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Is being addicted to MMOs as bad as being addicted to drugs?

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Comments

  • ItzcoliuhquiItzcoliuhqui Member Posts: 94

    Quoting Aldous Huxley:" Who lives longer? the man who takes heroin for two years and dies, or a man who lives on roast beef, water and potatoes 'till 95? One passes his 24 months in eternity. All the years of the beefeater are lived only in time. "

    I say neither is bad, as long as it's delivering.

    The Anti Social Gamer

  • SpungeXSpungeX Member Posts: 144
    I think it's too much of an open question. Depends on the drug, level of drug addiction and the level of MMO addiction. An addiction to cigarettes would be a lot worse on your health than an MMO addiction but the MMO would be a lot worse socially. The thing with some drugs is you can still do normal things, work, socialse maybe even exercie while on them but if you're playing mmo you have to be in front of your computer. Also MMO is entirely psychological addiction and initial withdrawal would not be as bad as alcohol or heroin which have very bad physical withdrawal symptoms.
  • TrellotTrellot Member Posts: 53
    Originally posted by Vhaln


     
     
    When reading, the mind is quite active, as we imagine all that we're reading. When gaming, it's like being in a zone, almost more like spacing out, while being hyperfocused on the task at hand. As if the imagination is being completely shut down. At least, that's my experience, and I'd say, that may have something to do with what makes it so addictive.



    Very interesting viewpoint. 

    Trellot

  • Takai001Takai001 Member Posts: 248

    Doing drugs isn't always expensive if you got a close dealer. I'm really doubting your knowledge of drugs. I've done almost all of them and most of you claims isn't always correct. It "destroys" lives because people don't know how to handle themselves. And drugs don't waste my life away, it enhances it. So screw you... I'm going to go do 7 lines.

    Mustache is a cat
    That has to go to the vet
    Do your taxes now

  • foliotfoliot Member Posts: 88
    I dont understand how people can get obsessed with a mmo.  I hated WoW, which ~6 million people play.  Actually one of the only mmo's that i liked was pre- nge SWG, and i had the self control to get off the computer when i had to do something.  Its a mmo, not a fps, you can quit and pick up where you left off in most cases.
  • ZindaihasZindaihas Member UncommonPosts: 3,662

    Posted by Takai001 - "I'm really doubting your knowledge of drugs."

    As well you should.  I've never done an illegal drug in my life.  I don't even like taking cough medicine.  This body's all natural.  So my knowledge of illicit drugs is extremely limited.  But from what I do know, you can have them.  I'd rather keep my wits about me.  But that doesn't mean that I don't have my weaknesses.  Like I said, I was very close to, if not actually addicted to EQ.  And as soon as I get my new computer (which I forked out a bundle for), I'm giving VG:SoH a try and if it's as good as I'm hoping, it may happen again.  God help me

  • FaurFaur Member Posts: 330
    Originally posted by foliot

    I dont understand how people can get obsessed with a mmo.  I hated WoW, which ~6 million people play.  Actually one of the only mmo's that i liked was pre- nge SWG, and i had the self control to get off the computer when i had to do something.  Its a mmo, not a fps, you can quit and pick up where you left off in most cases.
    Actually I think (some) mmo's are more "demanding" of your time in that respect. I'm an avid unreal tournament player, and I have no problems quitting in the middle of the match, I even have a key bound specifically for exiting the app instantly. I've no problems pressing it if my phone rings or when I need a drink.



    The problem with a lot of mmo's is how you have to dedicate yourself to other *people* and not really the game itself. Say for example if you're a buffer class and you join a party. You end up going to a really high end dungeon that's a chore to make your way into - say 45 minutes just to get there - and you can *only* do that dungeon with the team makeup you currently have. If *one* person leaves - especially the buffer or healer - the entire group has to split. A lot of people just can't bring themselves to going "sorry guys, I really have to go get some sleep" or something because they don't want to disappoint the others.



    I've noticed this being a problem in games like Lineage 2 and WoW. Especially with regards to raids and whatnot.
  • Takai001Takai001 Member Posts: 248


    Originally posted by Zindaihas
    Posted by Takai001 - "I'm really doubting your knowledge of drugs."
    As well you should.  I've never done an illegal drug in my life.  I don't even like taking cough medicine.  This body's all natural.  So my knowledge of illicit drugs is extremely limited.  But from what I do know, you can have them.  I'd rather keep my wits about me.  But that doesn't mean that I don't have my weaknesses.  Like I said, I was very close to, if not actually addicted to EQ.  And as soon as I get my new computer (which I forked out a bundle for), I'm giving VG:SoH a try and if it's as good as I'm hoping, it may happen again.  God help me

    You should really sample something before talking like an expert.

