Can playing PC games help reduce smoking? |
28 Comments |
Posted by Marc Saltzman at 9:03 AM | E-mail this post
A new survey commissioned by RealNetworks found that "casual" games – you know, those downloadable try-before-you-buy puzzlers – might be good for kicking bad habits.
Based on their findings, RealNetworks suggests these fun and accessible computer games -- played by about 200 million people each month -- might prove to be a healthier distraction and stress reliever than smoking.
This U.S.-based report says 4,537 RealGames casual gamers were surveyed, of which 84 percent were female and more than 75 percent were between the ages of 35 and 60.
The findings were as follows:
* Out of the 1,324 smokers in this survey, 42 percent agree that playing casual games provides a positive distraction and as a result reduces their likeliness to smoke.
* 42 percent of those who feel that playing casual games distracts them from smoking have used their game play as a means of reducing their smoking.
* Smokers typically play casual games on weekdays after work and before they go to sleep or on the weekends. This is often the time when smokers may have more freedom to take a smoke break (vs. while at work).
Any smokers out there agree? Can playing games help you cut down on butts?
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Posted by Marc Saltzman at 9:03 AM in Games
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| Comments (28)
ZzzBioSciGuy on March 20 at 6:25 PM | Report abuse
I know one friend who in fact used video and PC games to help him quit smoking... sure, he did other things as well, but it's anecdotal evidence to support this!
Sammy on March 20 at 7:53 PM | Report abuse
Yes and No.
I can understand a marginal decrease in smoking due to both hands in use and concentration of the mind. Idle hands do the devils' work, so they say. One less cigarette is a job well done, but it's up to the individual to put their mind into quitting.
However, due to the complexity and challenge of most games, stress levels usually increase and enhance the fictional benefit of a smoke after.
As a gamer and a smoker, I believe the best support to quit smoking is for tobacco companies to lessen addictive components such as nicotine. Nicotine seems to feed the brains' receptors such as lethargy, boredom, hunger, stress, and so forth. Saturating myself in games may decrease the amount I smoke, but I find myself desiring a cigarette after as a token of reward gaining through finishing a level or what have you.
In this respect, I find this experiment as slightly moot findings as a person is potentially trading addictions. Internet/gaming addictions are potentially dangerous due to the stories about starvation, malnutrition, and a general loss of interest to the outside world. Both or either addictions have to be handled with kid gloves.
I haven't quit smoking as of yet as I'm in a bitter battle with willpower. Although, I find the experience to quit easier when stricken with a cold or wake up one morning and try to hold out on smoking.
Marlene on March 22 at 7:21 AM | Report abuse
I agree,i quit smoking two months age,and when i got the urge to smoke i went to my computer and played a game of Mahjongg.I am not playing as many games these days as i was playing.I'm sure it helped.
Gay on March 22 at 9:53 AM | Report abuse
I have been smoking for nearly 50 years, I am not proud of it, and have tried many ways to try to quit. I find that playing games especially the ones that I choose that are adventure or needs strategy or the finding of different clues to complete the levels. These types of games, I tend to smoke more, the more challenging the more I smoke. But I usually wait until a level is completed before lighting up and if the games is very interesting, I usually try to finish the game in one sitting.
Matt on March 22 at 12:18 PM | Report abuse
When I play computer games, my ashtray gets full very fast without me realizing it since I have been chainsmoking (although I haven't noticed how quickly I am going through the smokes). When I am playing while attempting to quit, I sometimes get upset enough when I screw up that I crave a cigarette. I would say that it depends on the game a person is playing. A game that isn't a huge challenge, but at the same time not boring is probably the best choice for this scenario. Golfing games are good for that. Since smokers are learning how to respond to stress, it is good to minimize the difficulty and play a game that provides rewards based on a moderate amount of skill.
Simon on March 22 at 3:13 PM | Report abuse
Wow I am glad they mentioned easy games off the web that are not stress loaded.
Try not smoking playing The GodFather while your being chased by a gang with Tommy Guns. Around every corner is some thug with a weapon who wants to blow you noodle off.
Ya that's real good therapy to quit the Darts. ( not )
Maybe Scrabble works.
