The British Guardian Unlimited article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2191967,00.html?gusrc=r... discusses several general aspects of addictions.A In particular, the byline says that "The state can only deal with our compulsive behaviours by recognising their similarities". Although gaming addiction is not even mentioned, and food related addictions are discussed the most, there are still several relevant points made that I believe apply to gaming addiction as well.A One of the conclusions of the article is that more government involvement is required which, if done properly, is something that I can personally support as well.
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- John O.
[em]Carpe Diem![/em] (Seize the Day!)
I would think that having the governments involvement in the way that a parent raises their children would be too much or a divergence from our constitutional right for personal freedoms. Of course, I realize that other countries and populations have different perspectives on this. I understand that OLGA is multi-national, and the opinions expressed within are also diverse. Government involvement could also be interpreted as intervention on advertising game sales and advertising, restrictions on content relating to violence and storyline & age-appropriateness. To a point I would agree, but I am a big fan of smaller national government and a larger state representation. But there again I speak as a free American, used to American liberties and values.
"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." --W. Clement Stone
In my opinion, the sort of government involvement that I was considering to be acceptable would be things like having a rating system in place, placing appropriate warning labels on gaming packages, trying to educate the public about this and some of the risks of playing video games (such as the danger of becoming addicted to them), providing support for people who are addicted to gaming and want to stop playing, and/or other similar types of things.
- John O.
[em]Carpe Diem![/em] (Seize the Day!)
Thats sounds like an excellent place to live. Thanks for the debriefing :D
"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." --W. Clement Stone