Remember ‘Expert’ Steve Pope? I’m sure you do, the chap who angered many of you with his claims that two hours gaming is the equivalent of a line of cocaine. A web site, “Rock, Paper, Shotgun” managed to speak to Steve and asked him to back up his claims with research.
Mr. Pope said his comments are ‘based on his own experiences’ and ‘It’s about who walks through my door.’ When asked for research to back up his claims he said “I don’t rely on reports,” and that he believes statistics are “lies, lies and more lies.”
Mr Pope then said he does have evidence to support his claim that gaming addiction is the fastest growing addiction in the UK (obviously that statistic is not a lie) but could not produce the data. He did eventually release a statement, which I provide for you in full. The last line is jaw dropping.
“The human being can be, in my professional opinion, addicted to anything it finds pleasurable. There are links between the highs of gambling, and game stations which cause a similar pattern of behaviours in the brain as does class A stimulant drugs. There is a weight of evidence to support this.
The test for me with any addictive process is are your actions having negative consequences. I see first hand the consequences of overuse of game stations usually with the sufferer using the game to escape the reality of life. And to the addictive personality this is dangerous. Invite your readers to take the test in the paper. I don’t do labels. I want people to recover and have balance in their life.
The physical consequences are also horrific for the child of today which can lead to ill health through obesity etc. Please be balanced in your reporting as your views may kill people.”
I am literally speechless.
Source: Rock,Paper,Shotgun