    Mustache is a cat
    That has to go to the vet
    Do your taxes now

  • SigneSigne Member, Newbie CommonPosts: 2,524
    Yes, you should really try some of those illegal drugs before you talk about them.  If the police try and arrest you, just tell them it's a test.  I'm sure they'll understand! 
  • BlueMoonTMBlueMoonTM Member Posts: 25
    Drugs are actually worse, but not by far.
  • MadAceMadAce Member Posts: 2,461
    Originally posted by neris

    Drugs are actually worse, but not by far.
    I'll correct you. Drugs are worse, far worse and by a giant margin.
  • LasraikLasraik Member Posts: 170
    Originally posted by MadAce

    Originally posted by neris

    Drugs are actually worse, but not by far.
    I'll correct you. Drugs are worse, far worse and by a giant margin.

     

    Yep, they are far worse. 

    For those of you comparing the two, you must have never known a drug addict, or be very educated in what drugs to do a person.  To compare the two is just ridiculous.

    Turn off the computer and go get some real life interaction.

  • SBC3SBC3 Member, Newbie CommonPosts: 372
    I dont think it is as bad as "DRUGS" but like others say any addiction is bad in a way.
  • Takai001Takai001 Member Posts: 248


    Originally posted by Signe
    Yes, you should really try some of those illegal drugs before you talk about them.  If the police try and arrest you, just tell them it's a test.  I'm sure they'll understand!  image
    Yeah, thats why you don't sit there and do it outside like a backwoods retard fool.

    Mustache is a cat
    That has to go to the vet
    Do your taxes now

  • necrotherionnecrotherion Member Posts: 130
    I've done both, though I've never been addicted, but I know people who have.



    It all depends on the person's personality and how bad they get addicted. I don't want to sound like I'm stroking my e-peen here, but I simply have not been "addicted" per se to literally anything. Ecstasy, crack, and smack (heroin) are apparently the most addictive substances out there, but nope, nothing, and I used to do a loooot of those (especially the opiates). My definition of addiction is that a person spends all their discretionary income (and sometimes even the income they use to live :O) and their time on these things on a regular basis, and can't stop when they need to.



    This being said, if someone is addicted, I think being addicted to MMORPGs is worse than being addicted to drugs. Though being addicted to anything is *bad*, I've seen people play 10+ hours a day, during school days, skipping school and such, just to stay home playing. This is bad because while at least drugs render you some kind of social life (if you're not a complete loser), MMORPGs distance you from everyone and eat up way more time than drugs. Of course, drugs have detrimental effects on your health, but I'm sure everyone is well aware of this. Most people laugh off the fact that playing a video game is physically and mentally unhealthy, and I'd have to agree, but when spending more than a third of one's day in a physically inactive state in front of a monitor, no one can dispute that's unhealthy.



    So, to conclude, my opinion is both are bad, MMORPGs are worse, but then again, depends on the person. Feel free to challenge me :D
  • necrotherionnecrotherion Member Posts: 130
    Originally posted by ianubisi


    Anything that causes you to neglect your responsibilities is bad for you.
    Everything in moderation.
    Aye, I agree here. "not too much and not too often" is my motto.
  • MadAceMadAce Member Posts: 2,461
    Originally posted by necrotherion

    I've done both, though I've never been addicted, but I know people who have.



    It all depends on the person's personality and how bad they get addicted. I don't want to sound like I'm stroking my e-peen here, but I simply have not been "addicted" per se to literally anything. Ecstasy, crack, and smack (heroin) are apparently the most addictive substances out there, but nope, nothing, and I used to do a loooot of those (especially the opiates). My definition of addiction is that a person spends all their discretionary income (and sometimes even the income they use to live :O) and their time on these things on a regular basis, and can't stop when they need to.



    This being said, if someone is addicted, I think being addicted to MMORPGs is worse than being addicted to drugs. Though being addicted to anything is *bad*, I've seen people play 10+ hours a day, during school days, skipping school and such, just to stay home playing. This is bad because while at least drugs render you some kind of social life (if you're not a complete loser), MMORPGs distance you from everyone and eat up way more time than drugs. Of course, drugs have detrimental effects on your health, but I'm sure everyone is well aware of this. Most people laugh off the fact that playing a video game is physically and mentally unhealthy, and I'd have to agree, but when spending more than a third of one's day in a physically inactive state in front of a monitor, no one can dispute that's unhealthy.



    So, to conclude, my opinion is both are bad, MMORPGs are worse, but then again, depends on the person. Feel free to challenge me :D
    You have any idea how fucking wrong you are?

    You clearly have no idea what you're talking about.
  • DamillionDamillion Member Posts: 8
    The big diffrence here is that just because you are addicted to a game does not mean that you sit all day by the computer. =) I was getting addicted to WoW, so I quit playing (I managed ;D). Anyway, in the end of WoW I played like three hours per week due to that I was so bored. Addictions are never good though.

