Curse

Mistress Mindbender · Apr 05, 2006, 06:09 PM // 18:09

I am writing a paper for my English class; it is an argumentive paper on Internet Addiction. I have kind of hit a wall though, I am trying to think of some counter arguments to the statement, "Internet gaming is harmful." It would be helpful to see some opinions from fellow gamers. Just a few questions that might trigger some thought:

Why do you play internet games?

Do you think internet gaming is harmful?

Why is internet gaming a good thing?

What is your defense to statements like, "Your wasting your time playing games."

Any other thoughts/opinions on the subject would be helpful.

Thanks

Lou · Apr 05, 2006, 06:15 PM // 18:15

1. To burn time, and alot of my friends play the same games so I usually just play with them.
2.No
3.Helps to learn to get along with people.
4.It's my time I'll waste it how I want too

Metanoia · Apr 05, 2006, 06:17 PM // 18:17

http://www.nickyee.com/daedalus/arch_cat.php

I'm not sure how much that'll help but it's better than nothing I suppose...

Mavrik · Apr 05, 2006, 06:18 PM // 18:18

Well I'd not say I was an addict... however...

#1. because its a form of entertainment I enjoy. It relaxes me

#2 HELL NO... unless your an addict

#3 Well you can meet up with people around the world you normally would never meet, just have a good time and learn things. It can also be a healthy form of competition getting together with people of the same interests. Much like an internet/gaming cafe.

#4 At least I'm staying off the streets and out of trouble... and its not a waste of time. Its good eye hand cordination training... the world is evolving around computers. Might as well have some fun with it. Its entertaining, like playing a movie or playing a book. It requires reading, puzzle solving, coming up with stratagy. Its a good mind work out.

People who knock it just don't get it or are not good at it. Its like anything else in this world. Staying up all night playing is bad sure... but would we be better off out all night getting into trouble somewhere? I'd rather know all the youth are at home shooting eachother online then out on the streets doing the same thing

Sol_Vie · Apr 05, 2006, 06:26 PM // 18:26

Okay I answered all your questions thoroughly but then my internet crapped out and I lost all that I had said. Either way, Oddlots Irregulars has some interesting articles concerning this stuff

http://www.oddlotsirregulars.com
http://www.oddlotsirregulars.com/?/v...p_cp_patients/
http://www.oddlotsirregulars.com/?/v..._the_children/
http://www.oddlotsirregulars.com/?/v...nk_i t_means/

I will re answer your questions later.

Good luck on your paper.

Okay here are my answers:

Why do you play internet games?
They're a good way to relax. I think that's the biggest reason for most people. They introduce you to other people too. I've made friends through games that really are valuable to me. Some may consider that pathetic, but even if they were my only friends (mind you they aren't), where two people meet shouldn't have an effect on the value of their friendship.

Do you think internet gaming is harmful?
Internet gaming is no more harmful than any other gaming or any other hobby. In moderation, it is fine. In excess it, like anything else, can be extremely harmful.

Why is internet gaming a good thing?
Just like it isn't innately harmful, gaming isn't innately good. If anything, some games can teach a lesson in teamwork and cooperation. (D&D especially, though that isn't an internet game.) Also, computer gaming gives kids an exposure to computers which I believe will be important in the future. As technology advances, computers will be more and more integrated into society and computer fluency will become more of a necessity. While I may not fully like that trend, I'm certain it will happen despite my dislike.

What is your defense to statements like, "Your wasting your time playing games."
Gaming is a hobby like anything else. It just isn't recognized as such. I've had friends criticize me for how much I play games (not only internet games, not only video games). Usually my response is just to ignore such a comment. My gaming doesn't interfere with their lives and I don't ever value an in game commitment over a real life commitment (except in extreme circumstances). I figure that if they think their hobby is better than mine, then when I need help with say, my car, then I can ask them. That way they didn't only get personal gain from their knowledge in this area, but they helped someone else out too. That works for me with computers too.

Again, good luck on your paper.

Lasareth · Apr 05, 2006, 06:33 PM // 18:33

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Why do you play internet games?

To fill the time between my otherwise drab schedule.

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Do you think internet gaming is harmful?

In the wrong hands, yes.

An addictive mind is easily destroyed by addicting habits. People need to learn to plan their time so that it does NOT affect the future in a negative way. Whether someone's addicted or not isn't the point--the major problem is what happens because of it. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be told to them outright, they need to realise for themself that their path is leading to a bad end.

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Why is internet gaming a good thing?

Depends on the person. As an overall establishment, internet games are good to the individual because they provide satisfaction. Whether it be a release from boredom, from life, from stress, whatever. As a societal insitution, internet games are NOT a good thing. They promote true social interaction in little to no way, and devalue courtesy and etiquette in lieu of the anonymity of internet use.

I'd like to refute the point that was made about meeting people and getting used to interaction, though. The difference between interacting in reality and online is as great as the difference between day and night. In fact, the more time one spends online, the LESS that person is likely to be able to hold a continuous conversation in reality. Why is this? Because when you talk in reality, you don't have time to stop and proofread your message, or to think before you say anything. The only real practice to interaction is going outside and actually doing it.

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What is your defense to statements like, "Your wasting your time playing games."

Wasted time is relative. Whether it detracts from something important later on or not is what matters. Spending time watching TV versus internet gaming (although the comparison is crude) really says nothing about the medium by which you waste time. It's all about moderation, some have it and some don't.

Also, if this is for an English course, I would recommend studying the differences between "Your" and "You're." These are two different words and mean two different things, and your teacher will definitely nail you if you get that wrong on a research paper.

Kool Pajamas · Apr 05, 2006, 06:33 PM // 18:33

1. I play because I like playing with/against other people but no one I know likes playing the same games I do so internet is only way to go.

2. If you are addicted like me and failing accounting class. :/ And my eyes kinda hurt....

3. Its good because you interact with people instead of computer AI.

4. I would say "What else should I do? Go out and get drunk every night? Might be fun sometimes but too much and you're dead."

xxSilhouette · Apr 05, 2006, 07:10 PM // 19:10

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