Gaming?
Is it just me or does everyone have a love hate relationship with the family computer?
I use the internet everyday for work. And it’s the greatest invention ever for radio announcers, but I guess it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, the internet has probably revolutionised your work.
At home though, I think I hate it. My kids are right into some thing called End Game at the moment. I don’t know what it is (I don’t want to know what it is…I just want them to turn off the computer and go outside). It is such a waste of time. Not to mention the fact I am sick of referreeing over whose turn it supposedly is.
A study just conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine, found that "more than one out of eight Americans exhibited at least one possible sign of problematic internet use".
Apparently, internet addicts are exhibiting similar behaviour to alcoholics.
In particular, doctors point to people hiding their nonessential internet use and using the internet to make themselves feel better.
The study investigated people who reported they found it hard to stay away from the internet for several days at a time, people who attempted to conceal non-essential internet use from family, friends and employers and those who felt their relationships suffered as a result of excessive internet use.
Of particular concern are people who use the internet as a way to escape problems or relieve negative moods. Affected families liken internet addiction to drug use….with personality changes, social withdrawal and aggressive and secretive behaviour the norm.
Doctors are most concerned about the people known as ‘gamers’. These are people who live inside a virtual world…the game of the moment is apparently World of Warcraft (or WoW for the initiated).
They say normal participation in this game is around 30 hours a week! True addicts, even more. In May this year a 13 year old chinese boy threw himelf off his apartment building after playing World of Warcraft for 36 hours straight.
For the record, I don’t think we’re quite there at my house yet but if you’re worried about yourself or someone in your family, NetAlert is the Australian government body which offers a free telephone helpline …the number to call 1800 880 176.
I use the internet everyday for work. And it’s the greatest invention ever for radio announcers, but I guess it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, the internet has probably revolutionised your work.
At home though, I think I hate it. My kids are right into some thing called End Game at the moment. I don’t know what it is (I don’t want to know what it is…I just want them to turn off the computer and go outside). It is such a waste of time. Not to mention the fact I am sick of referreeing over whose turn it supposedly is.
A study just conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine, found that "more than one out of eight Americans exhibited at least one possible sign of problematic internet use".
Apparently, internet addicts are exhibiting similar behaviour to alcoholics.
In particular, doctors point to people hiding their nonessential internet use and using the internet to make themselves feel better.
The study investigated people who reported they found it hard to stay away from the internet for several days at a time, people who attempted to conceal non-essential internet use from family, friends and employers and those who felt their relationships suffered as a result of excessive internet use.
Of particular concern are people who use the internet as a way to escape problems or relieve negative moods. Affected families liken internet addiction to drug use….with personality changes, social withdrawal and aggressive and secretive behaviour the norm.
Doctors are most concerned about the people known as ‘gamers’. These are people who live inside a virtual world…the game of the moment is apparently World of Warcraft (or WoW for the initiated).
They say normal participation in this game is around 30 hours a week! True addicts, even more. In May this year a 13 year old chinese boy threw himelf off his apartment building after playing World of Warcraft for 36 hours straight.
For the record, I don’t think we’re quite there at my house yet but if you’re worried about yourself or someone in your family, NetAlert is the Australian government body which offers a free telephone helpline …the number to call 1800 880 176.
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