Addiction

Kelly Byke said...
Hello Tamlin!I really enjoyed learning about what you've discovered in online communities. I was wondering about your reference to the fine line between being an avid online gamer and an addicted one. Is there any research out there that points to what types of people are more susceptible to these kinds of addictions? Do you know why these people become addicted to these games? Perhaps it is solely because of their need to complete a level (or levels), or win?

Kelly, when you asked me this question I started to do a little more research on the subject and found that the research seems to be pretty limited. I however found a very interesting article on this subject written by David Becker (http://news.com.com/2102-1040_3-881673.html?tag=st.util.print).

Becker first stated that many of the online gamers call the games “heroinware” because they are so addictive. Becker found that many of the people who are addicted to these games are lonely; they have “never felt like they belonged.” The games help them belong to some type of group and give them a chance to interact with online friends who are interested in the same things they are.

Becker confirmed that another reason that people become so addicted to these games is because “they have complex systems of goals and achievements.” Becker quoted one gamer as saying “I’d say the most addictive part for me was definitely the gain of power and status.”

I believe that there are many different elements that contribute to people becoming addicted to these games. It could be they are lonely, competitive, like the interaction with other people, or really just enjoy playing because it takes their minds off of other things. I think that people really need to keep an eye on how much they play and realize when it starts to become a problem. When that happens they need to seek help to combat their addiction.

Reference:
Becker, D. (2006, May 14). When Games Stop Being Fun. News.com. Date accessed 4/25/2007. http://news.com.com/2102-1040_3-881673.html?tag=st.util.print.