JoAnne on March 22 at 5:53 PM | Report abuse
I don't smoke, but I know I have a serious addiction now to computer games. I will sit for up to 6 hours at a time until I can't use my right hand anymore. I think I better take up smoking or something else before carpal tunnel sets in.
andrew on March 24 at 1:33 AM | Report abuse
this is certainly the case for me. i smoked steady for six years straight and then battled with quitting for another two. finally i got a nintendo ds and it's true about the games being a good distraction and stress relief. and if you buy video games, you can't afford to smoke! hahah well, it's fun and it's also a time killer that you can bring with you anywhere. i think alot of the times i used to smoke was just out of bordom or if i was waiting for something. well, now i have my portable nintendo!!
Unknown on March 24 at 1:49 AM | Report abuse
I have a couple of friends that have smoked, A easy way to get over it (I Found aswell with friends) and i have tried the game, Its World of warcraft (Sounds Nerdy) right, guess what, it is! but its a great game It is approximately as much as a pack of smokes a month ($11) and It mostly work becuase its a Role playing Strategy and you commonly wont get frustrated.I Still play it, It addictive, but from my expirence not as addictive as smokeing.It Will distract you very well.
Jerry on March 24 at 11:30 AM | Report abuse
If done correctly of couse this can help stop smoking. I play twice a week a First Person Shooter (FPS) with a bunch of friends and some do smoke. The smokers have a tough time smoking when we're playing a round that is very fast like Capture The Flag (CTF) becuase these types of rounds/games take a lot of thought and are very fast pace. Plus if your in team play you don't want to let down the team because you can't help while your smoking. The hard core smokers typically complain that playing these types of rounds interfear with them being able to spark one up and always ask to go back to a slower round/game so they can light one up again.
Shane on March 24 at 12:19 PM | Report abuse
Playing video games helped me quit smoking. I have to say it was my first time actually quitting, I made it six months without a smoke.
It wasnt just the video games though. I decided that smoking in the house wasnt going to happen anymore so when I sat down to play one of my favorite games I couldnt just spark one up and enjoy both. If I was at a critical point in the game I couldnt just run out for a smoke and I had my gf on my case if I lit up inside. In the long run I found I could go for hours without stepping outside for a smoke. On the down side however, I'd have to agree that too finally quit, I spent way more time playing games then I should have. it took me about a month total, two weeks cutting back and another two weeks secluded away on my computer playing video games nearly nonstop but in the end it was worth it. I've been smoking for 20 years and have atempted to quit afew times and next time I try to quit smoking I'll be doing the same - that is playing video games to help me keep my mind of it, because six months with out a cigarette has been the longest I've quit yet. I'm still trying but dont have the time to sit and play games like I used to.
Ryan on March 24 at 12:20 PM | Report abuse
Not if you smoke in your computer room. Or if the wether permits taking your laptop outside.
These simple games usually only use the mouse. Consequently your left hand is free to hold cigarettes.
From my experience with smoker's, PC games are very bad for assisting with quitting smoking.
These (quick) casual games maybe a good distraction for cigarette cravings, but someone who sits in front of a computer, smoking & playing WoW all day would not agree with this article...
Deborah on March 24 at 12:23 PM | Report abuse
Yes I do believe Video Games can deter the mind from "wanting/needing" a cigarette. I was a smoker of 35 years. I got a Nintendo DS at Christmas time last year. I've quit smoking !!! My last cigarette being the 6th of Jan this year. Confessions ring true here I also used the Allen Carr Stop smoking the easyway.... Between reading his book and playing the DS.....I hardly even noticed the lack of cigarettes....too cool!
JD on March 24 at 4:59 PM | Report abuse
I smoked for years and like most people, I tried to quit a million times using a million different methods. Video games had not evn crossed my mind until my husband brought home a Playstation. I started playing and noticed that my smoking had greatly decreased. I'm not sure that sitting at a computer would do the trick...I tended to smoke more when sitting at the computer. But any gaming system that requires you to use both hands, may help. I havn't had a cigarette in over 5 months!!!
Tyler MacDonald on March 24 at 6:43 PM | Report abuse
I'll go ahead and be brash; the serious issue here is smoking being a problem, not these games being a miracal treatment.
What were the people even trying to find out?.. any activity that ISNT smoking, and takes up time/concentration, will obviously be better than, and seem to help the urges involved with smoking. All that has been found out, is, activities distract smokers from smoking (i am a smoker. not just speaking and figuring how it feels).