    "One voice, one but not alone"

  • necrotherionnecrotherion Member Posts: 130
    Originally posted by MadAce

    Originally posted by necrotherion

    I've done both, though I've never been addicted, but I know people who have.



    It all depends on the person's personality and how bad they get addicted. I don't want to sound like I'm stroking my e-peen here, but I simply have not been "addicted" per se to literally anything. Ecstasy, crack, and smack (heroin) are apparently the most addictive substances out there, but nope, nothing, and I used to do a loooot of those (especially the opiates). My definition of addiction is that a person spends all their discretionary income (and sometimes even the income they use to live :O) and their time on these things on a regular basis, and can't stop when they need to.



    This being said, if someone is addicted, I think being addicted to MMORPGs is worse than being addicted to drugs. Though being addicted to anything is *bad*, I've seen people play 10+ hours a day, during school days, skipping school and such, just to stay home playing. This is bad because while at least drugs render you some kind of social life (if you're not a complete loser), MMORPGs distance you from everyone and eat up way more time than drugs. Of course, drugs have detrimental effects on your health, but I'm sure everyone is well aware of this. Most people laugh off the fact that playing a video game is physically and mentally unhealthy, and I'd have to agree, but when spending more than a third of one's day in a physically inactive state in front of a monitor, no one can dispute that's unhealthy.



    So, to conclude, my opinion is both are bad, MMORPGs are worse, but then again, depends on the person. Feel free to challenge me :D
    You have any idea how fucking wrong you are?

    You clearly have no idea what you're talking about.  Hey, all I can say is I've done both and that's my POV.
  • brostynbrostyn Member, Newbie CommonPosts: 3,092
    MMOs are not as bad as drugs. Unless, of course, you play to death, literally. I suppose in rare instances, its as bad as drug addiction. To say otherwise is pure naivety, imo.



    Depending on severity I could see being addicted to MMOs are as bad as drugs, but that would be extremely rare. We've all heard and read about people who lose their families, jobs and even lives due to MMO addiction. Addiction is a dangerous thing no matter what addiction is to.



    MMOs are also very easy to break. I do believe they have a addicting effect, though.





    I would say drug addiction is far more dangerous, which was not the question. I believe the people insulting others about getting a life are answering that one.
  • MadAceMadAce Member Posts: 2,461
    Originally posted by necrotherion

    Originally posted by MadAce

    Originally posted by necrotherion

    I've done both, though I've never been addicted, but I know people who have.



    It all depends on the person's personality and how bad they get addicted. I don't want to sound like I'm stroking my e-peen here, but I simply have not been "addicted" per se to literally anything. Ecstasy, crack, and smack (heroin) are apparently the most addictive substances out there, but nope, nothing, and I used to do a loooot of those (especially the opiates). My definition of addiction is that a person spends all their discretionary income (and sometimes even the income they use to live :O) and their time on these things on a regular basis, and can't stop when they need to.



    This being said, if someone is addicted, I think being addicted to MMORPGs is worse than being addicted to drugs. Though being addicted to anything is *bad*, I've seen people play 10+ hours a day, during school days, skipping school and such, just to stay home playing. This is bad because while at least drugs render you some kind of social life (if you're not a complete loser), MMORPGs distance you from everyone and eat up way more time than drugs. Of course, drugs have detrimental effects on your health, but I'm sure everyone is well aware of this. Most people laugh off the fact that playing a video game is physically and mentally unhealthy, and I'd have to agree, but when spending more than a third of one's day in a physically inactive state in front of a monitor, no one can dispute that's unhealthy.



    So, to conclude, my opinion is both are bad, MMORPGs are worse, but then again, depends on the person. Feel free to challenge me :D
    You have any idea how fucking wrong you are?

    You clearly have no idea what you're talking about.  Hey, all I can say is I've done both and that's my POV.



    True, true. But some may think that considering your experience you are to be trusted that drug addiction isn't that bad... (because some may think mmo addiction isn't harmful at all)



    I'de hate to draw the "personal experience card'" but I think I should for the sakes of clarity. Drugs not only make you hurt yourqelf but also everyone around you. Even if you manage to get rid of the addiction it's very unlikely you will recover 100%, either mentally, physically or financially. Same for the people that tried to support you or simply were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

    I don't see someone start mugging, pickpocketing or burgling to support their mmo habit. This is certainly the case if you're stuck on hard drugs (or even on soft drugs the wrong way).



    Trust me on this.
  • KimonoKimono Member Posts: 19
    Having been addicted to several hard core mmos in the past I'm starting to appreciate more casual mmos like DDO and LOTR. You can play for like 2 hours a day and have fun without sacrificing your life.
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