Clarifying Comments on Internet and Video Game Addictions

I’ve been talking with a new blogger on his opinion regarding my comments published here on January 1st. I was very critical of John Grohol’s position on Internet addiction. The new blogger’s response can be found here.

I responded with the following, especially where Grohol and video gaming was concerned:

My main issue with Dr. Grohol was his complete ignorance on this issue. I take issue with anyone jumping into this debate and embracing either of two extremes:

1. Demonizing gamers and software makers.
2. Making light of the situation and mocking people who are suffering from a new and emerging addiction.

The issue of personal responsibility is woven through my writing and national media appearances in the United States and Canada. Where game addiction is concerned, I believe we’re at the same stage that alcoholism was in the early days of A.A. People used to believe alcoholics were simply weak-willed people who just needed to ’stop drinking and get a job.’ In a more enlightened era, we now know there’s quite a bit more going on the brains of hardcore drinkers, and they desperately need 12-step communities and rehab programs.

Similarly, we are learning more from recent MRI scans of gamers’ brains and the psychological reinforcements schedules built into these games. I believe the game manufacturers have been caught off guard by the addiction issues we’re seeing today, but they have to respond to them – soon!

On a personal note, it takes a serious commitment to quit a destructive gaming habit, and accepting responsibility for the harm I caused is an ongoing process, even after a year of ’sobriety.’

Be sure to check out The Wrath of El Niño blog when you have a moment. The link is in my bookmarks.

Thanks,
Brad

Tags: Dr. John Grohol, online gaming addiction, Video Game Addiction