WOW

World of Warcraft is an example of one of the many computer or video games that dominates people's lives, turning them into a new kind of couch potato, unwilling to interact in the real world. Sure, it's a "social game" meaning the WOW-player can interact virtually, and if you have a headset, actually talk to people too. But I ask you, is that really social interaction? For starters, most of the "conversation" is about the game itself. While players occasionally chat about their lives, the social aspect of the game is severly overrated. What it really means is that they are playing a game with other people who have no lives. Real social. Secondly, is virtual interaction real interaction? Or is it just a fantasy world where the players don't have to deal with anybody that they don't want to? If you want my opinion, and since you're reading my blog I'll assume that you do, that isn't real social interaction. It's a way of convincing people around you that you should be allowed to play because it's not always a solo activity. On top of the "social interaction" of WOW, when players actually do leave their desk and interact in the real world, if there is anyone else around that plays World of Warcraft, they will be drawn to that person and there they will remain for the majority of the evening, chatting about the game, until one or both of their wives tears them apart. And I say wives because the vast majority of WOW players are men. Or boys. Members of the male sex anyway. Surprisingly, it seems as though more than a few are married, which I don't get.

Now, while this blog may appear harsh to those of you who are lucky enough not to live with someone who plays WOW, I assure you that this is a realistic situation. Admittedtly, it is not always the case that this is the situation, but it occurs frequently enough to occasionally drive a wife up the wall. It could be just a pet peeve that is matched by something else in other people's marriages. This is likely the case. Still, I have noticed a trend in the marriages that I have seen where one of the spouses plays WOW that the other spouse is often irritated by the game.* Coincidence? I think not.

*This is from a rough data collection of a total of 2 marriages and should not be considered the final word on the subject.

I'm sorry, the position of annoying talking animal has already been filled.