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October 20, 2008, 2:54 pm PDT
10/20 Virtual Chaos
Quote From: fabratI have 2 boys ages 14 and 11. They both love video games and the oldest loves the rpg games. However I have a very strict rule of no EQ and no WOW. I have heard way too many stories of addiction associated with these games. I have rules for video games in general. On nice sunny days my kids are required to spend at least one hour playing out in the sun. They also have to keep up with school work and bring in good grades to even play video games. On the weekends if we go somewhere the psp stay at home. If then have done chores then they will likely get several hours to play video games. Now my youngest would rather be out riding his bike or playing with friends than to play a video game. My oldest is starting to like riding a skateboard. They still love games but they see there is more to life other than games. My 16y/o daughter started talking to this boy she knew from school. At first it was fine they talked every day and for long periods of time. At one point he told her that she was the only girl who made him want to stop playing WOW to spent time with her. She refused to talk while he played that game. After only about 2 weeks or so his calls became shorter and shorter and before long he was right back into that game. He has only 1 good friend and has never had a girlfriend. I think that's really sad. Parents need to take time to teach their kids that there is a lot more to life than video games!!!!!!!!!! While that was certainly your daughter's prerogative to not wish to talk with him so long as he played the game, however it was practically inevitable this scenario would take place. She essentially ordered him to do something he did not wish to do. Of course I am unaware if she did not want him playing the game period whenever she was around or never wanted him to touch it. The latter is ridiculously unreasonable and the former will cause arguments depending how demanding she is.
Nevertheless the statement you made that his boy having few friends and not ever had a girlfriend is absolutely ridiculous. He is sixteen and frankly if his choice his to play video games, he is well within his rights to make that discussion. It is not like what we viewed on Dr. Phil; this young man does not have the responsibilities of a married man and does not necessary have to work.
At Twenty years of age myself, I am quite a technology addict given that I spend unbelievable hours on either a computer or video game; mostly on the former however practically never on a PC game such as World of Warcraft (a game to this day I have not played) and am quite capable and willing to do a variety of different things. I admit a vast majority of my overall activities require a computer (writing, music, friends)
However despite the shocking number of hours I spend gaming/on the PC none of the experiences showcased on today's show are even remotely accredited to my personality. So in essence I am addicted only in the sense I spread far too much time online, not in the sense it is damaging my life; it is nothing beyond a fun activity I choose to partake in.
The reason I typed this was to deal with the misinformed people who claim video games are an issue. Oh and before you ask, no I have not dated, although it has little do to with gaming. I have other goals and priorities that are indeed removed from gaming and am not interested in dating whatsoever.
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