Game Obsession

I've done a few things this weekend. I did some cleaning in the kitchen. I worked out (twice). I went to a memorial service for one of the men at my church. Otherwise, I've done little else this weekend but this...


And this...


And this...


And this...


Which got me thinking about an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" that first aired back in October 1991. It featured the guest appearance by former cast member Wil Wheaton in the role of Cadet Wesley Crusher. The episode was called "The Game."


Crusher arrived on the Enterprise only to find everyone fascinated by this new video game that fits over a players' ears and projects signals into their eyes. It involved colorful disks and funnels, which the player somehow manipulates. They are then rewarded for positive playing by euphoric pleasure sensations. It turns out that the game is some sort of mind-control device that has enslaved everyone but Crusher (who hasn't yet played the game) and Data (who, as an android, is immune from the effects of the game).


It seems so silly that people would allow themselves to get addicted to a stupid video game. Then again, I can't help but wonder how much truth there is in this television program when I can waste an entire weekend fixated on colorful games on my phone when I have a ton of actual work to do!!