List of addictions growing to include video games?
Steve SchulwitzBy STEVE
SCHULWITZ
News Staff Writer
The Internet and video game systems are huge sources of entertainment for millions of people worldwide. People spend hours a day at home, work and school engaged in, or thinking about, their hobby of choice.
For many "users" the games can consume their everyday lives and often they neglect or choose to ignore their basic responsibilities and duties.
Much has been made in the last several years as to whether extensive use of these activities can lead to addiction and dependency.
Dr. Kimberly Young, PsyD and Clinical Director at the Center for On-line Addiction in Bradford Pennsylvania sees first hand how gaming and internet surfing can have a damaging effect on ones life.
"It's a clinical impulse disorder," Young said. "It is an addiction in the same sense as gambling. Research suggests gambling elevates dopamine levels and gaming is in the same category. Children who play four or five hours a day have no time for socializing, doing homework or playing sports. That takes away from their normal social development."
Atlanta Public School's Superintendent Teresa Stauffer agrees with Young and also notices behavioral changes in her kids.
"I could see in some cases the kids withdrawing from other kids," Stauffer said. "I can also see kids becoming more aggressive from playing certain types of games."
Young says most people who enjoy gaming and most video addicts are males under the age of thirty, but children and teens are more at risk.
"Eighty percent of the world can play video games safely, Young said. "The question is can you always control your gaming activity? It all comes down to monitoring playtime and behavior."
Children and teens would seem to be more at risk of becoming too involved with the games and at least one local educator has noticed how it effects her students.
"From my experience, we see a reduced attention span in the kids," Stauffer said. "Not to mention less homework handed in and poorer grades."
Colburn advises parents and guardians to take the necessary steps to limit the use of the computer or game system.
Rich Coulburn is co-owner of K-otic games in Alpena and although his store sells games, he is aware of the potential pitfalls some of his customers may face.
"First off a video game is not a substitute for a parent," Colburn said. "Monitor the time they spend on it and don't let it be a babysitter. Set specific rules. It is an entertainment tool, but you can overload yourself with them."
For older people who enjoy spending time gaming, it could be more beneficial than harmful.
"Gaming for elderly is more beneficial, because it helps strengthen and preserve their hand-eye coordination and memory," Young said. "But once again, too much of any good thing can be bad for you."
Interactive computer games, which are played simultaneously with other players over the Internet, are the newest craze, but perhaps the most time consuming once involved.
Games such as Worlds of Warcraft and Ruinescape allow players from around the globe to compete against or team up with other players to take on the game. These games, however, are unbeatable.
"Interactive games are probably the most addicting, because you are connected to the other players," Colburn said. "You can message them and if you have a mic connection you can talk. It's more personable. Another thing is there is no end to them. They just keep going."
Because computers are more readily available, serious gamers can continue their games at work, school or almost anywhere if they have a laptop and a wireless connection.
Colburn, who is a gamer himself, believes if used right, video games could be a tool to help bring a family together.
"Families can use them just like board games," Colburn said. "You can get the whole family together and have a special family time in the evenings. It could be a good chance to spend time together."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.
