WoW player more ashamed than porn addict
by Michael Gray 
Jun 10th 2008 at 6:00PM
It's not the first time WoW addiction has been addressed, and it won't be the last. This one, however, is a nice change from some more sensational pieces. In an interview with The Boston Globe, well-known psychiatrist Dr. Jerald Block discusses what he calls "pathological computer use." His clients, he says, can be "more ashamed of playing World of Warcraft than looking at porn." These kind of interviews aren't uncommon, like the CNN editorial from a few months ago. However, a few things about Dr. Block's interview struck me as pretty well-balanced. First, Dr. Block has quibbles about the phrase addiction. He feels that word addresses the wrong issues and nuances. Dr. Block prefers "pathological computer use." In my opinion, that word indicates the game itself isn't the problem, but instead the manner in which the person uses the game.
Dr. Block also discusses a patient who was very successful at EVE Online. After a fairly disastrous event, he felt betrayed by everyone he knew in the game. Dr. Block spells out the problem isn't only how subject deals with that issue, but that the subject's (out-of-game) friends can't understand. What might be a legitimate, troublesome event is being related-to by people who don't have context to an individual issue. Of course, while it probably ended the player's addiction -- I don't know if I'd list this kind of disaster as a way to quit playing WoW.
It's a refreshing view on WoW addiction, and worth a bit more look at Dr. Block's web site.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Virtual selves, News items, Interviews
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Charlie Taylor Jun 10th 2008 6:15PM
I've sorta experienced this with my family recently. I raid three to four days a week, 8 pm on weekdays and 7 pm on sundays. EVERY night I'm raiding they want me to come to dinner (disclaimer, I'm a college student living with my parents over the summer) and my mother has to get my dad to be quiet because she knows what WoW is, but he doesn't understand that this is my equivalent to him working on his cars all day, and I spend significantly less time playing WoW than he does doing that. I've told them that I'm always busy on those nights at that time, and that I'm happy to spend time with them on the other nights and special occasions, but for some reason my father just 'doesn't understand.'
Badger Jun 11th 2008 12:13PM
That's exactly the point that's being driven home in the article, Charlie, so kudos to you for grasping that. Your hobby - that is, WoW gaming - is strikingly similar to your father's hobby - that is, working on cars. The reason others generally frown upon your hobby is that they often do not *understand* the nature of the activity or recognize what you find "fun" about the game.
Ikarus Jun 11th 2008 12:53PM
I also have had issues with the parentals. Similar situation to Charlie. I play maybe 2-3 hours a night 5 days a week. They think im anti-social and addicted. but they will both mindlessly zone out in front of the TV for 3 hours a night and think nothing of it. I'm fully engaged in what i'm doing, interacting with other people etc. I've tried explaining it to them, but they seem unable to grasp it.
deviationer Jun 10th 2008 6:18PM
damn when will print media and their worthless "journalists" die
Kaljin Jun 10th 2008 9:22PM
You truly are an idiot aren't you?
Badger Jun 11th 2008 12:00PM
Kaljin: If you have to ask, dude, you probably already know the answer.
Kaljin Jun 11th 2008 12:12PM
Too true my striped friend, too true.
Rihlsul Jun 10th 2008 6:27PM
This was really already covered by a Breakfast Topic just two days ago. Not going to dig at you, but perhaps you can try to watch carefully for repeats during a one week period.
Andy Jun 10th 2008 6:37PM
Porn addiction worse than a WoW addiction? Yeah sure..... Anything that is entertaining can be addictive. The only reason WoW is being targeted is because of the amount of players it has.
Andy Jun 10th 2008 6:38PM
I know I swapped WoW and Porn Addiction........
Kaylek Jun 11th 2008 12:27PM
I'm not sure what point you're making (or trying to).
I think just maybe porn has a few more subscribers than WOW. And the article mentions EVE Online, so WOW isn't alone here. And from our perspective (the gamer) there isn't much competition to WOW, so there isn't much else to use pathologically (EVE as an example of the few), so WOW is statistically going to get mentioned over other less used MMO's.
Michael Jun 10th 2008 6:41PM
The reason why we might "like" this article is because it softens the blow of what many of us really are; suffering from addiction. Just call it what it is.
This modern society of ours spends too much time and energy trying to describe how we are or are not something rather than making actual recommendations for improving anything. Rhetoric.
I guarantee you that those of us who are addicted to WOW don't get the urge to check email, update anti-virus, browse iTunes or *gasp* read WOW Insider like we do to play World of Warcraft. Pathological Computer use. Baloney. Pathological WOW and Auction House use.
Eh? Jun 10th 2008 7:49PM
Heh. YOU might be "suffering" in your addiction to WoW. I on the other hand, revel in it.
Most people I know, know me as "that guy who plays World of Warcraft" and are perfectly fine to hear about it and smile and nod and then tell me about their interests. To the ones who don't understand and look down on me about it, I am perfectly happy to throw their own addictions back in their face.
Everyone, EVERYONE, has an addiction to something, whether it be good or bad. I like the fact that I have to use my brain for mine and utilize social interaction more than sitting in front of a glowing tube letting my brain "veg out."
Besdies all that though, if the rest of your life doesn't suffer (ie. bills, pets, family, etc.) because of your WoW addiction, who cares?
To the non-WoW playing person: Why does it matter to you so much that I don't do what you think I should do?
Angry Joe Jun 10th 2008 6:48PM
Dr. Jerald Block just want the spotlight for him.
Take a look at this, pretty much the same thing:
http://www.gamepolitics.com/2007/07/27/shrink-doom-deprivation-may-have-sparked-columbine-massacre
grravie Jun 10th 2008 6:57PM
hes just trying to get another fancy couch.
Badger Jun 11th 2008 12:26PM
You have missed the point of this article by such an extremely vast margin that I am actually concerned for you.
Deb Jun 10th 2008 6:55PM
Let's look at the bajillions if people who watch TV and compare them to the FEW millions who play WoW. It's pales in comparison doesn't it?
jbodar Jun 10th 2008 8:47PM
My SO is addicted to crappy TV shows. I don't understand it, but I'm OK with it, partly because she also loves the same really good shows that I like to watch. So as long as I take time out of WoW to watch our shows on the DVR, we're cool.
Nick S Jun 10th 2008 6:57PM
my jogging addiction is getting bad... i must be a pathological jogger.
stupid crap from stupid people, nothing more. psychologists have to justify their degrees and try to give their field relevance it doesn't genuinely have.
jbodar Jun 10th 2008 8:49PM
Found some porn for you:
http://www.runningshoes.com/running/control/main