Day 8 in our Writing101 assignment, to write something inspired by a comment I made on someone else’s blog. Looking back through my comments one caught my eye: Fellow blogger Marquessa wrote an article about how addictive blogging can be and it occurred to me that apparently there are several kinds of addiction, and the people around you will react to each one very differently.
For instance, have you heard people mentioning how running get’s their endorphin flowing through their body, making them only want to run more? People think that is a commendable addiction. Me, I like endorphin too, but I’ve heard you can get it eating chocolate. So I’ll just stick to eating a lot of that, as my sporting-gene is totally absent.
Have you read the Shopaholics books? Shopping can be an addiction too, but as long as you have the money to spend on it, it seldom leads to problems other then an overflowing wardrobe. I know some people who feel they can’t survive the winter with just one pair of new Ugg’s. Me, I like to buy what is needed, but I’d rather save my money for games.
There’s addicted to eating. Hmm, there’s a nice tie-in with the chocolate. I’m afraid I might just have a problem there, several diets later and I only seem to gain weight. When I was 16 yrs old I dieted to lose a kilo or two, and now I would kill to weigh again what I weighed then!
All of these addictions aren’t considered bad and dangerous. Why is it then that I’ve been accused of being addicted to gaming, with an admonishing look, pointing finger and promises of a life thrown away? This happened especially when I played Animal Crossing for 18 months straight back in 2006. I ask you, if I walk outside in the sunshine, is it so strange that when I see a butterfly I try to take out my net? Or when I pretend to not be home when I see a squirrel, fearing his name is Lyle and knowing that when I make eye contact he will want to inspect my room? Or when I see an air balloon and I wonder if I can shoot it down for a present?
Surely this is not a sign of an addiction? Or do you think I should google to find Animal Crossing Addicts Anonymous?
Oh, before I forget, don’t forget the take the poll! What topics would you like to see covered on my website?
Chocolate and gaming are two addictions I cannot beat. Gaming is pretty tame, as far as addictions go. Some people get too carried away though (such as parents who neglect their kids because they are hooked on an MMO.)
True, that wouldn’t be advisable, but most of the time it’s indeed pretty tame. Though some parents might disagree!
I think it entirely depends on the person. Anytime you add an unstable mind into the mix, you’re going to get bad results. If an addiction becomes the center of your life to the point where you’re neglecting to take care of your priorities (kids being #1), then you’ve already gone too far. Any_thing you can think of can be an obsession or addiction. Food ones can lead to eating disorders (which are a problem in the US) or unhealthy heart/weight, shopping can lead to bankruptcy and hoarding-type situations (like those that are exploited on tv), and eventually the money_does_run out.
I think as addictions go, gaming is a good one to have – but then I’m talking about balance. Most of us know all about that, and we have no choice but to let our obsession get interrupted (repeatedly). Gone are the days where I can spend an entire afternoon and night (staying up til dawn) and gaming to my heart’s content! I miss those days, but I wouldn’t trade what I have in my life now either. (And I still have the gaming bug.) Plus, I know I have an “empty nest” to look forward to one day! haha
True, anything can lead to an addiction, and for many people it does. There are even worse addictions, but I tried to keep it light here. My point was that while other “addictions” can be laughed away, somehow lots of people tend to think gaming addiction is bad, very bad. But what’s so wrong at wanting to whip out your bug net? (Sarcastic smile)
Just you wait, in a few years time you’ll have plenty of time on your hands again, and then you’ll wish for a full house again!
Perhaps gaming is an addiction, however, I consider it harmless. I agree with Sarah A. that it depends on the person. There are some that are extremists and anything can lead them to neglect taking care of priorities. Also, remember the word hobby? I would consider gaming a hobby.
Very true, I guess all excessive behavior has a tendency to make the word addiction negative. Taking care of everyday priorities has to be first and foremost!
Addiction is stereo-typed as a negative word but like what you said, it can be positive too! )
Lol, we gotta keep those endorphins coming, right?
hahahaha 😀
This made me splutter with laughter when you started talking about the net and the squirrel. Love it.
Thanks! Have you ever played Animal Crossing?
I think any kind of addiction could be reasonably defined as bad, so long as it’s an actual addiction and not just a “fun” way to describe your enthusiasm for something. A true addiction to anything takes control from you and will even interfere with other important aspects of your life.
It’s frustrating when people express a negative opinion of gaming because an addiction ruined someone’s life that they knew or read about in a news article. Such things are not the fault of gaming, but the addiction. And sure, games can be addictive, what can’t be? So long as the things we enjoy are not harmful to our health or not allowed to interfere with jobs, bills, you know, adult responsibilities, then they are just that. Things we enjoy. Cheers!
The way I describe my addiction to gaming is in a fun way, you made that distinction just right. It sums it up perfectly, it shouldn’t be harmful to our health, and it can’t make you neglect real life. I guess that’s the boundary.