I'm a addicted or normal? (PC usage) - Important

Well, this is kinda personal, but what the hell.

For the last 5-6 years (I'm 18) my parents have been complaining about how much time I spend in front of my computer or gaming console. I don't know what I love that much about it, the atmosphere, the graphics, another story, another world. My passion for gaming, is for me, so full of meaning. But for them (my parents), it's just meaningless entertainment. I remember the time I looked forward to play Zelda or Banjo-Kazooie in the morning in the weekends (8-10 years old), and playing the soundtrack still gives me a wonderful feeling.

Now it's gotten a bit more serious. In my spare time I post videos on the net and trying to make simple video games in c++ etc. I find doing this extremely rewarding and fun. Next year I'm going to start going for a bachelor's degree in game programming. But this doesn't seem to have any impact on them? They don't even see a point in any of this. For many years now, they have made daily "limits" for what I'm allowed to stay in front of my computer.

Up to 16 years old - Only weekends.

17-18 years old - 8pm-11pm mon-fri, 6pm-12pm weekends. (Note that I work 2 days a week for 6 hours, are often with friends and going to parties almost every weekend and have good health (grade A in gym).

However, I've always extended this limits since I was 13. It's like these limits make being in front of the computer a lot more exiting, likereversed psychology.

How much time is normal to be in front of your computer? For my friends it seems natural to almost start up their computer when they get home, and be on and off for together 4-5 hours? For girls, it seems like they are on facebook 24/7, or at least many hours a day.

How many hours do you spend in front of your computer a day? How does your parents react to this? (If you haven't moved out yet)

I really need this, I'm definitly moving out next year, but your feedback would really help.

Thanks.

You're normal. Computers and games are wicked fun

I'm 13, I get home from school, start up the computer and then stay on it until I'm feeling the need or told to get some sleep. My parents do not disapprove per se, they certainly wish I had more interactions with my family and friends but I've had a passion for gaming for years now and they are also cognizant of how much more fun I find playing video games over recreational activities outside. If you have a passion for gaming and you're planning to take your career in that direction, you've got a perfect lineup and they really shouldn't be complaining about your decisions.

Really? And you post your concerns here?
We might not be an unbiased audiene ;)

[QUOTE="testfactor888"]I spend around 12 hours a day in front of the computer unless I have to go to work. My parents on average spend 12-14 hours a day in front of the computer each. I see nothing wrong with it and in the long run you should just tell your parents to **** off. Its your life so do what you want with itice_radon

you normal, in fact i slightly envy you. I have in the past blown off social things because i was gaming or on the computer. And i still dont understand C++ after all these years.

we wouldn't have even half of the major figures in history if everyone of them lived up to their parent's will.

[QUOTE="ice_radon"][QUOTE="testfactor888"]I spend around 12 hours a day in front of the computer unless I have to go to work. My parents on average spend 12-14 hours a day in front of the computer each. I see nothing wrong with it and in the long run you should just tell your parents to **** off. Its your life so do what you want with ittestfactor888

[QUOTE="testfactor888"]

[QUOTE="ice_radon"]12 hours in front of a computer is not excessive? Really? That leaves like 3-4 hours for other daily activities, plus the standard 8 hours of sleep. I am not trying to troll here or make fun of you, but I am pretty sure it is kind of excessive to do any activity for 12 hours straight on a daily basis like this.Sandvichman

[QUOTE="Chickity_China"][QUOTE="ice_radon"]12 hours in front of a computer is not excessive? Really? That leaves like 3-4 hours for other daily activities, plus the standard 8 hours of sleep. I am not trying to troll here or make fun of you, but I am pretty sure it is kind of excessive to do any activity for 12 hours straight on a daily basis like this.testfactor888

[QUOTE="testfactor888"][QUOTE="Chickity_China"] Agreed, unless you're being productive or are working on the computer, 12 hours of playing games and surfing the web every day just sounds like a way to waste your life. On my busy days, I disconnect my internet altogether and on the not so busy days or when I don't have any engagements with friends planned, I limit myself to 2-3 hours. Not to mention the terrible advice he gives. Telling your parents to eff off? They're the ones who have taken care of you since birth and put so much time, effort, money and love into raising you. The least a person can do for his/her parents is respect their way of parenting and try to meet their expectations. The biggest disrespect is disrespecting your parents, no matter your age.Sandvichman

You judge it as bad. Its being judgmental. For others its perfectly fine as that is the way they enjoy their life. As I said before so many judgmental people on OT who just can't let people live their life the way they choose.

[QUOTE="Sandvichman"][QUOTE="testfactor888"] What else is there to do where I live. The only thing to do is drink, gamble, and go to Walmart. I live in a very small town with pretty much nothing other than what I mentioned. I don't see a single thing excessive about 12 hours in front of the computer on average a day especially considering all the different activities one can do on it.

testfactor888

You do not decide wether i am allowed to have an opinion or not, i am in complete right to say my opinion about something. You cant get a hobby by looking at it, hobbies are created, you cant just scoff off something like that, especially sports, which go from chess to skydiving. Do not act defensive if you are narrow minded.

