Recently, it’s come out that a South Korean couple, ages 41 and 25, slowly killed their 3-month-old son as a result of taking far too much care of their virtual daughter. Is this the fault of the game itself? No way. This is a matter of personal responsibility and self-control.
Playing video games and being on the computer are not bad things, but it’s the extent to which they are played that can be so.
How Much Time is Spent Online?
A June 2009 study on CNET revealed that Americans spend about 12 hours a week online. When this is compared to the total hours in a week, it’s only 1 hour for every 14, which doesn’t sound like much. When it’s compared to disposable time, though, the gap closes.
There are 168 hours in a week. If an adult spends 60 hours out of the house for work and commuting, and 50 hours for sleep and personal hygiene, there are only 58 hours remaining. Add an hour for having dinner each night and Web time takes up closer to 1 of every 4 hours.
What Does Excessive Web Use Mean?
Using the Web is not a bad thing; it’s the excessive use of it that’s dangerous, literally.
The study noted above identifies Americans as being on the Web as much as they watch television. The problem with this is that Web use has not served as a substitute for tv time, but a supplement to it, meaning that half of an American’s free time is either spent watching tv or online.
In extreme cases, like in South Korea, some will be online to the detriment of themselves and others.
The non-profit organization Obesity in America notes on its Web site that obesity levels may have actually stopped rising in recent years. When their information is combined with CNET’s study, the correlation drawn is that as Web use maxes out, weight gain due to inactivity does as well.
The truth is that Americans are fat. We work hard and need to relax, so we watch television, go online, and play video games. And these things are not bad, but when parents cannot control themselves enough to give their children the love and support they need, whether it’s a warm bottle and fresh diaper, or a ride to softball practice, it’s time to pull the plug.
Related Article:
Make Better Use of Web Time for Family Time
