Are we really so totally oblivious to those around us? Has the technology we think connects us and makes the world smaller really just isolated us? Does an online fantasy world mean more to us that the day-to-day reality we are living? Has the distinction between reality and fantasy blurred that much? Come on folks! These games are meant to be a fun break in the routine and not an alternative to living our life.
If you've read my blog for long or followed my Facebook convolutions of late, you know that I play an online game. You probably also know that I've never lost sight of the fact that it is a game... those vast medieval armies of Evony are just little pixels on the screen. I've always been much more a social player than a serious gamer. And there's good and bad to that.
The good part, is that it's a social outlet. Not only did it fill that hole in my life while I was constrained to be home pretty much all the time caring for my mother during the last part of her life, but I also had the opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people from all over the world. Many of them have become dear and cherished friends and our connection and conversation have gone far beyond the realms of the game world. My life experience is richer from knowing them and so from that viewpoint, I have no regrets about getting involved in the game.
At the same time, that sociability has sucked me in much deeper than I'd care to admit. I've become a daily player. Sometimes for several hours in a day. And sometimes (way too often!) it's among the first things I think of when I get up in the morning... and sometimes it's kept me up way past the time I should have been in bed asleep... and sometimes the game drama has even left me in tears. I don't like that! So I'm planning my exit from the game world. I made it a goal this year to break the habit. But I'm finding it to be tremendously more difficult than I thought. I don't want to build my army and go wage war any more, but the thought of not interacting with the people makes me very sad. Still, I think the time is at hand. I need to be back fully into the world of living, breathing human beings and tangible things that can be touched and tasted.
And I want someone to notice if I die...
I've shared this post on Barn Hop #48 at Homestead Revival.
1 comment:
Great post, point and transparency.
We did away with our television years ago. Yet it was soon replaced with the computer. And while we can at least be more selective in what we put before our eyes with the pc and it happens to be a great learning and social tool...one must be disciplined with it, no doubt. I believe most find this to be true.
With that said, I must go make dinner now but I'll be back b/c I am enjoying your blog. :)
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