WRT 205 Unit 4 Assignment

1. WRT 205 Unit 4 Project:
Video Game Addiction
By: Dan Heyman

2. The Argument
 There will come a time when video game addiction will
be recognized as a problem just as important as other
types of addictions.
 As time has progressed and technology has improved,
video games have become more complex, creating
more realistic and/or immersive atmospheres and a
greater chance for addiction.
 So why isn’t it getting recognition now?

3. Not a big deal?
 Despite the fact that video game addiction can
negatively affect one’s well-being in a fashion quite
similar to more “mainstream” addictions, it has not
received recognition as a major problem…yet…
 Video Game Addict Intervention

4. Not a big deal?
 …even when documented in a format regularly
showcasing more “typical” addictions.
 (see YouTube description from video uploader)

5. So why hasn’t it gotten the
recognition it deserves?
 Despite some people attesting to the fact that video
game addiction is a very real problem, most would say
that it is not a problem that could be considered terribly
harmful or even addicting.
 The masses observe that if something is legal, then it
most likely is not harmful, especially when advertised
on a large scale.

6. Lack of recognition: Societal
norms
 In the case of other addictions that stem from legal
products, alcohol and tobacco come to mind.
 Even these products come with general warnings such
as “Please Enjoy Responsibly,” and “This Product Can
Cause Cancer.”

8. Lack of recognition:
Video Game Addiction Itself
 Addiction counselor Ria Meronek:
“A gaming addict has no dilated
pupils or smell of liquor when they
get home.”

9. Lack of recognition:
Video Game Addiction Itself
 The symptoms and signs of an individual addicted to
video games, besides the time actually spent playing,
are not nearly as recognizable as more typical types of
addictions.
 Not only does this make an addiction harder to spot,
but it validates the problem as normal for the individual
who is addicted.

10. Harm of video game addiction
 When an individual is completely consumed by a
game, it affects many aspects of their lives, including
but not limited to: physical health, mental health,
emotional health, as well as social skills and
relationships with family and friends.
 Luckily, there is a variety of different help that can be
acquired if one really has lost control.

11. When Will It Receive
Attention?
 Only time will tell as to when video game addiction will
be taken more seriously by society.
 The case of tobacco creates more optimism on the
outlook of video game addiction as a whole, as the
amount of widespread advertising has decreased since
tobacco has been proven to be harmful.

12. Tobacco: Before and After
 Before: After:

13. Video Games: Before and
After?
 Before: After:

14. Thank You!!!