In 2008, I finally broke down and set up an account on Facebook. I had previously tried MySpace, but did not like it, thought it was boring. But then, when Nancy's children suggested we try Facebook, we were like, "why not?" and plunged into it. Well, needless to say, it was overwhelming at first, trying to figure out how to use it, and what to do. One of the first things we noticed were the number of games available to play. So, like little children, we started going into various games, checking them out, and picking specific games we each liked. It wasn't long before I found myself spending hours per day playing several different games.
So what is it about online games that make them so addicting? For me, it was the fact they were enticing. Once I started playing Farm Town, I wanted to complete the various quests so I could continue to level up. Next, I was able to invite Facebook friends to play the game with me, and to use their help to level up. Third, the games helped pass the time away. I could sit at the computer and play games instead of finding work to do around the house or go outside and do something worthwhile.
Hmmmm. I guess that pretty well describes me as a game addict. Spending time at the computer playing games rather than being productive elsewhere. Playing games can become addicting, and for many, it can lead to family issues, such as neglecting other family members (including children), not going to work, avoiding household chores, not doing schoolwork, or not taking part in family time.
It did not take me long to realize how Facebook games were wasting my time, and I gradually cut back on the number of games I played, and the amount of time I spent on each. Eventually I stopped playing Facebook games altogether. In fact, there are times when I am completely bored with Facebook itself. Although I still utilize the social media site for a few groups and pages I have created, I don't find it to be as useful and interactive in my daily life as it once was. I have turned to other means of activity to pass time, including short road trips and sightseeing trips with Nancy to area historical places and parks.
If you are addicted to online games, including those on Facebook, perhaps you may want to step back from the computer and take a break to think about what other activities you could be doing. Maybe a walk outside or visit a friend. You might want to take a short vacation to clear your head and find new hobbies.
Online games are addicting, and to me, a waste of time.
.......Just A Thought.
