Video Game Addiction Support Group
Game addiction is a form of psychological addiction related to a compulsive use of computer and video games. People suffering from this form of addiction may experience intense cravings to play the game and may also suffer symptoms of withdrawal when they stop playing the game. Meet with friendly, supportive people sharing their experiences with Video Game Addiction.
When you feel the most desire to play your video game of preference, what is it that you're wanting?
For me, must of the time, I want to feel a sense of accomplishment or completion. I want to "do" something, to progress. Ironically, however, I am choosing to effectively do nothing.
I guess it's like the hamster jumping in the hamster wheel. I firmly believe the seasoned hamster who's been running in that wheel off and on for months and years knows full well he's not going anywhere or getting anything done. But he feels trapped, boxed-in, bored, or some other sensation, and what else is he to do? Running makes him feel better. He feels like he's addressing his issue, escaping. Running in the wheel, however, does nothing to fix his problem. The little guy is still trapped. His reality remains unchanged, despite the countless cumulative miles he has run.
What is your hamster cage? What has you boxed-in? Have you had a series of bad intimate relationships? Have you an unhealthy fear of success or failure? Have you just played games so long and not done much else that you don't know if you can do anything else?
What makes the virtual world better than your world?
For me, must of the time, I want to feel a sense of accomplishment or completion. I want to "do" something, to progress. Ironically, however, I am choosing to effectively do nothing.
I guess it's like the hamster jumping in the hamster wheel. I firmly believe the seasoned hamster who's been running in that wheel off and on for months and years knows full well he's not going anywhere or getting anything done. But he feels trapped, boxed-in, bored, or some other sensation, and what else is he to do? Running makes him feel better. He feels like he's addressing his issue, escaping. Running in the wheel, however, does nothing to fix his problem. The little guy is still trapped. His reality remains unchanged, despite the countless cumulative miles he has run.
What is your hamster cage? What has you boxed-in? Have you had a series of bad intimate relationships? Have you an unhealthy fear of success or failure? Have you just played games so long and not done much else that you don't know if you can do anything else?
What makes the virtual world better than your world?
About your last question... I can say it varies greatly from gamer to gamer, but for me, the best thing about is the fact you hang out with friends trying to accomplish one same goal (for online-games) which makes you feel a lot more accepted in the virtual world than in the real world.
I think we get addicted when we persistently "can't have a positive approach" in our world and we can't and/or don't want to face it. The hamster cage isn't the games; the hamster cage is whatever barrier we're facing in the real world that we don't want to face. The wheel is the video game.
I agree with you about "optimism and acceptance." How many NPCs and even fellow players in MMOs are complimentary of your success? NPCs are especially kind. "Oh thank you for saving my husband!" "You are a hero indeed for spying on the enemy. Here, take this kick-a$$ sword that you might vanquish even more digital creatures with greater efficiency."
Being apart of a group with purpose is important to all of us, especially a group that respects and values you and has a clear need for you. (I played MMO's, too; can you tell?) Good MMOs definitely provide that, but it can't compete with finding a group like that in reality. So long as we settle for the virtual affirmations, we'll never know actual affirmation.
I'm going to write a journal entry on what else I have to say as I feel I'm deviating from the topic of my own discussion. :P