Fantasy World: Why Are Boys Not Becoming Men?

 I just wanted to start some conversation around an article I saw Rick Warren tweet out  from CNN.com a few days ago…

Is the overuse of video games and pervasiveness of online porn causing the demise of guys? Increasingly, researchers say yes, as young men become hooked on arousal, sacrificing their schoolwork and relationships in the pursuit of getting a tech-based buzz. Every compulsive gambler, alcoholic or drug addict will tell you that they want increasingly more of a game or drink or drug in order to get the same quality of buzz. Video game and porn addictions are different. They are “arousal addictions,” where the attraction is in the novelty, the variety or the surprise factor of the content. Sameness is soon habituated; newness heightens excitement. In traditional drug arousal, conversely, addicts want more of the same cocaine or heroin or favorite food…

The consequences could be dramatic: The excessive use of video games and online porn in pursuit of the next thing is creating a generation of risk-averse guys who are unable (and unwilling) to navigate the complexities and risks inherent to real-life relationships, school and employment. – CNN.com

I don’t know how much of a shock it is that video games and porn aren’t good for guys. The alarming part for me was the consequences stated in the article (second paragraph above).

It does, though, make complete sense that fantasy addictions would make us unable to live in a real world… or at least less effective at it. After all, if we pretend enough, we begin to convince ourselves it’s reality.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not necessarily saying that video games are bad (porn certainly is), it’s just when taken to the extremes, I can see how the consequences would be big.

Those are a few of my thoughts. I’d love to hear what you think in the comments…

[For 10 things we SHOULD do everyday, see this post.]