How did gaming, and social isolation destroy your life?

[Journeytoletgo]

Did anyone else have an addictive personality where they used video games to cope isolation during teen years

 

[Gordy99]

I played video games in my teens and 20's. It took up a lot of my life. I don't really play them anymore (maybe once in a while) but I am still isolated.

 

[Nolan96]

There was a time after high school when strangers on videogames where the only contact I had with anyone other than my family. I never made a friend through it. I was always weirdly open about my life and feelings in multiplayer videogames, hoping someone would come along and say "wow you're so relatable and interesting, let's talk more and be friends" but it never happened. Even in middle/high school I would spend time on games trying to get good and hoping it'd make other gamers in the school want to play with me, but it rarely actually did. Maybe things have changed, since I haven't really played any videogames released in the past seven years or so, but it seems like they're an overrated way to develop a social life. Even if you do game with friends, it can be a pretty superficial and unfulfilling form of social life.

 

[whatevs]

Gaming didn't destroy my life, pornography did. Well, the Internet in general. It really screwed me well.

 

[Journeytoletgo]

Gaming didn't destroy my life, pornography did. Well, the Internet in general. It really screwed me well.

I really have to agree the internet ruined me

 

[Looooser]

I used to have a problem with suicidal media. I ended up deleting all my accounts a couple years ago and feel so much better.

 

[Cosmic dust]

Did anyone else have an addictive personality where they used video games to cope isolation during teen years

I did exactly that.

Family and personal issues pushed me on that direction and I was too young and stupid to know any better, just took that route, hiding away from real world and trying to escape to my games.

 

[cosmicpixiedust]

I used to play games a lot but then my depression made my attention span go down the drain. The isolating didn't stop though unless I forced myself to socialize, so now I'm just incredibly awkward.

 

[narval]

what was first: the chicken or the egg?
I used (well, i actually still use) video games as coping method. In the past helped in order to make my daily shit less depressing, but with the years this grew up to my main escape method, even to the point of neglecting things that I should be doing. Well done, Me, well done. Now you're NEET, your future is dark and fix it will be a pain even if you can do something

 

[Feeding Pigeons]

I'm not going to blame video games for my life rotting away. If it wasn't that, I would've found escapism in some other way. I think I would've been suicidal and dysfunctional no matter what road I took.

 

[edu0z]

Did anyone else have an addictive personality where they used video games to cope isolation during teen years

at a certain time in my adolescence... video games saved my life. So I personally wouldn't blame the games.

 

[Decidueye]

Video games saved my life. They were my only escape in high school from my abusive environment, and continue to be my preferred form of escapism today (I am in a much safer place now).

Some definitely were bad for me though. Used to play one about 9 hours a day and sunk $700 into over the course of two years. I had just lost my job and gone through a big psychotic break. But it did push me toward therapy (and for the first time, it was actually helpful).

 

[Dr Iron Arc]

Those things prevented me from destroying other peoples' lives tbh…

 

[an_alias]

video games were the only way i found friends, and i'm not even kidding. all of my friends came through vidya. without them i would've CTB'd (or had an intense desire to) when i was like, 11. social isolation was relatively positive though, i hated having to rely on others, who i didn't like at all, for social interaction, but i think i pushed it too far when i got rid of one of the best people (a group of them) when i was slightly fed up with them, but still felt a connection with lots of them

 

[Zzzzz]

In the US, video games are a very social activity. The stereo type of Only losers or loners play is not true here. Everyone, including celebrities, professional althetes, grandma, and the family dog all play now. For me, video games are one of the few things I enjoy a bit in life. Though certainly not a cure for depression. It's like watching TV but more interactive.

 

[Sherri]

Cause you live a life of isolation, a life that isnt real. With friends that arent there When you pull out the plug. Get some air once in a while. just a friendly advice or you will be sucked in into that world that doesnt exist.

 

[fox_wannabe]

I used to do that big time I still do enjoy gaming. But I do not really see It as anything other than a coping mechanism. Like What would I otherwise do? Go outside with friends who did not consider me to be a fun person to be around? There are not many options for outcasts and loners out here.

My boomer father used to scorn me for being addicted to games while also being an addict. It was funny. I got told to : "find a hobby" so many fucking times. I could just stare at the wall or study. I was addicted meaning I could not cope without them.

 

[june]

Gaming and isolation helped me not bring others down

 

[lost_ally]

Did anyone else have an addictive personality where they used video games to cope isolation during teen years

Yeah, I did. I also behaved recklessly too.
I'm 33 now and still isolate. I find socialising and forming relationships incredibly difficult. Especially now. Years or rejection hasn't helped.