Buzz
It becomes evident that online games don't always bring about negative outcomes, contrary to many people's misconceptions.
Despite experiencing robust growth in recent years, it's undeniable that online games still face many negative stereotypes. The pinnacle of this bias was during 2009-2010 when numerous societal dramas, controversies, and issues arose from excessive online gaming. To the extent that WHO later categorized 'gaming addiction' as a mental disorder. However, it must be said that online games not only provide entertainment but sometimes even outperform what is expected. Examples abound.
The Last of Us
Can playing a game help us break free from gaming addiction? This seemingly illogical notion resonates strongly with the case of Downward Thrust, a fairly renowned YouTuber. Specifically, as he admits, The Last of Us became a special 'antidote,' helping him overcome severe gaming addiction.
According to Thurst, after playing The Last of Us, he unexpectedly realized that he couldn't continue living in the same way—confined to a dark room, immersed in gaming. Through The Last of Us, Thurst truly recognized his need for 'connection with others,' especially after witnessing the pain of the two main characters in the game. Gaming addiction had cost Thurst a lot, including money, home, friends, and even a girlfriend. Yet, it was ultimately a game that helped him escape from that abyss.
Online Game: A Lifesaver from 5,000km Away
A true, unembellished story of online gaming coming to the rescue. Everything, thanks to online gaming. At that time, Dia Lathora was playing a game with an online friend, Aidan Jackson - a 17-year-old. While engrossed in the game, Jackson suddenly had a seizure. Luckily, Lathora managed to call an ambulance for her online friend from a staggering distance of 5,000km.
Caroline, Jackson's mother, shared: 'We were at home when we saw the ambulance arrive, and Aidan was upstairs. I thought they came for something else. We are incredibly grateful to Dia'. Dia herself mentioned that during a voice chat with Jackson, she unexpectedly heard a plea for help and promptly called the emergency EU hotline. Fortunately, nothing regrettable happened.
Tales of Symphonia
Playing games helps young ones become more well-behaved and gain a better understanding of life – certainly not something a parent typically thinks about. However, Tales of Symphonia has excelled in accomplishing this mission.
Megumi Yamamoto, a Japanese teenager, recently shared on social media that Tales of Symphonia truly changed her life because of the themes it conveys. Megumi herself believes that after playing the game, she gained a deeper understanding of school bullying issues, societal discrimination, as well as the condemnable selfishness and the necessity of sacrificing personal interests for the collective good.
