My teenage son, an EXTREME online World of Warcraft gamer, just may be the poster child for excessive online time. I've asked him to volunteer in UT's psychological study, which is researching the personality characteristics of players. This type of study may lend itself to research about internet addiction (or, alternatively, dispute that it is a problem).

Currently, the American Psychiatric Association doesn't recognize Internet Addiction as disorder, but rumor has it that it will be included in a future edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Do you think it's a psychological problem?

If any readers are active gamers, here is a reprint of today's article and a link to the survey.

UT's psychology department studies multiplayer games
By: Regina Philip
Posted: 7/2/07

The University's psychology department is offering a survey to anyone who has played the popular World of Warcraft or Second Life online games. The survey analyzes the personalities of those who play massively multiplayer online role-playing games, which allow users to interact in a fantasy world with other gamers across the globe.

According to Wow Insider, a World of Warcraft news site, researchers at the University are conducting the study to "determine the 'personalities and motivations' of people participating in World of Warcraft and other online games."

The 30-minute survey asks whether one is depressed, lonely, greedy or physically attractive. The survey also asks how many hours a person spends playing the games and the primary reason for doing so.

Supratik Lahiri, a UT Asian studies graduate, said he plays World of Warcraft two-to-five hours a day during the summer. He said he enjoys the social aspect of the game.

"It's the opportunity for people from different parts of the world to come together and accomplish one goal," Lahiri said. "Even though it's virtual reality, it's a great setting that I enjoy."

Lahiri said he would take the survey to figure out his personality type.

World of Warcraft has resulted in a gaming community from around the world. Gamers are able to choose a character, set off on quests and battle monsters.

A gamer can schedule a specific time to work together with other gamers to destroy a monster, and individuals can journey in clans to progress in the game.

The psychology department's survey also asks about a person's gamer and real-life friends. It inquires about the respondents' social life, whether they tend to be around lots of people and if they consider themselves likeable.

Angela George, a UT psychology graduate, said she only plays the game when she is bored, but there are a lot of people who have become addicted.

"There are a lot of different age groups who play," George said. "Even my boss plays the game."

Rachel Halaney, an anthropology senior, said she used to play about 20 hours a week and has made lasting friendships as a result."

I think the main goal of the game is the socialization," Halaney said. "That goal definitely applies to other people who play World of Warcraft."

The survey is currently online at www.oldsmarfire.com/survey/main.asp.