Dangers Of Video Game Addiction In Ready Player One

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Negative Effects of Video Game Addiction in Ready Player One

John Ryan Greenlee
Department of English, Stanly Community College
ENGL 112, Writing and Research in the Disciplines
John Bowman
4/17/2023
Abstract
Ready Player One, a science fiction novel by Ernest Cline, portrays a dystopian society where people increasingly rely on video games for entertainment and escape from the real world. The novel illustrates the potential dangers of excessive video game use, including social isolation, physical inactivity, and violent desensitization. Research indicates that such negative effects can be mitigated by proactive measures such as parental monitoring, limiting screen time, and promoting alternate forms of recreation. Additionally, promoting …show more content…

In Ready Player One, Ernest Cline highlights how video game addiction can lead to an increased risk of addiction to other substances. Wade, the protagonist, mentions that "[he] had a habit of getting addicted to things" and goes on to list previous addictions he had struggled with before turning to the virtual world of the OASIS (Cline, 2011, p. 23). This depiction mirrors real-world research, which suggests that individuals with addictive personalities are at a higher risk of developing problematic video game use (Kuss, Griffiths, & Pontes, 2017). However, there are ways to prevent the negative effects of video game addiction. As Cline portrays in the novel, individuals can set limits on their game use and prioritize real-world activities, such as spending time with friends and family (Cline, 2011, p. 236). This is supported by research, which suggests that practicing healthy habits, such as exercising and engaging in offline hobbies, can help individuals avoid problematic video game use and reduce the risk of addiction to other substances (Rehbein, Kleimann, & Mössle, …show more content…

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