Andrew Tracy (FGCU) - WoW Addicts

With rehab shows gaining popularity such “Intervention” and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” addictions in our culture are becoming more and more apparent. Some which were obviously noticeable before such as drugs and alcohol. But with the introduction of the internet and mass multi online role playing games (also known as MMORPGS) the emersion of potentially life crippling new vices have surfaced in our society.

Video games have always had a bad rap for violence and supposedly turning our nation’s youth to nothing more than mindless zombies. However what about games like World of War Craft, they seem innocent enough with their graphics being as realistic as a Disney movie. What is dangerous about these games is they offer an illusion of a healthy social life. Those who do not have healthy social lives or have recently suffered from a socially traumatic experience such as a death of a family member or a bad break up turn to these MMORPG’s just as some would alcohol or drugs. It offers an escape which many normally find through the traditional outlets of substance abuse. The effects are just as life altering. Many people become absorbed in these MMORPG’s substituting their social life for a virtual social life, leaving behind their friend’s families and jobs. This removal from society promotes detrimental social health and in severe cases can cause social anxiety, depression, and obesity. Many people however do not realize the seriousness of this growing problem. Many people already have lost their jobs and ruined their lives with little or no concern from family members while travelling down this path to social destruction.

The reasoning behind this is that the product is mass-produced and marketed as any other game out there. The only difference is the popularity of these games, having a rating of teen, means that anyone over the age of twelve is fair game. With more than ten million people playing it is used more than any illicit drug, and more acceptable than any other outlet.

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