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Gamers Are Fitter (and Sadder) Than You Think

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the crying-on-a-treadmill dept.

missb writes "According to NewScientist.com, online gamers are no 'couch potatoes'. US researchers quizzed players of the role-playing game EverQuest II, and found adult gamers to be in better physical condition than the average American. The downside, however, was the gamers reported more cases of depression and substance abuse than their compatriots."

6 of 341 comments (clear)

  1. Erm... by clang_jangle · · Score: 5, Funny
    FTA:

    Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, the Palo Alto Research Center, also in California, and the University of Delaware in Newark, quizzed 7000 players of the role-playing game EverQuest II about their physical and mental health. Participants were offered a specially created virtual weapon as an incentive - the "Greatstaff of the Sun Serpent". The researchers then combined the survey responses with statistics about players' online activities and playing habits.

    And we know the results are accurate, because they're working with a demographic famous for honest and forthright self-disclosure.

    IOW: DUH!

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    1. Re:Erm... by i_liek_turtles · · Score: 5, Funny

      If anything, most of the players' right arms are in better physical condition than the average American's.

    2. Re:Erm... by cayenne8 · · Score: 5, Funny
      "I also rarely drink (a beer or two maybe every 2 or 3 months)"

      I feel sorry for those people that don't drink.

      When they get up in the morning, that is the best they're gonna feel ALL DAY.

      :)

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  2. Depression by MrSmith0011000100110 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'd be depressed too if my level 9 elf lost the holy mantle of protection in a battle against a level 15 ranger. I mean come on now....In real life I'd destroy him with my +20 sword.

  3. New exercise regimen by NoisySplatter · · Score: 5, Funny
    From the article:

    The average gamer also engages in vigorous exercise once or twice a week, which the researchers say is more than most Americans.

    This just in! Both chair throwing and jumping around like a monkey count as vigorous exercise.

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  4. Fitter than your average American by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Alegory:

    - Faster than your average snail
    - Larger than your average sand grain
    - Truthier than your average Scientology book
    - Funnier than your average /. post

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