As a wise man once said,
“Thou shouldst play video games in humble bode in winter, for it is unforgiving outside.
In spring, for the pollen begets disease.
In summer, for the body is unwelcoming of heat.
And in autumn, for the chill wind makest thou sick.”
For those who have listened to the wise man, COVID-19 didn’t really change much of our lives.
We’re basically like disciplined monks who follow the teachings of our master, unmoved and untainted by the happenings of the outside world.
Totally the same.
But anyway.
World Health Organisation Starts #PlayTogetherApart Campaign
Because it’s really convenient for people to stay home in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the World Health Organisation wants people to play more video games so that social distancing will be practised.
They even looped in various games studios to join the campaign, including Activision Blizzard and Riot Games.
CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, said, “It has never been more critical to ensure people stay safely connected to one another. Games are the perfect platform because they connect people through the lens of joy, purpose, and meaning. We are proud to participate in such a worthwhile and necessary initiative.”
While Riot Games CEO Nicolo Laurent said, “Physical distancing shouldn’t mean social isolation! Let’s stay physically apart — and take other public health steps such as hand hygiene — to help flatten the curve and #PlayApartTogether to help power through this crisis. For Rioters, playing games is more than just a game; it’s a meaningful life pursuit. And now, for the billions of players around the world, playing games could help the pursuit of saving lives. Let’s beat this COVID-19 boss battle together.”
Every day of COVID-19 reveals something more about humanity, and we’re actually living in the timeline when “playing games could help the pursuit of saving lives” is something actually said.
But Didn’t WHO Said Gaming Addiction Bad
You’re absolutely right. Their “gaming disorder” page isn’t even removed. So you might be really confused by the WHO simultaneously telling you to play video games and not to play video games.
So what the heck is up with that?
To be clear, “gaming disorder” is defined as “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
And it has to be ongoing for 12 months.
Basically, this is bad:
But doing this online is pretty A-okay:
If you’re still confused, just think of it like alcohol. Occasionally drinking a little bit while you hang out with friends and chill, you’re a healthy social creature.
Drink more than you can handle until you start beating your boy/girlfriend and anyhowly do work, you’re an alcoholic.
Chug down bottles of vodka while you go about your daily life, you’re just Russian.
Anyway, Gaming Disorder Is Not Even Scientifically Supported
More than likely, someone you know is a gamer. And also more than likely, they aren’t just going around beating people up while neglecting work duties.
And that’s because it’s not even a thing, according to a study from Oxford Internet Institute. (And I’m sure if you go find them, there are many more out there suggesting the same thing.)
The studies say that games aren’t the root cause of the problems, but rather an escape from the problem that their “basic psychological needs” aren’t being met.
Which means that excessive gaming is a symptom and not the disease.
So go ahead and play, people. To a reasonable degree, of course.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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