Are You A Gamer Addict or Gamer Hobbier

No, that's okay. I don't need to read the scaremongerin' from a clearly biased point-of-view from someone who likely doesn't have any MMO experience. I appreciate the offer, though.

I have seen that article and there's a lot of ways I could respond to it, but suffice to say I think at best it has pointed out some compelling similarities between MMOs and a Skinner Box. In my opinion, the Skinner Box comparison is not a comprehensive explanation as to why people like to play games because it equates playing to pressing a lever, or 'doing work'. We don't only play to level up or receive random drops. We also have fun creating characters, writing back stories, teaming with people, solving puzzles, etc.

Furthermore, I don't believe the Skinner Box is a true picture of addiction, but more of a method to reinforce a particular behaviour. Performing an action repetitively does not mean you are addicted. It is but one symptom of addiction, and alone does not qualify. My thought is that for those who suffer from problematic gaming, it is more likely that gaming is a symptom of an underlying problem rather than the cause.

I'd also like to point out that just because someone hires a psychologist isn't proof of their intent to create addiction.

This is an excellent point, mostly because it illustrates that even the experts cannot reach a consensus as to whether or not games are addictive. If experts cannot even properly define it, is it likely that they are being hired to create it? At the end of the day, it's one expert's word over another, and you should look at your own life and be the judge. No one has a concrete answer to this, only suggestive theories.

This is precisely why articles that talk about how MMOs are definitively addictive bother me. You started playing an MMO and your father sent you material about MMO addiction.

Is it possible the parent knows something about his child and is attempting to look out for their best long term interests? What fits in one persons lifestyle doesn't always fit in anothers.

Me and my boys wandered into playing wow years ago and I'm not going to lie I was amazed how much time you can sink into an mmo, and if we hadn't set limits there's no doubt my boys grades would've dropped.
Yeah drugs and alcohol and clubbing can become addictive, but who gets into an mmo thinking it can be a danagerous time sink, no one.

There we have it folks.

It's an interesting article and a pretty good explanation of some of the concepts in simpler terms, but its worth bearing in mind that Cracked is first and foremost a humour site. Not a news/scientific resource.

This^

When ppl seek out a game or a book or alcohol or the many other things there are to become addicted to there is almost always an underlying reason for it. They lost their job, they're unhappy at home, their disappointed in themselves, what they've become, or simply they have no idea how to cope with the myriad of problems that life has laid at their feet and they seek a way, ANY way, to escape it.

Whatever the reason, it's not the game's fault. It's the person themselves that is the issue. The game or whatever their addiction is is not the reason for the person's behavior. And until that person sees that there is a problem there will and can be no help for them. (yeah I know that's cliche but true) You can only hope that eventually they will seek help for their underlying issue and never again feel that they need a game to help them escape.

I'm a mom. I game. I go afk... alot... Deal with it or don't invite me But do not perceive to call me an addict because I'm on almost every day for more than 2 hrs a day or ever say that I do not spend enough time with my kids because everyone that knows me, KNOWS that is not true. (And I'm not accusing anyone of ever saying that I'm just making a general clarification)

Oh and let it be known that I do not consider anyone I play with or have played with in the past to be an addict. I've never gotten that impression from anyone no matter what was said or done. I just see ppl that are as enthusiastic about this game as I am.

THAT'S IT! I'm a game ENTHUSIAST! Screw that article

Just for the record, no one can belt a snort like Cherry.

He's the one that ate a bucket of sour grapes when you were voted mayor of Champion.