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A UK researcher believes current MMO game addiction numbers are a bit higher than they truly are

A number of researchers are conducting studies as to whether or not the addiction to Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) can be harmful to gamers.  A recent report from Dr. John Charlton, psychology research fellow at the University of Bolton, found that "incidences of addiction could be 10% lower than some currently accepted classification schemes suggest."      

Comparing the symptoms of video game addiction and gambling addiction has been popular in the past, even though Charlton believes some of the symptoms in gaming addiction are not the same as in gambling addiction.  "This is my second research project in this field to confirm this outcome; that several symptoms researchers had thought were important in diagnosing computing-related addictions were actually only indicicative of high, but non-addictive, involvement," Charlton said.

Charlton wants to make it clear that he still realizes the devastating impact that gaming addiction can cause.  The addiction can be "potentially damaging for players' work, home and social life."  In a survey of 400 Asheron's Call gamers, 50 percent admitted to not getting a proper amount of sleep, 40 percent admitted their social life suffered, 40 percent said the amount of game play was causing issues at home, 35 percent said they missed meals to continue game play, and 30 percent admitted that gameplay interfered with work.

Research involving the MMOG genre exploded the past year or so, with researchers like Nick Yee leading the way.  Research firms expected there will be more than 10 million MMOG users worldwide by 2011.

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RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By Christopher1 on 3/24/2007 10:34:12 PM , Rating: 0
The problem with these studies, however is that they do not take into account how much of a social life people have ANYWAY before they get 'hooked' on the MMORPG's.

I, personally, go out MORE now than I did before I got 'hooked' on Maple Story, though my parents are still telling me "You have to get out, find a girlfriend (not likely with my attractions!), and have a life outside of those games!"

Personally, I've tried that. However the only people who I can stand to spend ANY time at all with in large doses are...... children.
Most parents don't WANT some stranger always being around their children, because they think they are a 'dangerous' pedophile (of which I am the latter, but not the former).


RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By SomeYoungMan on 3/24/2007 10:41:33 PM , Rating: 2
Huh?


By dyls on 3/24/2007 11:07:31 PM , Rating: 1
Hang on...you do realise you just came out as a pedophile on a public forum, right? : /


RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By Pythias on 3/25/2007 12:35:14 AM , Rating: 1
quote:
because they think they are a 'dangerous' pedophile (of which I am the latter, but not the former).


All paedophiles are dangerous to children by their very nature. Please just kill yourself.


RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By MarkHark on 3/25/2007 12:50:05 AM , Rating: 3
I guess he was just making an etymological joke.

Pedo-phyle, from greek, means literally "Friend of children"


RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By peternelson on 3/25/2007 3:07:15 AM , Rating: 2
Some of my best friends are children.

Many adults are twofaced, backstabbing, jealous, covetous, competitive, and borrow your money then don't pay it back.

In contrast many children have a wonderful innocence.

In truth I have friends from 7 through 77, and it is a sick society that tries to say that isn't healthy or normal to straddle generational gaps. Indeed it is highly valuable for mentoring and community cohesion.


RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By peternelson on 3/25/2007 3:33:14 AM , Rating: 3
Meanwhile, back on topic, compulsive immersed behaviours are not restricted to computerised gaming.

IMO many soccer fans or anglers can be very dedicated and immersed in their sport, so that their work, relationships may suffer from it.

Gambling addiction is probably different since money is involved, giving incentive to try and play to win, and if you lose you may want to chase your losses.

In MMORG it's not real money, but there may be status associated with achieving certain points levels, certain weapon upgrades etc.

The main thing is have fun without ruining your life or studies. Moderate use is highly recommended.

At least things like Second Life have some position elements like creative design and interacting more with others, even if virtually. However, if you also know your fellow players in real life, the gaming could augment your real-life relationships.


By Spivonious on 3/26/2007 10:01:34 AM , Rating: 2
Yeah, it doesn't matter what the "addiction" is. Too much of anything is a bad thing.


By MikeyJ79 on 3/25/2007 3:10:42 AM , Rating: 2
I was also disturbed by the wording of his statement, but telling one to kill himself is wrong.


By Tilmitt on 3/25/2007 5:06:46 PM , Rating: 2
Mention the word "children" and moral hysteria always ensues...


RE: Not very harmful if you're smart...
By rrsurfer1 on 3/26/2007 10:59:58 AM , Rating: 2
Yea this guy has come out and point blank said this crap many times before. At least 3 times that I've seen. Personally I'm not sure why this board hasn't banned him. I understand free speech but there is a line. Honestly I hope some law enforcement reads this board and goes after this guy, cause I'm sure he's doing some very illegal things in his free time.


By brinox on 3/26/2007 2:59:19 PM , Rating: 2
i make to say this guy is most likely lying his a** off and does not care what people think of what he says.


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