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

Worthless use of time too

[drewtown]

It's not just that they spend so much time on this, it's also that they get absolutely nothing out of it (unless they are a gold farmer). I used to play 2-3 hours a day on WoW and that was just too much for me. I can't even imagine playing 16 hours a day like many people were reported to on our server. It's more than a full time job for many people.