Just A Game?

I read Just A Game in the August 2009 Ensign. This article was written by Charles D. Knutson of Brigham Young University Computer Science Department, and Kyle K. Oswald from LDS Family Services. The article details many of the rising issues brought about by the online gaming genre. In this case, online gaming refers to the playing of massively multi-player games over the internet, not those of the gambling/casino type.

There are several stories given in the article about individuals dropping out of school, neglecting responsibilities, and straining family relationships as a result of playing video games. David A. Bednar recently addressed the world of virtual reality in a CES fireside. He addresses the subject as having "both immediate and eternal implications".

Why the sudden interest in virtual reality in the LDS church leadership? I have a few ideas. Primarily, subscriptions to these online games is higher today than ever before (Wiki). The brethren have obviously seen a need to address this issue, as we are now in a day where a person can access the internet from just about anywhere. People all over the world and even in the LDS church are being lured into spending much of their time in virtual reality. The timing of these messages from the leadership of the Church is most likely an attempt to stem the assault on its members before the problem gets out of hand.

I also noticed that the article I read was released in the August issue. I'm certain that this was done to coincide with students returning to school this fall. This message was timed to remind students to prioritize their studies and curricular activities, and to be aware of the ever-present distractions offered by the internet. This is an attempt at preventative maintenance. Hopefully, it will be successful to at least a small degree.