The Social Implications of a Hardcore Gamer

http://www.couchathletics.com/content/social-implications-hardcore-gamer

What do you usually think of when you hear that someone is a hardcore gamer? Probably that they must be a loner, right? Although it is partly true that hardcore gamers tend to be socially isolated, there are many other types of hardcore gamers that know how to play in moderation and also appreciate a healthy social life. The author gives his own experience and insight into the world of hardcore gaming and the reasons why people might want to devote so much of their time in seemingly meaningless hours of entertainment.

He mentions his past lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and gaming and how he suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which makes him feel different from other people. He had a normal amount of friends just like anyone else in his high school but would always be hesitant about saying something awkward that would isolate him from the social group.

From the outside perspective he seemed socially healthy. During his college years he would be very active by going to parties, drinking at bars, and dating; however, these activities never yielded people he could truly regard as "friends".

Upon realizing this, he ditched this lifestyle and went back to hardcore gaming like he did in high school. He developed close relationships with his neighbor and also his present girlfriend who shared his interest in games. He mentions how playing Guitar Hero with his girlfriend allows for a mutually relaxing experience and is one of the few activities they can do together that doesn't give them the feeling of doing chores.

He also mentions how much easier it is for someone with social anxiety to make friends online. The internet provides a larger and much more convenient resource for finding social groups of common interests. He claims that although people scoff at the idea of online friends and how it's so superficial, online relationships can be just as "real" as with relationships with people in close geographical proximity.

Although he dropped out of college and for many years didn't know what he wanted to do, he has finally found his dream career as a writer on video games.