Whether it's theres games, or building a house out of cards or making a cake with your kids, participating in involving or fun tasks will reduce the amount you smoke - not these games in particular.
But obviously - to anyone that finds these games a help - keep on playing!
To those few who found gaming can be more frustrating and lead to more "butt-hacking", it's because they are little games designed for fun - not kicking habits. In fact i believe the intent is that they become a habit, and you decide to play 30 dollars for a dressed-up new tetris... but anyway. To those few who found the games more frustrating, do something else! The key isn't that any one thing works for anybody. The key is do find something you enjoy spending your time doing, and do that, that's pure in your mind because you are doing wahtever activity, with only the intent of doing that activity. If you choose a hobby JUST to distract the smoking, eventually you'll be smoking again - and not because of the universal quality of the hobby, just that it doesnt work for YOU!
Just think out of the box, buy a guitar, start trakcking the stars , there's self help books on ANYTHING, you could treat it as a at home course. Then there's always biking, snowmobiling, or practising through the pages of the kama sutra. Find something for YOU.
M. Little on March 24 at 7:52 PM | Report abuse
Very true Tyler. I've been a smoker for the last 13 years. I've tried to quit, but although I have went from a pack a day in January to 4-5 a day now, i can't say it's succeded yet. however, i think Tyler made the best point here.
Personally I find that playing video games (even WoW) does nothing to stop my cravings for a cigarette, just my time frames to having one. I find it easier to go out and spend the day with my non smoking girlfriend, where my cravings go down not just the numbers of smokes I have. But either way, don't give up, quit smoking however you can. even if it means leveling up your level 67 warlock before you can light up again. Try guitar hero. Its hard to smoke playing that game too.
Gee LeDouche on March 25 at 12:38 AM | Report abuse
Nyes, it vurked for me. I played coontless hoors of
Diablo 2:LoD. Now I oonly smoke after saxual relations with a Iran proostetute.
Justin on March 25 at 10:06 AM | Report abuse
I completely agree with sammy and i dont think you could have made your point any stronger. As a smoker myself i often find that when i get frustrated with a certain part in a game, i smoke, rethink it and try again. This study was poorly thought out seeing as how sammy made a much more convincing argument then whoever the "genius" was who wrote this garbage
gre on December 3 at 6:21 PM | Report abuse
thanks ..i smoke,i think made the best point here.
Cheap WoW Gold on February 20 at 12:51 PM | Report abuse
People sometimes are unable to define reality from not, that's what you call addiction. You can't just blame it to games, there are several media that can be addictive, there's TV, music and real drugs (which the society hasn't eliminated successfully). Sad thing the game is played the other way around. It was supposed to entertain you during your free time but it turned out it's becoming a problem for some. Keep enjoying the game, but live a real life ^^
free lotto games on March 18 at 2:28 AM | Report abuse
anything could help to quit smoke, as in our case like playing games. its with people. they should be ready to pass through with what it takes.
computer tech support on April 20 at 2:13 AM | Report abuse
Nice info blog. Thanks for sharing this post.
Artee on April 21 at 1:46 AM | Report abuse
I totaly agree with you. I was smoking, but playing small games and reading the books about getting rid of smoking, i managed to stop.
backlinks on April 22 at 9:36 PM | Report abuse
This article will make every one happy if the survey results furnished are really true. S, playing games can help you cut down on buds. My point is, these gamers may be distracted from smoking and may reduce the quantity they smoke but will never force to quit smoke.
vichi on May 18 at 6:08 AM | Report abuse
The above thought is smart and doesn’t require any further addition. It’s perfect thought from my side.
vichi.
Anybody know where the World of Warcraft European servers are located? Someone said they are all in Britain but I am not sure. Would they have some in Germany, some in Finland etc?
I am trying to do a business plan for my own massive multiplayer game and was wonder how they spread out the resources.
WoW Europe Gold
Computer Support on May 19 at 7:57 AM | Report abuse
Thanks for sharing this informative post with us......
Warhammer Europe Gold on May 22 at 6:42 AM | Report abuse
This is really good and appreciated survey conducted. If it is proved to be an accurate then I am going to carry with my brother.
Amy Cooper
Warhammer Europe Gold
Computer Tech Support on June 4 at 1:23 AM | Report abuse
Thanks for this information......i will try and let you know if i'll get any change