Computer Game Addiction
A couple of cases have fallen to me in the past week. They have in common, COMPUTER ADDICTION. In this case it is not porn addiction, but rather to a game I had not heard of before. I do not want to mention the game here as I would not like to enable anyone getting there. I was struck by the depth of involvement it solicited from each of these people. Another surprise is that age range for my clients spans over 15 years. That means we have teens and adults caught in the same trap. Why did this happen and what to do??
I find it interesting that both of these cases present themselves a day apart. When I think of addiction, I think in terms of a behavior that is unmanageable and is dominating the other facets of ones life to a detrimental effect. Addiction in fact, takes away from someone's life. Certainly in these cases this is true.
I asked why? Why is this game, and I am sure their are others, so devastating and so compelling? I would like to share my thoughts with you.
1. These games are a virtual social event. Those involved are able to make the necessary online relationships to reach a goal. Online players don't go through normal hoops of relationships building which presents almost no risk. By risk I am referring to the practice one goes through of learning how to interact with people in the real world.
2. These games are gratifying no matter ones level of competency. Right from the start they are a "can do" situation so one feels good right a way and does not experience the frustrations or the good feelings of mastery as one ramps up capability.
3. Their are built in points of recognizable accomplishment. Affirmation so sought after.
4 Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of these games is that there is no logical end to the game. One must just stop playing "cold turkey". It is not like there is an end and now we all go do something else. It is like a ball game that never ends so the spectators just stay in their seats.
A reminder that like all good things, even the computer has a down side.
