In 2006 an AMA committee made this resolution:
QUOTE
RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association Council on Science and Public Health work in conjunction with all appropriate specialty societies to prepare a report reviewing and summarizing the research data on the emotional and behavioral effects, including addiction potential, of video games (Directive to Take Action); and be it further
RESOLVED, That our AMA develop recommendations for physicians, parents and legislators based on the findings of this report. (Directive to Take Action)
This is a link to the report that was written as a response (10 Page Word Doc):
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm.../csaph12a07.docQUOTE
Additional studies by other researchers have found that exposure to video game violence may promote increased aggressive behaviors and decreased prosocial behaviors in social interactions.
. . .
Although video game overuse can be associated with any type of video game, it is most commonly seen among MMORPG players, who represent approximately 9% of gamers.4 This is consistent with prior research on Internet addiction that suggests Internet use involving interactive, real-time applications has the most potential for overuse.38 MMORPGs are simultaneously competitive and highly social, and provide interactive real-time services. Researchers have attempted to examine the type of individual most likely to be susceptible to such games, and current data suggest these individuals are somewhat marginalized socially, perhaps experiencing high levels of emotional loneliness and/or difficulty with real life social interactions. , Current theory is that these individuals achieve more control of their social relationships and more success in social relationships in the virtual reality realm than in real relationships.
I'm fairly concerned about this as I see my older son spending a lot of time when "maybe" he could have been studying in playing WOW and other games. My younger son (now 18) is still a straight A student but he will blow away a lot of time in WOW and other games as well! Any gamers out there with other opinions? Any parents with concerns?
