Digital Nation (Part 1) Response

The topics of Internet addiction and distractions brought out by modern media devices is something we hear about often these days. We read about it in newspapers, magazines and of course the Internet. As the first generation to grow up with these technologies, these issues are especially emphasized to us in schools and by our parents. As the video investigated, we seem to be negatively affected by the degree to which these modern media devices have become intertwined with so many aspects of our everyday lives.

One of these issues that interests me most is the idea of video game addiction. A couple years ago, some anti-video game oriented groups proposed having "video game addiction" become included in the next DSM, which holds the official classifications and criteria for mental disorders. It was instantly denied by the American Psychological Association, but the issue is still argued over today. Video game players often play for great amounts of time and are very involved with this digital entertainment. This can also be compared to other hobbies, though, such as watching TV or going to the gym. Modern video games are extremely engaging, interactive and personal, though. Sometimes the users play them way too excessively, and with way too much value in the game compared to real life. They demonstrate behavior similar to that of those addicted to gambling or alcohol. There are even video game detox centers springing up in the US, modeled after those in Asia (specifically China), where video game addiction seems to be a tremendous problem for citizens of all ages. I will be interested to hear more about the investigation of this issue in Part 2 of this movie viewing. However, I hope it doesn't make generalizations about video games and exaggerations about video game use based on some extreme examples, and a lack of contextualization.