentions a talk from Elder Bednar at the May CES fireside:

http://lds.org/broadcast/ces/0,7341,538 ... 81,00.html

They are both a definite must-read for any LDS "tech".

(Actually, I highly recommend watching Elder Bednar give his talk. He uses some very eye-opening visual aids.)

[jvoracek]

That was a fantastic article! I took a peak at it two nights ago. I do believe I can share this article to a few individuals I know who may have this problem.

[Enigma1-p40]

Fantastic Article... sadly I have played World of Warcraft off and on for the last 5 years (minus the two I was on my mission). I must say that if not treated as a "dessert" it can become very addicting and life-consuming. It finally became a treat/reward for finishing all my college papers or after hanging out with my friends. Yet even then these kind of games, although extremely fun, are great time wasters.
If your kids play/want to play a game like this, get them something else to fill up there time. not only do they waste your life away but by buying a monthly subscription AND the game AND the expansions, I have payed out around $900 in monthly service fees and another $110 in the game and expansions. Think about what other kind of entertainment you can get your kid with that kind of money.

[calebpusey]

I have payed out around $900 in monthly service fees and another $110 in the game and expansions. Think about what other kind of entertainment you can get your kid with that kind of money.

That's a used car!!

[Enigma1-p40]

lol no kidding

[faazshift]

Well I don't have a problem with gaming, as it doesn't really interest me, but what Elder Ballard said, about keeping a balanced life and not idling away our time, is something I still have to work on. I probably spend more time than I should keeping up on shows and programming, and less than I should exercising and caring about other things in my life. Anyway, that is a very good article.

[brado426]

One look at my garage clearly indicates that I am NOT a video game addict.



Seriously though, I have played games like Asheron's Call in the past and gave them up for good. My rule of thumb is that if a game allows you to sit down for 20 minutes, have a good time, and then go on with your life, it is pretty harmless.

Brad O.

[Dicehyden-p40]

Video game addiction is not included as a diagnosis in either the DSM or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
However, effects (or symptoms) of video game overuse are similar to those of other proposed psychological addictions

[jamiecking76]

Definitely some food for thought. I will have to really reconsider a game that I love to play and devote more of my time to more important matters.

Thank you for the article!!!

Jamie