Internet addiction features prominently in two of today's new articles, but while one demonstrates unthinkable consequences, the other points out the potential benefits that may be had through an online gaming platform.
In the first article, news reports say a South Korean couple addicted to an Internet game about raising a virtual child were arrested for neglecting their real three month old daughter and letting her starve to death.
In the second article, World Bank has developed and funded an on-line game called Evoke that bills itself as a "10-week crash course in changing the world." According to the article, 'Evoke, which was launched Wednesday, "offers young users points for completing 10 weekly challenges that call for "world-changing" skills like collaboration, creativity, sustainability and local insight. In May, the game's top performers will win prizes like online mentorships with "social innovators" and business leaders, as well as scholarships. ' Critics of the game argue that the money would have been better spent directly in South Africa, the country that is supposed to be benefitting from the game, rather than on a dubious experiment.
While the death of a child is an obviously horrific and very real consequence of the South Korean couple's internet addiction, (the two met online, are currently unemployed, and spend hours each day at Internet cafes playing online games), is enticing young people to learn how to "change the world" online a valid concept or playing with fire?
Dr. Kimberly young, founder and director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, was quoted as saying "That while online gaming can be addictive to some, it can be a great way to promote social benefits."
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This article is interesting. I agree with this article in the sense that people look for that social escape through whatever means they can. It is sad becasue this is the way that they choose to better their lives. People sometimes through addictions can become more concerned about making their "virtual" lives better than there actual lives. It truly is a sad thing to see people loose self control, to things such as the internet. It truly is a sad ordeal.
ReplyDeleteSpencer Ward said...
ReplyDeleteHoly smokes! I didn't realize that internet addiction was this bad. This article has really opened my eyes to the danger of internet addiction. Personally I can't play games by myself; it's too boring but I guess for some people it is an addiction that needs to be fueled everyday. I will definitely watch my future children and limit their video game play. They should be out playing outside anyways.
I would have never guessed that internet addition could be this severe. The fact that parents, particularly a mother would neglect her child for internet is obscene. I however, don't think that Evoke is such a bad idea. The game seems like it's an attempt at developing some pretty important skills.
ReplyDeleteFor the stupidity these two people demonstrated, they also should loose their life since their child did.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, all addiction is about self control. A person can be addicted to cigarettes, beer, food or internet games. What many people on the face of the planet need to learn is....SELF CONTROL! I get so restless hearing about all these new addiction: sex addicts aka perverts; food addicts aka put down the cheese burger Nelli!; Internet game addict aka inactive, social reculse. Unfortuantely there is no pill or rehab to cure the internet game addict. I suggest taking to Dr Phil.