Can’t stop trying to type “LOL” when you’re talking in regular face-to-face conversation? Having trouble navigating through life without hitting an X or Y button? Think bad guys and monsters lurk around every corner?
You might be a video game addict. Or, at least that’s what a new clinic set to open in Amsterdam seems to think.
According to Spong, Smith & Jones, addiction consultants plan to open their clinic this summer to treat those suffering from a host of video game-related addictions. Those behind the clinic have been offering outpatient services for a while, but intend to branch out into residential treatment soon. I suppose it's better than the father who tried to shoot up his kid's computer.
From Spong:
Director Keith Bakker said the number of teenagers that can no longer stop playing video games is growing alarmingly. "It is a danger for society. An underestimated danger."
Yet, in Japan, there are classes specifically designed to teach older people how to play video games. The theory is that games on devices like the Nintendo DS can help stave off dementia by keeping the mind nimble, focused, and agile. The games touted include not only puzzle and math games, but also titles for pure enjoyment.
From the BBC:
I'd never seen these kind of computers or games before," said Shikoko Koyama. "I saw an advertisement about this class and I thought I'd give it a try. But I don't really get it," she added with a grin.Sitting next to her is Emiko Kuramochi, who earlier had let out a squeal of delight when she scored top marks in the mathematics game.
"I wanted to try this popular brain training game for myself," she said. "My sons can play these games but I can't and I want to challenge them."
So are video games good or bad? Maybe a little of both? Is video game addiction a real phenomenon like alcoholism or drug dependency? Or, is it just hype designed to earn consultants money, get parents off the hook for bad parenting and give people like Jack Thompson a cause to rally?
Let us know what you think.
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