In the past ten years technology has opened avenues for exploration and human connection that were considered to be science fiction in the past, with effects only now being recognized by the global culture as having dramatic consequences. Both positives and negatives can be dramatic in many people's lives.
Compulsive MMO playing, "virtual affairs", and other internet enabled problematic behaviors are increasingly coming to attention of psychotherapists as more and more people present in their offices with very serious problems. Instead of working together to constructively examine the problems and solutions, forces have polarized and gotten caught up in arguing over jargon traps and peripheral issues such as "pro" and "anti" gaming factions.
In my opinion, it's not about who's right and who's wrong; the important point is what do we really know about risk factors, problems, and solutions? Ultimately, how do we help those with problems? How do we develop and promote healthy gaming habits?
Mental health therapists are struggling to understand and keep up. I find my peers often professing ignorance about understanding, identifying, and treating these issues. If there is one contribution I can make to the situation it's to focus on assisting clinicians in accessing information to help them do their best work, always.
Compulsive MMO playing, "virtual affairs", and other internet enabled problematic behaviors are increasingly coming to attention of psychotherapists as more and more people present in their offices with very serious problems. Instead of working together to constructively examine the problems and solutions, forces have polarized and gotten caught up in arguing over jargon traps and peripheral issues such as "pro" and "anti" gaming factions.
In my opinion, it's not about who's right and who's wrong; the important point is what do we really know about risk factors, problems, and solutions? Ultimately, how do we help those with problems? How do we develop and promote healthy gaming habits?
Mental health therapists are struggling to understand and keep up. I find my peers often professing ignorance about understanding, identifying, and treating these issues. If there is one contribution I can make to the situation it's to focus on assisting clinicians in accessing information to help them do their best work, always.
