stop reading this blog - go on a hike!

the word addiction makes me think of cigarettes, or maybe alcohol or something of that nature. something that you continue to be involved in, to the extent that it is actually really hard to pull yourself away from.
in south korea, the most "wired country in the world", the addictions that many concern about are none other than cell phone usage, and computer gaming. south korea is said to be "the forefront of gaming culture", where nerds are glorified as tremendous athletes. the addiction to computer gaming has become such an issue here that the bbc actually did a special report, using south korea as a warning to the rest of the world.
there are about 28,000 "pc bangs" (or internet cafes) in korea. these dimly lit, smoke filled rooms could easily compare to the neighborhood tavern, only, there is no age restriction. kids will come to these pc rooms and sit down and play these multi player role playing games, instead of hitting the soccer field, heading off to bike with friends. the instant gratification of the virtual world is a very easy choice for kids who's childhood has been so jam packed full of schooling.
i don't blame the kids, for i think they are conditioned to act this way. many kids attend academies (like the one i teach at) after their regular school day, and don't get home to do their homework until late. these are the same kids who are learning how to speak english at the same time they are learning how to speak korean. they are bred into a culture that pushes kids so hard that many hardly get a chance to sleep in between their school work. so the free time they do get has to go somewhere (and it's not going to be sleep..)
if i turn on my tv at any time of the day or night, it's easy to find some internet game to watch. like, when i used to sit and wait for my turn to play halo in ben and jer's room at ssu watching halo, i didn't think much of it. i was soon to be playing. i guess maybe it could be the same thing, except the viewer is always, the viewer. these tv shows are where the real gamers shine. professional gamers are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars playing for packed audiences in studios that broadcast the games. they are the elite, and just like any other "elite" athlete, they have fans who adore them. you should really check out this bbc podcast - it's funny while at the same time, really sad.
some of the funny things about this gaming culture:
-there is a game where the main premise is to control the virtual characters to clean their house as fast as possible. perhaps these sims would rather be outside doing something else rather than cleaning the house? or, maybe they are just working toward some free time so they can hit up the pc bong.
- there is a training center that people go to, to strengthen their hands and their wrists while they aren't playing the.
-the fans will shower their respective "e-sports athlete" with snacks: candy, chocolate, and other sweets. i'm sure it helps them stay in the zone for longer periods of time.
- "the players arrive carrying their own mice and keyboard." just... a different world here i guess..
the sad part is (not that the above isn't sad, but is sad in a different way..) that this addiction has actually claimed lives. the bbc speaks of a 17 year old boy who went without food or sleep for two days. there was no interruptions with cell phones, or getting a drink, or even going to the washroom. some of the kids just go on their chairs while playing... ugh.... the kid died in the internet cafe. our material bodies just can not support us living in the virtual world.
i started out listening to this report almost laughing at its absurdity, but ended up feeling unsure of how to feel about it. there is a rehab clinic for kids becoming 'unhooked' from the virtual world, where they are forced to go on hikes, feel sunlight and communicate with others.
in my english classes i ask my kids what they want to be when they grow up, and the majority of the boys answer "a pro gamer". such a sad state of affairs..
the bbc report is here