- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I went online for some information on a topic for a research paper I'm writing (video game addictions) and found an interesting article about it...I also posted my feelings on it.
The article:
Ask any preteen how they love to spend their spare time, and chances are you'll get an earful about video games. But why do they love them so? Are they addictive? According to some studies it would appear that the excitement of video games causes the brain to release a chemical that is, in essence, addictive. For any parent who has seen the fervor by which some kids play video games, this news is no surprise.
What makes these games so addictive? Media literacy specialist, Dr. Charles Ungerleider explains that "they're very compelling with increasing complexity, so a child becomes more facile, yet wants to know more and apply new skills." While wanting to improve their game isn't a problem in itself, it becomes one if video games are "taking a youngster away too much from other activities," says Ungerleider. "Then the parent has to intervene and limit the amount of time the youngster spends with the video game."
Professor of Computer Science, Maria Klavee feels video games, if not too violent, can "offer some real opportunities for puzzle solving, strategic and critical thinking". But she adds that it's important that video and computer games are played in moderation. Klavee says parents should "provide a selection of activities, not just the ones that have the most action or are addictive. Choose some that involve problem solving or good story lines. Also aim for a balance in your child's life. Sports are important, reading's important. Just think of computer games as one more component in a child's exploration of what's out there in society."
As for addiction? Ungerleider believes that "a parent can prevent youngsters from becoming addicted to too much TV or too many video games by establishing a pattern of selective viewing or by using video game material early in a child's life so that by the time a youngster gets to be an adolescent and there's very little surveillance or control, it's less likely to occur."
Finally, Ungerleider remind parents that "if a youngster becomes addicted to video games it can be a problem and the parent does need to intervene and provide attractive alternatives."
My reply:
That was thee most biased thing I have ever read in my life. I certainly do not like that -blam!- doctor that blabs and earns a living off of preaching his own stupid little opinions. It's so -blam!- -blam!- what I read on video game addictions and it being sooo bad. Video games are a great way of entertainment and believe it or not video games can make you smarter. So before you run and get your PHD and try to make a huge ass out of yourself preaching your stupid little comments on how -blam!- -blam!--blam!- you are, why don't you go out and buy a video game, try it (and try it without using your -blam!- -blam!- judgement that's already inside your -blam!- -blam!- brain) and see what you really think. Millions of people play video games every single day and lead a normal life. Don't say that bull-blam!- about people getting -blam!- up from games and that they are too real and that kids grow up thinking its ok to kill or some -blam!- -blam!- like that. There is not one video game out there saying it is OK and fun to kill, games allow you to go around killing but in no way shape or form does it say it's ok and fun. There are age ratings on games and if you allow your 8 year old child to play these "violent" games then you are the -blam!- stupid dumb ass and you should be yelling at yourself for you -blam!-ness. If a 17 year old plays and game and actually gets influenced by it then he is too gullable and would do anything on a daily basis no matter how stupid it was, and not just from video games. SO QUIT BEING -blam!-S!
[Edited on 10/5/2004 3:11:55 PM]