[QUOTE="Sandvichman"][QUOTE="testfactor888"] *plays a tiny violin I still say tell your parents to **** off as they have no real right to tell you how to live your life after you hit 18. Whatever you want to say in return to that Chickity means nothing to me in that respect as I stick to my opinion. Both of you can quit being judgmental in how someone wants to spend their life as well considering it is their life to waste as they see fit. So many judgmental people on OT its quite nauseatingtestfactor888

[QUOTE="testfactor888"][QUOTE="Sandvichman"] Gotta find a hobby, i live in a small city with no cinema, no nothing, just a store and alot of mountains. Quite frankly, i have alot to do. Some form of sport could do it, that works for me. Sandvichman

You do not decide wether i am allowed to have an opinion or not, i am in complete right to say my opinion about something. You cant get a hobby by looking at it, hobbies are created, you cant just scoff off something like that, especially sports, which go from chess to skydiving. Do not act defensive if you are narrow minded.

[QUOTE="testfactor888"]

[QUOTE="Sandvichman"] They are still his parents, they have no control over his lives, but they can still have an opinion, wether you agree with it or not. There is nothing judgemental about not understanding 12 hours of computer time, its just bad.Sandvichman

Quite a high horse you are sitting on atm, hope you are not scared of heights

[QUOTE="Sandvichman"]

[QUOTE="testfactor888"] Can't stand sports. As I usually say though to each his own. It is ones own life to waste as they see fit and if you enjoy sports more power to you. I personally enjoy watching my shows on the days I am not working and doing other activities such as play MMO's or perhaps read online. Most of the activities I enjoy can be done online hence why I typically am in front of the computer. Gotta have people though that like to try to put down other peoples lifestyles though. I say live and enjoy your life the way you want and if anyone tries to tell you different than just tell them off pretty much as they have 0 right to tell you what to do.testfactor888

You do not decide wether i am allowed to have an opinion or not, i am in complete right to say my opinion about something. You cant get a hobby by looking at it, hobbies are created, you cant just scoff off something like that, especially sports, which go from chess to skydiving. Do not act defensive if you are narrow minded.

[QUOTE="Sandvichman"][QUOTE="testfactor888"] You judge it as bad. Its being judgmental. For others its perfectly fine as that is the way they enjoy their life. As I said before so many judgmental people on OT who just can't let people live their life they way they choose.

testfactor888

Quite a high horse you are sitting on atm, hope you are not scared of heights

After reading the PC specs in your sig... i say it's a shame your not on it more! :x

[QUOTE="Chickity_China"][QUOTE="ice_radon"]12 hours in front of a computer is not excessive? Really? That leaves like 3-4 hours for other daily activities, plus the standard 8 hours of sleep. I am not trying to troll here or make fun of you, but I am pretty sure it is kind of excessive to do any activity for 12 hours straight on a daily basis like this.testfactor888

Being on the computer a lot can actually be a very good thing. I found out about Ron Paul on the internet and that was probably the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. He told of the importance of saving money and not going into debt. He also explained the importance of property and limited government. It pretty much changed my life and the way I think for the better. Also, I learned how to build computers so if i ever needed to i could build them and sell them to make some money.

So what you are doing is good. The internet is like being in the worlds largest library along with several hundred million other people. You are bound to meet people just like you which would have been very hard in the past.

[QUOTE="testfactor888"][QUOTE="Sandvichman"]

You do not decide wether i am allowed to have an opinion or not, i am in complete right to say my opinion about something. You cant get a hobby by looking at it, hobbies are created, you cant just scoff off something like that, especially sports, which go from chess to skydiving. Do not act defensive if you are narrow minded.

Sandvichman

Its fine. I'm on the computer with almost all of my free time. Obviously, school work comes first, the only time i get on the computer before my homework is done is if I need to check what my homework is. Granted, I do go to the gym 3 times a week as well as go to swim team practice twice a day in the summer and once a day during the fall, and I work on weekends, too. My dad hates that I spend so much time on the computer, and my mom doesn't like it very much either, but hey, as long as I'm making good grades and my school work gets done, they don't bother me.

If you're 18, you live at your parents' home, and depend on them for anything, then you need be quiet and follow their rules. Once you move out, have a job, and don't depend on them for anything (not even a cent), then you can live as you choose.

I went off on my own pretty early. But, there's no way I'm going to mouth off on my parents like some ungrateful brat.

Just wondering to the TC..... Do you even help out at home or do you pretty much do your thing and treat your parents like housekeepers and a money tree?

I'm 18)

XPureMadnessX

What's so cool about being one?

You sound normal, and a normal I wish I could be more like. For me, 9 hours at work, 4-5 hours when I get home. So about 13-14 hours a day.

Your addicted! We must immediatley amputate it.

I spend long periods of time on the computer. If it's something we enjoy then who're they to judge?

For gaming don't think of the quality of the game but think of you playing the game. Switch to handheld gaming if you are in doubt.

[QUOTE="testfactor888"][QUOTE="Sandvichman"] Gotta find a hobby, i live in a small city with no cinema, no nothing, just a store and alot of mountains. Quite frankly, i have alot to do. Some form of sport could do it, that works for me. Sandvichman

You do not decide wether i am allowed to have an opinion or not, i am in complete right to say my opinion about something. You cant get a hobby by looking at it, hobbies are created, you cant just scoff off something like that, especially sports, which go from chess to skydiving. Do not act defensive if you are narrow minded.

I spend probably 8+ hours on comp, then my mom would complain, then I show her my report card, she shuts up.

. . . (I'm 18) my parents have been complaining about how much time I spend in front of my computer . . .

XPureMadnessX