Oh dear. And I wondered why I hadn't watched ITV in about 10 years. I've just sat through an excruciating programme looking at "addictive videogames". According to Tonight with Trevor McDonald 31% of kids who play games think they are addicted, with some lucky buggers* able to play up to 20 hours a day.
A host of spotty teenage boys with acne and/or weight issues - plus a six year old playing what sounded suspiciously like the 18-rated Grand Theft Auto - were wheeled on to explain how addicted they were to "games". The most extreme was a Dutch guy who peed in bottles so he could carry on playing. Yes, I'd cross the road to avoid him too.
The global threat of addictive gaming was highlighted by familiar stories from Europe - Dutch clinic - Asia and the US. The latter concerned the tragic suicide of Shawn Woolley although the impact was lessened by the presenter's Brass Eye-style disbelieving nod to camera. In fact the unintentional influence of Chris Morris' classic satire was evident throughout the show, particularly during an incredibly patronising sequence where the presenter dramatically explained the threat from "new generation" games.
ELPSA - the UK trade body - used their PR to remind us not play games in darkened rooms, which was nice of them, but the central thrust of the argument - GAMES ARE BAD - was never up for discussion.
Of course, most people reading this blog will have had gaming sessions when one hour turns into 5 - heck, I've lost the odd night to WoW. Addictive? Well, like any pleasurable activity, gaming can be. But it's all about moderation. I run a half marathon every few months. If I ran for 14 hours a day I'd be knackered - or possibly dead. It's all about moderation and parenting - and pressing the off switch.
When interviewed one of the psychologists argued, probably rightly, that many heavy gamers play for hours to escape from the real world. But if it means missing TV like this then who can blame them?
*Joke - obviously playing for 20 hours a day is naughty and a bit stupid
