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Video Gamers Anonymous
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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by Addicted to Morphine on Tue Apr 19th at 2:17pm 2005

I got into a pretty big debate with my friends a few days ago. I argued that for people who are addicted to videogames its extremely hard to quit, cold turkey. They argued it's not that hard, all you have to do is just stop. Easier said then done I argued. I Google'd for some support, and came across this article. It's written by a female college student at Bryn Mawr, but even though she doesn't have a medical degree and is fairly young, I think she provides a very good overview of the issue with some interesting points (specifically the Sunk Cost Fallacy -- we've all been there). Give it a read and tell me what you think. It'll take all of five minutes, and I have a feeling that many of us can relate to what's said, at least to some extent.

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro02/web2/mschlimme.html

Personally, I've always been pretty captivated by videogames, more so than most people I meet. This doesn't mean I don't live a normal life, but I do find that I have more fun, am more healthy, and more social during the periods of time when I decide to give up videogames. For example, I uninstalled Steam recently, so that I could get through the rest of the semester without distraction, and oddly enough, I feel much more alive. And yet at the same time, I'm pretty sure as soon as summer rolls around, I'll be redownloading Steam.

Is it the Dopamine? Is it the Sunk Cost Fallacy? Or is there something else about me that makes Goldeneye, Half Life, and Half Life 2 so much more appealing?




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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by omegaslayer on Tue Apr 19th at 2:53pm 2005

Its easy to quit: Get a GirlFriend! [addsig]



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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by Addicted to Morphine on Tue Apr 19th at 3:16pm 2005

First off, did you read the article?

Second, for some, that's easier said that done. For others, that's not a fullproof solution. I recently dated a great girl for about 2 years, during which for a period I gave up videogames completely because they seemed to lead to emotional apathy (which obviously doesn't work if you're trying to maintain a healthy relationship). Ultimately I began playing again (not obsessively), and that in combination with distance probably had something to do with me getting tired and breaking it off. I don't think girlfriends, even though they are obviously great distractions, are the kryptonite/vaccine for videogame addiction. That's just from personal experience.

Any other suggestions?




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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by satchmo on Tue Apr 19th at 4:01pm 2005

ATM, did you re-install Steam already? I saw your map uploaded. smiley

Anyway, I perused the article, it's an interesting read. I agree with it, for the most part. Gaming definitely has some advantages, as I feel that my reflexes have improved since I started playing FPS games. In addition, it's a good way to wind down for me.

I know it sounds a bit contradictory, but after a hard day working in the hectic clinic, I need to play some Far Cry or Half-Life 2 to unwind my mind. It's as if my brain is so cluttered with patients that I find it difficult to go straight to bed (I work at night, usually until 9:30 pm). There is no better way for me to relax than to play a fifteen-minute round of videogame. It helps me to separate my brain from the worries of the real world.

And it is possible to have a girlfriend (or a fiance, in my case) and game at the same time. They're definitely not mutually exclusive. The key is moderation, and my fiance is right in saying that I don't have a problem because I never postpone social or work obligations to play games. I even take time out to exercise and watch movies in my spare times. We still enjoy time together, going shopping or dining out.

Some people's gaming pattern can easily qualify them as addicts, but this only applies to a minority of gamers. Most do it while still maintaining control with their daily lives.
[addsig]



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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by omegaslayer on Tue Apr 19th at 4:36pm 2005

I didn't read it because im in the middle of class. Seriously though, a female will tie up your time the most, essentially breaking the obsession between you and video games (unless shes a fragdoll that plays video games with you). I guess Im not addicted, because at some points I just dont care to play, Id rather be hanging out with someone of the opposite sex. But mapping......ha...thats a different story, I don't think I can stop! [addsig]



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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by Addicted to Morphine on Tue Apr 19th at 4:44pm 2005

Hahah satchmo, no Steam is still off my computer. But I had a bunch of shots lying around of some older maps I've worked on. It seemed pretty silly to have only 1 map listed when I've created several others.

As for your point about using videogames to unwind... as long as one can responsibly moderate the amount of time they play, then there's no problem. The interesting aspects of the article, in my opinion, were the similarities between video games and drugs. I've definitely experienced huge adrenaline rushes while playing CS (especially my first LAN experience two weekends ago), and it seems that there is definitely something chemical about video game addiction.




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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by satchmo on Tue Apr 19th at 9:48pm 2005

Talk about the rush. Yes, I think it's equivalent to heroin (not that I've tried). When I play any FPS game for the first time, my pupils dilate and my heart races. Breathing becomes shallow and everything else disappears from my world.

What I hate the most is when the telephone rings. It snaps me back to reality suddenly while my head still spins a bit. It's like waking up from a fantastic dream. It sure leaves me frustrated.

[addsig]



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 Re: Video Gamers Anonymous
Posted by Addicted to Morphine on Wed Apr 20th at 2:48am 2005

It's funny that you brought up heroin. I used that analogy when arguing with my friends (not that I've tried it either) because thats what it damn sure feels like I'm addicted to. But... of course they jumped all over me for that one. I retracted my statement, since heroin is obviously much much more addictive, and physically so. I don't shake uncontrollably for days after I quit playing (and, keeping Trainspotting in mind, I don't feel like I'm orgasming all over when I do play, for that matter).





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