#benjamin tan

One cross-dresser speaking in a falsetto may arguably be funny, but three such characters are grating on the ears and eyes. That’s what the RWS family comedy musical “Super Mommy” features, which is a strange decision considering drag characters aren’t always appropriate for family-friendly fare.

Super Mommy (Resorts World Sentosa)

Localised for audiences in Singapore, the Taiwan musical “Super…

The World of Video Game Addiction

People look for ways to do exciting things. Who wants to sit around and do nothing? But there can be the problem that, if people like something a little too much, they may tend to doing it over and over again without stopping or restraint. This is called addiction.

Addiction can exist in any form. From vices like drinking, smoking, sex or drugs to the daily things we do like video games. “When they play, their brains produce endorphins, giving them a high similar to that experienced by gamblers or drug addicts. Gamers’ responses to questions even mirror those of alcoholics and gamblers when asked about use,” said one addiction counselor. Video game addiction is an excessive or compulsive use of computer or video games, which interferes with a person's everyday life. Video game addiction may present as compulsive game-playing, social isolation, mood swings, diminished imagination and hyper-focus on in-game achievements, to the exclusion of other life events. This can really be seen in our generation these days with the existence of different kinds of consoles, more complicated and eye-catching video games plus the free apps of apple and android. Addicts tend to just sit in front of their computers, television and/or tablets and literally play the whole day.

Video game addiction has its fair share of disadvantages. Like impairments of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the game. Those suffering from video game addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion, spend less time with real people in their lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward. Additionally, gaming can become very costly, resorting in financial consequences. Much of the equipment needed to play video games designed for prolonged use can be quite costly. The worst case scenario being death. Literally. In 2005, a South Korean man died after a reported 50-hour video gaming session, and in 2012 a Taiwanese man was discovered dead in his gaming chair, arms outstretched for his computer even in the middle of a fatal cardiac arrest. These things will continue happening if this problem is not to be taken seriously.

People have been thinking of ways to solve video game addiction. A therapist or treatment program that specializes in adolescents would be a first place to start. For example, a summer camp or wilderness program will get the player out of his normal environment and into a situation where he/she is forced to experience reality. His/her time will be filled with activities that are designed to instill confidence, develop healthy passions, and foster social skills. But it’s always up to the players themselves to stop this addiction. Players must not make excuses. If one has a video game addiction, he/she must admit it. They must not try to rationalize it, deny it, ignore it, justify it, or compare themselves to others. This is, for a fact, the first step in solving any kind of addiction. Another way is for them to limit weekly video game time and start phasing out. For example, going from 20 hours, to 18 hours, to 16, and lower play time. This will help the player cope slowly to the changes he/she experiences. Require child players to finish their homework and chores first before letting them play. The player can also consider asking a family member or close friend to hold all of his/her video games for a week or two. What easier way to resist something if it is not even there in the first place. Players should reward themselves if they reduce their playing time because everything is better with a prize in the end.