"Games"

Johnson, S. (2011). Games. In S. Cohen (Ed.) , 50 Essays (pp. 196-201). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.

In “Games” Steven Johnson highlights the importance of reading books but also the underappreciated benefits of video games.  His purpose is comparing reading and video games as entertainment and educational tools.  Video games improve not only hand-eye coordination and visual intelligence, they also encourage drive and the speed of information exercises the mind in new and powerful ways. Johnson argues that games improve one’s imagination and problem solving abilities. He imagines arguments that could be made against books (such as their linearity and isolating qualities) if video games had been invented first.  Johnson’s essay might help us better appreciate the creativity and intellectual benefits behind both traditional reading and modern video games.  

"Friendship Addiction on Facebook"

Facebook to blame for 'friendship addiction'. (2008). Therapy Today, 19(9), 10. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Psychologist suggest that Facebook is fueling insecurities in users: especially women and addicts. Women compare their self worth to how many friends they are aquiring on Facebook, and will go so far as to put provactive pictures of themselves to get them. Pschologist David Smallwood stated, " the site was unsuitable for people recovering from...addictions," because recovering addicts are more vunerable to 'friendship addiction', for the increase feelings of rejection through a friend request. If they are accepted they get a feeling of accomplishment a "high," but being denied or taking too long to accept the request is a whole other story. Being denied by someone creates that feeling of rejection and this could lead the addict down a road of destruction or even death.