MMOG Addiction Makes Mainstream Media

Via Game Politics, a story in the Philedelphia Inquirer about Massively Multiplayer Game addiction. The lengthy article looks at the usual complaints from gamers too wrapped up in WoW or Everquest to deal with their real lives. It's surprisingly even-handed, though, showing both sides of the issue. From the article: "Not everyone into Warcraft, EverQuest and other MMORPGs neglects his or her life. Those most susceptible have preexisting problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders, therapists say. Temple University psychology professor Donald A. Hantula said he believed the medium was not to blame for dysfunctional behavior by its users. 'I know people who spend 40 or 50 hours a week playing golf,' said Hantula, who is executive editor of the Journal of Social Psychology."

Comments

Anyone notice the typo?

[everphilski]

Kate Bennett plays "World of Wasrcraft" in the bedroom of her apartment near Pottstown. Bennett, a counselor who has dealt with online game addictions, is herself an avid player.

That's, of course "World of Warcraft," unless Wasrcraft is some kinky sex game I haven't been made aware of (playing in the bedroom, after all...)

Re:Worthless use of time too

[RingDev]

I play about 2-3 hours a night most nights. We put the kid down at 8, tidy up a bit, and jump online around 8:30-9:00, then play until 10 or 11 most nights, maybe a bit later on saturdays and sundays. So maybe 20-25 hours a week.

Before WoW my wife and I would most likely spend that time playing single player games (we had just gone through dungeon seige for the umpteenth time when we picked up wow), or watching Law and Order/CSI reruns on TV.

We definately socialize more with eachother while playing WoW then we do when we were watching TV. Infact, our marrage has greatly improved since we started playing (much to my suprise as much as anyone else's!). Although we go out to bars less often. Of course, the two of us at a bar, drinking, shooting pool, etc... will run up a $50+ tab in a night. Not to mention having to get a baby sitter, and dealing with a toddler and a hang over.

I don't know, maybe we're a fluke. But if you can keep your personal life first, it seems like a good inexpensive way to relax and enjoy socializing while gaming.

-Rick