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Video Game Addiction a Real Affliction? Survey Says: Maybe

by Warren Riddle on April 17, 2009 at 05:09 PM



What is the latest dangerous and corrupting movement plaguing youths around the world? Is it that rock 'n' roll? What about death metal or rap? The Internet? Nope, once again it's video games, or rather, kids' addiction to them. Parents, be warned.

This month, GameSpot Australia published an in-depth look at game addiction that attributes unhealthy preoccupations with video games to a natural release of dopamine in the brain. This chemical is responsible for that feeling of euphoria we get when we accomplish something difficult, like finishing a project, or saving the princess. We're not sure if we buy in to GameSpot's dopamine verdict, since the chemical stimulation can come from any positive accomplishment, and it seems that the American Medical Association (AMA) isn't convinced either. The AMA investigated prolonged gaming, but opted to not officially recognize it as an addiction disorder.

For longtime gamers like us, it can be frustrating to see the media bash games like 'Grand Theft Auto' and 'World of Warcraft.' Why blame video games? As with any endeavor, we think that moderation is key. According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, gaming can improve problem-solving skills, dexterity, scientific reasoning, and even eyesight. Douglas Gentile, an Iowa State University psychologist, told IT News that "games are not 'good' or 'bad,' but are powerful educational tools." We couldn't agree more. Hello? McFly? Is anyone listening? [From: GameSpot AU]

Death of Print

    Elle Girl
    In April 2006, Elle Girl's print edition was closed down, but the Web site lives on at ellegirl.com.

    CosmoGirl
    Though it will be folded into Seventeen magazine, the teen version of Cosmopolitan will publish its last print issue in December 2008. It will live on at CosmoGirl.com.

    Christian Science Monitor
    Founded in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, this venerable paper will move all its daily content to the Web starting in 2009, though it will still publish a weekly print version.

    Radar Magazine
    Was it too snarky for its own good? We'll never know, but this modern-day successor to '80s-era Spy magazine shut down in October. AMI, owner of the National Enquirer, bought RadarOnline.com, however, which will focus on celebrity gossip a la TMZ.com.

    US News and World Report
    Once a serious competitor to Time and Newsweek, US News and World Report is now best known for its College guides, which it will continue to publish. The weekly newsmagazine, however, will be turned into a monthly, and all daily operations are moving to the Web at usnews.com.

Tags: addiction, gaming, studies, surveys, top

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