Addicted to "reality"

Due to a lack of video game involvement I haven’t experienced a great deal of gaming addiction. However, I do sympathise with those who have as I’ve had an addiction to another form of media that is reality tv (I shan’t label which program as it brings a degree of shame and fear of serious judging). When I did the reading by John Walker I was struck by how I identified with his definition for what an addict may be. He explains that addicts may be people with underlying problems who play games to avoid dealing with their problems. I experienced this with tv as I found that after watching an episode of this mystery program I came away feeling better. I don’t know if it’s because I was grateful I wasn’t a bright fake-tanned person, or if because it allowed me to escape reality, and what was bothering me. But after being so immersed in the program (not sure if dopamine is relative as it wasn’t exactly a “fun” experience) I began to depend on the brainwashing numbness to forget about my problems, which essentially isn’t sensible. So in this way I can see why people would rely on games to be immersed and zone out as it can be easier than facing their own problems. What’s important is people are able to self-regulate and not spend too much time immersed in game play (or watching tv).

Don’t worry guys. Addiction has since stopped.