For many people in the technologically savvy crowd, fantasy role-playing has evolved from D&D-style board games to "Might & Magic"-esque linear narratives to immersive virtual worlds like "EverQuest." The number of subscribers to online computer games like "World of Warcraft" has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. There's an entire underground economy where people can buy and sell the in-game currency and items. The graphics and artificial intelligence have reached exciting new levels. It's all enough to get people hooked on paying that monthly fee. But when does that passion for simulated adventure turn into an addiction?



I do not want anybody I know turning into that boy. So i checked it out and if you have the following symptoms, you, I am afraid, are addicted to online gaming.

Signs of Online Gaming Addiction

1. Inability to stop the activity
2. Neglect of family and friends
3. Lying to employers and family about activities
4. Problems with school or job
5. Carpal tunnel syndrome
6. Dry Eyes
7. Failure to attend to personal hygiene
8. Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns
9. Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer
10. Craving more and more time at the computer

But all is not lost! As i read up on online gaming addiction articles online, most websites actually state the causes of this addiction and how to help one get out of it.

So if u ticked off most or worse, all of the above symptoms, please try to stop playing so much. Go and make more friends, enjoy an evening walk with your dog, take up a sport or a hobby like cooking!