Sept 14 and Game Addiction
Today is my birthday! So for the next three years, you better not forget it! : )
Gamespot posted a lengthy article reporting on Game Addiction in Korea and steps their government is taking to provide psychological counseling to game addicts.
What is the most disconcerting to me, is how the internet cafe had no rules to regulate the amount of time a user could play (from the article):
"Wednesday turned into Thursday, and Thursday turned into Friday. During this period of more than 50 hours, Lee continued his gaming session, failing to adequately replenish his body's need for food, drink, and rest. The evening approached....Suddenly, Lee coiled over from his chair and fell onto the floor; a witness recalls he was conscious with his eyes open. He was rushed to nearby Taegu Fatima Hospital where he died a few hours later.
I wonder if anyone checked up on him? Maybe. Or maybe not? But isn't letting a customer play for three days straight a bit excessive? Sounds Shady to me. However, it is clear that this man was obsessed and if on-line gaming addiction is truly a large problem than I applaud the South Korean Government for offering psychological aid. I think thats a better solution than straight prohibition.
Comments
happy b-day!
Posted by: marientina | September 14, 2005 10:49 AM
Keep a stopwatch handy when you playing these games - we want you to have MANY more birthdays!
Posted by: andrew | September 14, 2005 12:11 PM
Like in many countries, bars are resposible for not letting their customers consume excessive amounts of alcohol (this is enforced in different ways, depending on the country/state). I guess it's not out of the question to expect the owners of internet cafes to make sure their patrons don't consume too much interactive media. (But what if you're paying $1300/credit for it at a university?)
Posted by: kellee![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://interactive.usc.edu/members/pbellezza/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 14, 2005 12:17 PM
I suppose they university will only step in when the third years die from exhaustion on their thesis projects. Or when Mihai goes on a rampage from too much Unreal Tourny. Whichever comes first.
Posted by: Paul | September 14, 2005 12:20 PM
I don't think the internet cafe is responsible for his death. When you're consuming alcohol, you're judgement is affected. Although I'm not a lawyer, I suspect that's why the bar has some sort of responsibilty to monitor your intake. This guy had complete control of his judgement. It may sound heartless, but the only person at fault here is the person who thought it was a good idea to game for 50 hours straight.
Posted by: Mike Stein | September 14, 2005 12:42 PM
Yeah, thats true. But I mean, c'mon didn't anyone notice that the dude was there 3 days? Did no one think to themselves, "man, that guy has been here awhile? is he ok?" Even other players. Is there no hope for people commonly caring for each other?
Posted by: paul | September 14, 2005 6:37 PM
oh shit dude, happy birthday...
Posted by: Anonymous | September 15, 2005 12:56 AM