There is a very interesting article I came across in the online edition of the Washington Post that discusses the addiction of MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games). I have to wonder, did some guys really die for lack of food and water because they where plugged in so long without thought of the real world? It is a frightful possibility in a William Gibson sort of way.
I did play Earth & Beyond for a year or so and can, to some lesser extent, understand the addiction. But the article accounts great damage to families and individuals due to a consuming addiction akin to pornography and gambling.
This sparks in me two questions:
First and foremost the question has to be “Why?” What is it about a wholly artificial experience that can so engross an individual that they sacrifice the real and tangible life they have for artificial gain? While starvation is an extreme example, we cannot assume that all of those affected are those who have nothing more to live for. In fact there was references in the article to people with families, successful jobs, and promising academic lives all damaged by this addiction.
The second question which comes to mind has to do with the natural progression of such an addiction. Not in the individual sense, but the technological sense. Our technical ability to create more complex and realistic online worlds is increasing daily. It follows that the draw and hold effect of this new addiction will only increase. It brings to mind a frightening Matrix-like world where life is plugged in and experienced virtually.
I know, it’s not likely to go that far. There are to many real life factors, such as disposable income, which would drive participation in such a way – but it is a sobering though for those who live for artificial reasons.
No, I will not entertain a discussion on the nature of reality here.
We hunger for competition, appreciation, and personal bonds – if we cannot find them in the real world, are we so eager than we will go and find them digitally? Are they any less real for the bits and bites that make up the interaction? After all there is another person on the other end of the connection – as flesh and blood as you or I.
Let’s hope society can learn to cope with this new addiction better than we have our other addictions. Gambling, pornography, alcohol, smoking, and most any addiction we find in the real world have been a haven for government interference. Lets not provide the liberals a handy excuse to expand there hold on-line. Moreover, lets not empower organizations like the ACLU to file suit against game studios because we cannot control ourselves.
For those of you who scoff – let’s talk in another year or two.
