Video Game and Computer Addiction - Is it Really that Serious???

After reading the story about Mia Turman's 17-month old daughter being killed by the child's father, because the child accidentally unplugged his X-Box game and it fell, it makes me wonder, is it really that serious?

On September 12, 2006, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, PA reported that "His confession was she pulled the cords in the game, the system is - the box itself - fell, and he was upset and then responsible for paying for the game, so he hit her in her face twice," Turman said, adding that Spellman also allegedly slung the child over a chair. You can click here for the whole story of "Mother: Father Killed Child Over Video Game."

Like any other addiction, alcohol, drugs, sex and gambling, video games and online computer usage are quickly creeping up the ladder as the addiction of choice among both children and adults. A person can easily spend more than a 40 hour work week on-line on the computer, surfing the internet, socializing in chat rooms, rearranging, sending and receiving files, instant messaging, emailing, playing interactive games and playing free-standing video games as well.

Computers and/or video games have replaced friends and family as the primary source of a person's emotional and social life. Increasingly, to feel good, the addicted person spends more time playing video games or searching the Internet. Time away from the computer or game causes moodiness or withdrawal.

Video games have become so real, so complex and so interactive, that on EA Sports NCAA Football 2007, the gamer can mimic the life of a collegiate football player, down to taking midterms and finals, studying, transferring schools, etc. In The Godfather, a gamer can choose his outfits, get a hair cut, buy weapons at the pawn shop and run around all over New York City to take over different neighborhoods. The Gamer becomes part of this fantasy life. This fantasy life has replaced the gamer's real world.

Here are some of the emotional, psychological and physical symptoms of video game and computer addiction:

• Non-work or school hours are spent online or playing video games
• The amount of hours playing games or computer usage increases
• Lying about video game or computer usage
• Disinterest in other activities, social events and other people who do not share the same gusto for the games or computer
activities, causing strife between family and partners
• Fantasy life replaces real life
• Experience irritability, anger or anxiety when not online or playing games
• Obsessing and pre-occupied about games and being online when not engaged in activity
• Carpal tunnel
• Lack of sleep
• Head, neck and back aches
• Sedentary; weight gain
• Neglect personal care and hygiene

Even though they are rated, the highly violent and sexual content of some of the games and the easy accessibility to this mature content on-line is also an issue. For children, video game and computer usage requires the steady eye and regulation by a parent or guardian. For adults, it may require seeking professional help to re-establish a healthy connection to real-life.

For the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings for video games, you can check out: ESRB Ratings. To set the Security settings on your computer, you will have to open an internet browser and access 'Tools' on the menu toolbar, then 'Internet Options,' and lastly click on 'Security.' Parents can set up an 'account' for their child on the computer and restrict access to certain sites.