Bronnec, Rocher, Baujn and Venisse in their journal article Gaming, Gambling and addiction define gambling as “one who plays more often, longer and more than he can afford it” (2010). Gambling is a huge problem throughout the world. There are many different help lines and programs that run to help the vast number of gamblers. Another huge and similar problem that is presenting its ugly head far above the surface is gaming. Gaming addiction has grown exponentially over the last 20 years and is making people stand up and pay attention (Bronnec, Rocher, Baujn, venisse, 2010).
Although there has been no scientific validation stating that gaming is considered an addiction, there has been links drawn between the social and emotional problems associated with both gamers and gamblers, such as anti-social behaviour and isolation (Bronnec, Rocher, Baujn, Venisse, 2010). Unfortunately mortality rates of gamer's are growing higher, just as that of gamblers, although these are from varying reasons. In 2007 a man in china was pronounced dead after a week-long gaming session. The reason for his death was said to be his 330 pound obesity, this too, a result of his gaming habit. Other fatalities have been recorded from gaming habits, one of which a man engrossed himself in a 50 hour long gaming session in a video café. Another where gamer's "forgetting" their reality fatally play out their precious games in real life. (McIntyre, 2007).
The Crown Casino in Melbourne experienced over 881 ambulance calls between August 2007 until August 2009.This is an average of 1.2 calls per day. Although not all these calls are related to suicide attempts in relation to gambling, experts in the field of suicide help line say they believe a suicide occurs every week within the casino in relation to gambling. In contrast other statics show that in this two year period 18 suicides have occurred and 21 people have threatened to suicide in relation to gambling(Rolfe, 2009). Both statistics, although one more frightening than the other, are outrageous, and make one take a good hard look at the problems associated with gambling.
These two “addictions” have similar and contrasting attributes. Regardless of this it is clear that there is a serious problem associated with both, and both need copious amounts of ongoing research and funding. “Pathological gambling is recognised and validated in the field of gambling and money by rich international scientific literature that makes model for some non-drug addiction. Practices of excessive video games are on the other hand an emerging issue warranting research to better understand their reality and the risk factors involved (Bronnec, Rocher, Baujn, Venisse, 2010).
References
Bronnec. M, Rocher. B, Baujin. G, Venisse. J. L, 2010, ‘Gaming, Gambling and addiction’, Annales medico-psychological, psychiatric journal, Vol. 168, No. 7, pp. 509-512, retrieved August 18 2011, From SciVerse database. http://www.sciencedirect.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/science/article/pii/S0003448710002052#secx1
McIntyre. T, ‘Chinese man dies of gaming addiction’, Tech.Blorge, top technology news, 28 February 2007, Retrieved August 18 2011 http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2007/02/28/chinese-man-dies-of-gaming-addiction/
Rolfe. P, ‘Gambling with life crown’s emergencies’, Sunday Herald Sun, 13 December 2009, Retreived August 18 2011 http://global.factiva.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/ha/default.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment