Gamers Are Fitter (and Sadder) Than You Think

missb writes "According to NewScientist.com, online gamers are no 'couch potatoes'. US researchers quizzed players of the role-playing game EverQuest II, and found adult gamers to be in better physical condition than the average American. The downside, however, was the gamers reported more cases of depression and substance abuse than their compatriots."

Erm...

[clang_jangle]

FTA:

Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, the Palo Alto Research Center, also in California, and the University of Delaware in Newark, quizzed 7000 players of the role-playing game EverQuest II about their physical and mental health. Participants were offered a specially created virtual weapon as an incentive - the "Greatstaff of the Sun Serpent". The researchers then combined the survey responses with statistics about players' online activities and playing habits.

And we know the results are accurate, because they're working with a demographic famous for honest and forthright self-disclosure.

IOW: DUH!

Depression

[MrSmith0011000100110]

I'd be depressed too if my level 9 elf lost the holy mantle of protection in a battle against a level 15 ranger. I mean come on now....In real life I'd destroy him with my +20 sword.

true..

[Anonymous Coward]

i'm so high right now i can't even play WoW..

Re:Erm...

[i_liek_turtles]

If anything, most of the players' right arms are in better physical condition than the average American's.

New exercise regimen

[NoisySplatter]

From the article:

The average gamer also engages in vigorous exercise once or twice a week, which the researchers say is more than most Americans.

This just in! Both chair throwing and jumping around like a monkey count as vigorous exercise.

Fitter than your average American

[L4t3r4lu5]

Alegory:

- Faster than your average snail
- Larger than your average sand grain
- Truthier than your average Scientology book
- Funnier than your average /. post

Wait a second...

[adml_shake]

since when has an evercrack player ever gotten away long enough to score some drugs? Or have a way to pay for them? Most of the ones I know of can't stop long enough to make the walk out of the basement to go raid the medicine cabinet in the bathroom.

Proof

[MyLongNickName]

I am about to prove that the average Slashdotter is more healthy, and gets more sex than the general public.

Please reserve this thread for discussions of your physical fitness level and love life. I will start.

First, before work every morning, I run a marathon. On the weekends, I do triathlons(one each day). Ofcourse, I do this while carrying 12kg dumbbells in each hand (I drop to 8kg when swimming).

Each evening I pleasure three supermodels except during lent when I drop to one due to my highly religious beliefs.

Anyone else have any data to add to this research?

Substances

[pizza_milkshake]

Substances like soda and frosting.

Re:New exercise regimen

[andy19]

Don't forget masturbation. I'm surprised it's only once or twice a week though, with this demographic.

Re:Erm...

[kv9]

The right hand typically just presses the odd button or waggles the mouse.

oh you bet it waggles!

Depression? Really?

[lupine_stalker]

I resent the implication that we gamers suffer from problems with depression. I mean, with the amount of Ecstasy I've downed over the past 24 hours I should be well past carefree until Sunday, at least!

Re:heyho.

[kv9]

if you hate your job that much why don't you quit and go do something adventurous. like, I don't know, windowcleaning skyscrapers. that sounds fucking XXXXXXXXXXXXTREME!

Re:on sadness and substance abuse

[kv9]

started mmo gaming to hide from a failing marriage, after marriage counseling failed. [snip] We recently decided to get a divorce. I dropped all of my accounts, started working out again and I've never been more happy in my life.

I fucking hate people like you. you just fuck up online games with your lack of commitment. why don't you just hit the bottle like a normal person would do. or drugs. something. you know, some of us do actually enjoy gaming and don't use it as a filler for a void fucking life.

you failed at marriage. you failed at gaming. good luck "working out". hope that works out for you.

*groan*

Did they survey them IN PERSON?

[Guysmiley777]

Because if not, every male you speak to in an MMO is either 6'2", well muscled, former special forces soldier who is proficient in at least two forms of martial arts.

Unless they're pretending to be a girl for all the attention and free loot.

Re:Erm...

[Anonymous Coward]

Wow, you're rather optimistic aren't you? Everyone's a fatty! All gamers are fat asses!

Christ.

Jesus posts on Slashdot?! OMG when did you get back?

Re:Wait a second...

[Wicked Zen]

Well it USED to big a secret, 'til you opened your big fat mouth.

EQII

[Tykho]

I'd be depressed if all I played was Everquest too.

I've said it before and I'll say it again

[Chris Burke]

It's only abuse if the drugs don't consent!

Re:Erm...

[Anonymous Coward]

I almost burned down my house because of Civilization while making pasta.... twice in one day!

Re:bullshit

[Anonymous Coward]

Are you saying that I AM NOT the 200 pounds, 6'5" tall, barbarian with a sculpted body?

Re:Erm...

[cayenne8]

"I also rarely drink (a beer or two maybe every 2 or 3 months)"

I feel sorry for those people that don't drink.

When they get up in the morning, that is the best they're gonna feel ALL DAY.

:)

Re:Erm...

[Hoi Polloi]

I have very strong typing muscles now, get regular leg exercise from nervously bouncing it under my desk, and have powerful bladder muscles from holding it in during raids.

Re:Of course they're depressed...

[fprintf]

Wow, the opposite of the usual UID game. Cool! (BTW, I lose to both of you)

Re:Erm...

[just_another_sean]

If anything, most of the players' right arms are in better physical condition than the average American's.

I like to use my left actually, just to mix it, um, wait what, games? Um, never mind.

Re:Proof

[longhairedgnome]

is that some sort of gay slang?

Re:Erm...

[Eli Gottlieb]

Moderation in all things -- including moderation.

Re:Erm...

[DinDaddy]

Well yeah, he probably crushed it with his mussel.